By Ingram Osigwe
Akokwa Digital Ladies, ADL, a non profit organisation made up of women of Akokwa descent either by birth or marriage will today, Sunday, December 29, 2024 stage its first ever carnival tagged “ADL Akokwa carnival”.
The tourism fiesta will be held at St.Peter Anglican Church compound, Akokwa, Ideato North local government area of Imo state with the state’s Deputy Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs Chinyere Ekomaru, as the Special Guest of Honour.
The carnival will feature a variety of side attractions including cultural performances, local cuisines displays, handicrafts, workshops and health talks among others and will be covered live by national and international media organisations.
ADL, through the Carnival, aims at showcasing to the world, Akokwa’s rich cultural heritage
“There are high expectations from Akokwa women in this Carnival and we assure all that ADL will not disappoint. ADL’s decision to stage a carnival is not a direct challenge to Akokwa men but the women’s own contribution to putting Akokwa on the global stage, showcasing its rich cultural heritage, its fauna and sauna, fame and economic importance as a border town”, the organisers said in a press statement.
Akokwa, a border town to Anambra state which hosts many transport companies, is strategically located and a major economic hub in Imo state outside Orlu, Owerri and Okigwe hence its social, geographical and economic significance are expected to play a major role in attracting business owners and corporate organisations to tap into the huge market and audience that the carnival promises to present.
Apart from the Deputy Governor, the carnival will be graced by the other creme la de creme in the society, including captains of industry, business moguls, top government officials, traditional rulers, and religious leaders in and outside Akokwa.
One of Imo state’s best event comperes, MC Imo, and another talented compere, Cruise With Joe will be on hand to direct proceedings. Some notable Nigerian artists are also billed to perform at the carnival.
Founded early this year by Lady Maria Ihionu, ADL aims at eradicating poverty and helping the vulnerable, especially in Akokwa, make meaning out of life.
Speaking during the inauguration of the organisation in Asaba, the Delta state capital, early in the year, Lady Ihionu stressed that ADL would strive to foster love, unity and sisterhood among Akokwa women at home and diaspora. She expressed the hope that the group will help project to the rest of Nigeria and to the world, the elegant tributes of Akokwa women which she said include intelligence, wisdom, humility and conviviality.
“Akokwa Ditigal Ladies is for all women, either by birth or marriage, and of sound mind, living in Akokwa or in diaspora…our aim is to bring Akokwa women under one umbrella to achieve common goal of fostering love, sisterhood, serving humanity and lending our shoulders to the vulnerable, the less privileged in the society, especially in Akokwa”, Lady Ihionu had said.
