The First Annual Afrikfest Las Vegas Festival a Huge Success

LAS VEGAS - June 3, 2018 - PRLog -- Afrikfest held its first annual cultural exchange event on May 18-19 at the International Conference Center, which garnered more than 300 attendees and esteemed guests (particularly from the continent of Africa) in a #NightOfAfricanExcellence. Seizing the opportunity to capitalize on renewed interest in African culture and mutually beneficial economic opportunities between Las Vegas and Africa, attendees were able to network, fellowship, honor community members for their philanthropic works, and enjoy African-inspired entertainment.

The event's first evening kicked off with a performance by the Olabisi African Dance and Drum Ensemble and a fashion show, which showcased afro-futuristic fashions newly popularized by the worldwide success of Marvel's Black Panther. The night also saw performances from Sahara, Reign Ayo, and Minitek, as well as the acrobatic dance by the Zinduna African Acrobats. The event's Gala and Merit Award ceremony held on night two, was attended by prominent members of both the African and African-American community, including its honoree Nigeria State Governor Arthur Okowa Ifeanyi and keynote speaker, Dr. Kingsley Eze Emu – the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget who accepted the award on Governor Ifeanyi's behalf and delivered a speech written by Gov. Ifeanyi:

It is gratifying to note that our job creation programmes have received national and international recognition. The World Bank has validated the programmes for partnership and funding support in recognition of their potential to curb youth unemployment, create wealth and enhance social inclusion. In the same vein, the National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria ranked our State number one out of the thirty-six States and FCT in the human capital development index.

Other esteemed leaders in attendance included Dr. Ben Chavis, former assistant to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and National Newspaper Publishers Association CEO, Congressman Ruben Kiuhen, Commissioner, Commissioner Steve Sisolak, Senator Catherine Cortez-Mastos, Congresswoman Dina Titus.

Afrikfest's Special Honorees included:

·         Mr. Lawrence Weekly, Chairman of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority & Clark County Commissioner

·         Dr. Godwin Maduka - Special Honor for International Philanthropic Services.

·         His Excellency, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku, Executive Governor of Taraba State.

·         Dr. Neville Campbell - Special Honors for Outstanding Services in the Medical Mission Outreach.

Merit Award Recipients:

Dr. Anslem Oparaugo

Dr Charles Usigbe

Pastor Solomon Ugbodu

Caroline Ugbodu

Michelle Johnson

Kate Parker

Akioyame Franklin

Varney Fofana

Ken Evans

Dr. Evanista Ninadi

Devin Brooks

The culturally significant two-day Afrikfest event (which also commemorated Africa day on May 25), was made possible by Afrikfest's Chris Usibe and Favor Chiclu. Anyone interested in Afrikfest Las Vegas can visit www.afrikfest.org for more information.