Havana Carnival postponed

Written by Duncan Monday, 28 March 2011

Organisers of the popular Havana Concert have postponed the much awaited 45th edition of the event scheduled for March 22nd-25th, 2011, due to the tension in the country as these uncertainty could have implications on the security of the stakeholders.

At a meeting held in Lagos recently, the organizers considered the peculiar political situation in Ibadan, the traditional venue of Havana and all agreed to hold the event after the general elections in Nigeria when the external environment will be predictable.

The 45th edition of the carnival, tagged ‘’Non Stop Action for Charity’’, had confirmed earlier that Grammy Award nominees, Femi Kuti and King Sunny Ade, as well as King Ayinde Marshal, 2Face, Ice Prince and other iconic artistes, were billed to perform at the Trans Amusement Park, Agbowo, on Friday, March 25, 2011.

In addition to this, there was to be a Mentoring Session, Free Medical tests, Career Guidance & Counseling, Sponsor’s Exhibition, Walk/Work for Hope (Advocacy/Painting of old buildings in Ibadan city, cleaning of Drainage by students), the Havana concert and the Miss Havana contest as part of the activities leading to the event. These side attractions will still feature in the carnival when it holds.

Over 30,000 Nigerian students/youth and consultants have poured their hearts and energy into the event’s planning.  To honor the stakeholders, Sigma club and their partners are determined not to taint the anticipated superlative show of the decade. According to the Executive Director of ZMC, Mr. Mike Yomi Dada, “while all is set for the effective activation of the longest-running musical concert in Africa, it will be unprofessional to ignore the implication of key issues of environment intelligence on the project. But we promise the stakeholders an unforgettable experience on a new date that will be communicated soon.

This decision will allow us provide adequate security and best protection to all of our participants and the vulnerable society, while maintaining the entire thrill that goes with the event’’.

The organizers have sent formal correspondences to all stakeholders, especially in other countries as regards the postponement for the purpose of adjustment. "To students and youths across the country, our ever loyal sponsors, corporate organizations, families and other stakeholders we are grateful for everything you have contributed to this project, and we hope the memories of this great event will be indelible", he added.

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