Rivers, Cross River and Benue States Rich Culture On Display In New York (Photos)

Nigeria’s rich culture came on display in New York as the Consulate-General of Nigeria showcased the traditions of the people of Rivers, Cross River and Benue States.

The Second Edition of the Nigeria Cultural Show, featured cultural displays from the Andoni and Opobo of Rivers, Efik of Cross River and Idoma from Benue.

Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, said the cultural show was aimed at showcasing Nigeria’s diverse traditions and promote cultural tourism, economic growth and foreign direct investment.

The minister said the inaugural show organised by the Consulate-General in July, which showcased the Argungu Fishing Festival and the Osun Osogbo Festival, had produced positive results.

Dada explained that some tourists from the U.S. travelled to Nigeria shortly afterwards to attend the Osun Osogbo Festival in August.

Commending the Consulate-General for the initiative of ensuring that Nigeria’s diverse and rich culture was propagated, the
minister also commended Nigerians in diaspora for their support and for displaying their cultural attires at the show.

Dada said Nigeria would continue to explore culture and tourism as veritable tools to strengthen ties with other nations.

Nigeria’s Ambassador to the U.S., Dr Uzoma Emenike, who spoke virtually at the event, said Nigeria’s culture was the legacy of cherished manifestations of human and intellectual achievements shaped by people of different languages.

Emenike said Nigeria’s culture was shaped by more than 500 languages with over 1,500 dialects of various ethnic groups.

In his remarks, the Consul-General, Amb. Lot Egopija, said the Consulate-General collaborating with the Nigerian community provided an opportunity for diasporas to contribute towards the preservation and transfer of culture and norms through generations.

“The governments of Bayelsa and Zamfara States have also indicated interest in promoting their states in subsequent cultural shows sometime in 2022.

The Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the UN, Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, said showcasing Nigeria’s cultural heritage strengthens the bonds of friendship among the Nigerian people.

President of Manhattan Borough, Ms Gale Brewer, paid tributes to Nigerians in the U.S. for excelling in their various endeavours and for raising Nigeria’s flag high.

Speaking on Opobo, Prof. Iyala Peterside said the culture of the people was derived from the Igbo of the hinterland.

Peterside said the culture was demonstrated through a display of rituals marking the transition from youth to adulthood, marriage celebrations and artistic performances by masquerade and organised troupes by men and women.

He said Opobo kingdom was a tourist haven and boasted of ancient relics, principally the monument of King Jaja, buildings reminiscent of the palm oil trade era and numerous relics of the nineteenth century.

Also speaking on Idoma culture, retired Col, Jolly Abu, President of Idoma Association, USA, said Idoma culture was built on integrity, sincerity and hard work.

The event, with the theme “Nigeria: Our Community, Our Cultures and Our Unity’’, also showcased cultural dance troupes, musical performances and cultural fashion displays, particularly from the three featured states