The Rivers State Tourism Development Agency RSTDA has in a smart move utilized this year’s London Nottinghill Carnival to serve the world a foretaste of what to experience at this year’s Port Harcourt Carnival popularly referred to as CARNIRIV.   The Rivers State Contingent which was first hosted to a cultural reception at the prestigious African Centre in London by Zmirage United Kingdom put the best of Rivers Culture on display with a spectacular float and rich cultural display that held revellers at the carnival spell bound.



Executive Director, Zmirage UK, Shabaka Thompson said,” it is a privileged position for Rivers State to be part of the Nottinghill Carnival again this year thereby becoming a prominent Nigerian State to make a distinctive cultural intrusion onto the world stage with the Nottinghill Carnival to showcase an authentic African cultural brand called CARNIRIV.” Speaking further on the initiative, Shaba a one time CEO of Nottinghill Carnival said, not only is the move by Rivers State timely, it is also strategic because Carniriv is bringing something unique to the world and also something authentically African and creative.


“ I am an adopted Port Harcourt boy. I am only waiting for my citizenship. I was invited to Carniriv in the year 2010. When I got back, I told my family, I have found where my ancestors came from. It is one place you should be,” Shabaka admonished guests at the occasion.

Re-echoing Shaba, Rivers State Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Nabs Imeagwu explained the decision of the Rivers State Tourism Ministry and the Rivers State Tourism Development Agency to use the Nottinghill Carnival as a platform to market the rich culture of Rivers State people to the world saying, “the essence of what we are here to do is to hedge deeper into the platform that has already been established by the Caribbeans to exemplify what other African States ought to be doing to change the narratives about Africa and African culture emphasising the conviviality of our people and our values.”


Imeagwu also revealed that the Rivers State government has decided to tie this year’s edition of Carniriv to the wrap up celebration of the centenary anniversary of the city of Port Harcourt, saying, “I have been specifically asked by our governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi to invite you to be part of this epoch making event. Please be assured that should you decide and plan to attend, the Rivers State government will throw down the red carpet to receive you to experience Destination Rivers in a spectacular way.”

Shabaka also disclosed to the audience at the reception that, Carniriv publicity campaign materials are today on the London Buses plying the streets of London saying, “ last year, we had a large contingent of tourists who visited Rivers State to attend Carniriv and this year, we hope to increase the number considering the wider impact of the publicity campaign being driven in both the traditional media and the social media from here and Nigeria respectively.
He further disclosed that, Rivers State was the first Nigerian State to introduce the Afrobeat genre of music to the Nottinghill Carnival musical tradition as opposed to the calypso type of music the carnival had always run on. This is a significant achievement considering the warm embrace Afrobeat has received as result of this effort therefore drawing more attention to the music’s country of origin and the personality of the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo.

In her goodwill message at the event, Sally Sturgeon, Director of the People’s World Carnival, Carniriv’s partner troupe at the Nottinghill Carnival said, “we are happy to be partnering with Carniriv bringing a carnival of the people of Rivers State on the world stage. This for us is a fulfilment of our vision. We are indeed a people’s world carnival group and we are delighted at every opportunity to showcase cultural diversity to the world.”

The Rivers State Contingent had prominent citizens of Rivers State adorning the different costumes which attracted the attention and following of a mammoth crowd of Nigerians in Diaspora, Jamaicans, Brazilians and people of other nationalities.

The contingent included veteran Nollywood Actor and Director General of Rivers State Tourism Development Agency, Dr. Sam Dede, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Nnabuihe Nabbs Imegwu, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Gogo Levi Charles, Special Adviser to Governor on Culture and Tourism, Mr. Iboroma Harry, Chairman Okrika Local Government, Barrister Tamuno Williams, Chairman, Rivers State Tourism Development Agency, Deacon Vincent Erinwa and Members of the Board of Directors Rivers State Tourism Development Agency such as Chief John Yowika, Mr. Charles Awortu, Mr. Joeseph O. Ewuse amongst other prominent citizens of Rivers State.