By Raphael Okhiria
For ninety-six hours nonstop, the Kukuruku Hills in Akoko-Edo local government area of Edo State, vibrated and revibrated when the Ososo town’s sons and daughters, supported by their friends and well-wishers marked the 15th edition of the great Ososo Carnival.
The carnival took place at Ososo town from 27th to 30th December, 2025.
The four-day event which is widely regarded as a jewel in Edo State tourism calendar, was a masterclass in cultural promotion and community driven entertainment.
Themed “Festival Without Walls” exceeded all expectations, drawing thousands of tourists, adventure seekers, nature lovers and Ososo sons and daughters from home and in the Diaspora.
The cultural extravaganza which featured a bonfire night, an arts exhibition, fashion show and a grand carnival parade solidified the carnival’s reputation as Nigeria’s premier community-led tourism initiative.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ososo Carnival Initiative, Hon. Emmanuel Omoladun Agbaje, who cut the ceremonial tape to flag-off the Grand Carnival Parade, a major component of the cultural extravaganza, disclosed that his heart was filled with immense pride watching the vision of the carnival grow from a community initiative into a national beacon of culture and tourism.
He stated that in spite of several challenges and setbacks, the carnival has been held back-to-back annually since its inception in 2011 with the exception of 2020 as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic and 2024 due to circumstances beyond the control of the organizers.
According to Hon. Agbaje, consistency has been key, coupled with the dogged interest and sustained support of all stakeholders.
“Fifteen years of Ososo Carnival is a testament to our consistency and our love for our community and heritage. This year, we are not just celebrating the success of the past, we are showcasing to the world that Ososo remains a prime destination for sustainable tourism and creative investment.”
“More importantly, we are showing the world that tourism is the new “oil” for Akoko-Edo and Edo State. in addition, Ososo Carnival is our statement to the world that our rocky hills, history and our hospitality are goldmines waiting to be explored”, the Ososo Carnival board chairman posited.
Chief Dr. Thomas Attah, the Ekpen of Ekpoma, who was the special guest of honour spoke at the bonfire night which serves as a homecoming ritual of light, dance, music and fireworks on the first day of the carnival, counselled the youths on the need to make real impact that would have positive implications for career, business and development.
Chief Attah admonished the youths to take their destiny into their hands, noting that “the future does not wait for anyone and because we all know that the future does not wait for anyone, the time to act and begin to make a real impact is now.
“This is the time to make a decision, a decision to acquire new skills, acquire new certifications, start a new business and be courageous to seek help where the need arises”, he added.
Also speaking at the carnival, the President of Ososo Carnival Initiative, Mr. Moses Ajayi remarked that “Reaching 15 years is a testament to the resilience and passion of the Ososo people. This carnival is no longer just an entertainment event but a strategic platform for sustainable tourism and a bridge connecting our rich past with a prosperous future”.
Revealing the economic and cultural impact of the event, Mr. Ajayi disclosed that beyond the glitz and glamour of the carnival, local businesses in Ososo and environs experienced a surge in patronage. Hotels and restaurants were filled to capacity and transporters had more than they bargained for.
Mr. Ajayi added that as a result of the activities of the carnival, not less than three new hotels are currently being built in Ososo.