Orji Kalu says millions to be made from parading masquerades

Speaking to newsmen on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, the former governor urged the state chief executives to see the possibilities in cultural festivals for tourism and investments.

Orji Kalu and Masqurade Tourism

“I am, however, not happy that our states in the eastern flank are not exploring opportunities in masquerade festivals. I am sure that a well-organised festival of masquerades in the South East will attract investments and tourists and help grow economies of the states. It is the same with Durbar festivals in the northern flank of Nigeria,” Kalu stated.

The former governor identified the Calabar Carnival of Cross River State as one area that culture had demonstrated great impact on the economy of a state, regarding tourism. He said, “that is a huge number that goes with its economic potentialities and because of the success of the carnival, many other states in the southern flank of Nigeria are developing their versions."

Although statistics were not readily available on the financial impact of the carnival to the state government, he mentioned that the two million visitors that Governor Ben Ayade said attended the 2017 edition of the carnival was a huge number in any economy.

In Igbo culture, the masquerade embodies the spirit and human worlds. The mystique surrounding the masquerade is the key components of the Igbo culture.

Some popular masquerades in the east include; The Ojionu, Agaba, and Odogwu.