High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago to Nigeria, His Excellency, Nyahuma M. Obika has invited Nigeria Nigeria at the Caribbean country’s annual Carnival slated for February next year.
Obika who made the call when he visited the offices of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) in Abuja also urged the corporation to make provisions for top Nigerian musicians to perform at the Carnival just as he assured of his readiness to acquaint the Nigerian contingent with famous “Desperadoes Steelband”, an enterprising Trinidad and Tobago-based steel orchestra.
Obika noted that the band was making a statement globally saying steel band brand of music has stood the test of time with the instrument playing in major events in Nigeria citing the Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC) held in Nigeria in 1977 as an example.
The envoy who has been in Nigeria for 9 months, said the band currently features in the state house asserting that the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission would like to make maximum use of the Steel band in Nigeria by organizing a Secondary School Steelbands’ Competition.
Speaking further, the High Commissioner said his country believes in exporting her culture as a product because it was a major revenue earner as it contributes handsomely to the gross domestic product while generating employment in the grassroots.
On his part, director general of the NTDC, Otunba Segun Runsewe while noting that the Trinidad and Tobago annual Carnival was one of the oldest, most colourful and well organized in the world, said Nigeria and the Caribbean country share a historical connection dating back to 1924 maintaining that the ties should be sustained for the mutual benefit of tourism promotion in both countries.
He acceded to the envoy’s request by promising to brand the ‘Desperadoes Steelband’ with Nigeria and Trinidad and Tobago emblems, arrange for top Nigerian acts to perform during the Carnival alongside the ‘Desperadoes Steelband’ and further suggested that a joint press conference featuring top musicians and Nollywood stars should also be organized in Lagos as this will translate to maximum publicity and appreciation for the Steel orchestra.
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