By Ife Osemedua
Kandy Sea, a reggae maestro, will host Anioma indigenes of Delta State and friends to a groundbreaking carnival and awards night to reward hard work and excellence in leadership in December, 2020.
Tagged Umueze Carnival and Awards Night, the event which is scheduled to hold in Onicha-Olona, a town in Aniocha North Local Government Area in Delta State, and home to many distinguished Nigerians from all walks of life, promises to open a new chapter in the history of the community.
The extraordinary carnival and awards night billed for 23rd through 27th of December is also expected to inspire both the young and the old in an unparalleled way.
Those billed to be honoured,include the late reggae artist, Ras Kimono, Rosemary Anieze-Adams, St. Augustine, Professor Egwunyenga, among others.
For the convener, this is a one-stop occasion that has the capacity to change realities by offering directions and hope to young people. In his view, there could not have been a better time considering the fact that it is fashionable these days to seek high rates of return without doing anything.
According to Kandy Sea, “This event is tailored to change perceptions. It is also in recognition and appreciation of our sons and daughters who have excelled in their chosen careers in various fields.
“This carnival and awards night, therefore, seeks to reward those at home and abroad who have lived up to that good name of Umueze (children of noblemen and women) and who are worthy to be called so.
“I must say that I was inspired by the need to recognise and reward hard work in an age of unbridled materialism. In those good old days, people were respected not because of the amount of money they had but because of who they are by virtue of their pedigree and conduct. Today, all that has changed.
“We also want to encourage hard work in our own way. For instance, John Uyanwanne, a.k.a. Gigei, is a physically challenged man who went beyond his disability to learn a trade. Apart from being financially independent, there are also those who depend on him for sustenance. His story is inspiring, that is why we have decided to celebrate him in a special way. Many physically challenged people with even less challenge are on the streets begging but Uyanwanne refused to do so because of honour as a true nwaeze.
“For the carnival arm, my community has produced great names in entertainment, the military, sports, public service and even in the education sector. Don’t forget that Onicha-Olona gave Nigeria Miss Independence in October 1960 in the person of Rosemary Anieze-Adams. So, we are going to showcase these individuals and their achievements.
“In addition, we are also using the carnival to discover and encourage up-and-coming artistes and performers. You are aware that the late Ras Kimono also hailed form Onicha-Olona. No doubt, due to the season and timing, we hope to boost local the local economy because most of our sons and daughters will be returning home for Christmas and New Year. The event will also engage our youths as there will be so many life-changing activities. It is indeed, a carnival to watch out for.”
The special awardees are Professor Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyenga, Vice Chancellor, Delta State University; Brigadier-General Raymond Ochei, Barrister Chiedu Ugbo, Jude Bardi and Nelson Agbamuche.
Others include Jerry Nkeweshe, Ned Nwoko, Mary Ebeigbe Okwuhai, John Uyanwanne, Moses Onoja and many others.