Five years after, Ogbunike Cave Carnival grows bigger and better

All is set for this year’s edition of the annual Ogbunike Cave Carnival (OCC) billed to open on December 20 and runs through January 1, 2018. The three-day festival is centered on the historic Ogbunike Cave.

Holding in Ogbunike community in Oyi Local Council of Anambra State, the tourism event, this year will mark the fifth anniversary of the tourism/entertainment project that aims at highlighting the tourism potentials of Ogbunike Cave.

Since the maiden edition was staged in 2013 by 90 Degree Entertainment, the carnival, which started as a one-day event, has metamorphosed into a three-day celebration of the rich culture, music, health and fitness of Ogbunike people. It has continued to grow in terms of content and packaging.

According to the Project Manager of the carnival, Adaeze Uzodoh, after months of working on the project, the Central Working Committee (CWC) of the carnival has finally unveiled plans for this year’s show.

“We are delighted to announced that we are ready to stage this year’s carnival. Unlike previous editions, this year is special for us; it’s our fifth anniversary and we are celebrating in a big way. Just like yesterday, we have been on this for five years without any sponsorship. However, we are encouraged by the acceptance and followership the project has enjoyed so far. Most importantly, we are publicizing our heritage, the Ogbunike Cave,” she said.

According to the programme of activities made available to the media, this year’s carnival will kick off on December 30, with Sports Parade. Starting from 8am, it will feature five-aside football tournament. The one-day competition will see eight teams battle against one another for a trophy and cash prize. Holding at the Ogbunike Town Hall, there will also be a Volleyball Challenge for the ladies, with a trophy for the winning team.

The day two of the event, which holds on December 31, will feature the traditional Ogbunikewalk4life (Street Carnival), which is expected to start at 7am from the Town Hall. The carnival float will take off from the Ogbunike Town Hall, through the usual routes, to the Round Palace of Igwe Ogbunike, HRH John Ositadimma Umenyiora, where guests will pay homage to the king.

From the palace, the train will move to the Cave, where visitors and tourists will have the opportunity of exploring the tourist destination that has put Ogbunike community on the world map.

On New Year Day, the Carnival Concert/Film Show will take centre stage. Holding at the town hall starting from 5pm, the programme will feature the screening of videos of the past editions of the carnival, as well as a documentary film, Daughters Of Igbo Woman. There is also plan to show one international feature film, which is yet to be announced.

The film, Daughters Of Igbo Woman is a memorial tribute to African ancestors. It was created and shot in Eastern Nigeria by a UK-based film production company, Nevis & Bristol. The film brings archives to life, the separated 18th century worlds of Igbo woman, Black Polly and Fanny Coker into present day.

Fanny Coker (1767-1820), was a maid servant of the Georgian House Bristol and her matriarchal lineage in voice and presence are rendered visible by three African women writers in Eastern Nigeria, St Kitts & Nevis and Bristol UK, respectively.

Last year, Nollywood star Ngozi Ezeonu was the celebrity guest for the carnival. This year, the committee has assured that another celebrity will grace and join the 5th anniversary celebration.

“We want to keep it as a surprise, but get ready to meet one of biggest names in the entertainment industry,” Uzodoh said.

Meanwhile, the committee has announced decision to rest Ada Ogbunike Beauty pageant for this year, as the project is currently undergoing some modifications.

“You know that Ada Ogbunike is usually the highpoint of the carnival, but we have decided to rest the project this year. Currently, we are making some modifications and I assure you that it will return next year bigger and bolder,” she stated.

The Ogbunike Cave Carnival (OCC) is now staged by 90 Degrees Entertainment in collaboration with LIBDEZ Solutions.