NAN Staff appointed Media Director, Ashaka Carnival Group

Mr Emmanuel Mogbede, an Assistant Editor in Chief of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)has been appointed as the Director of Media of Ashaka Carnival Group, a socio cultural movement with Chinedu Aniogwu as Deputy-Director.

According to a statement issued by Izuogu Chukwuma, the group’s Public Relations Officer on Saturday in Abuja, this followed the approval of the group’s Board of Trustees (BOT) and the adoption of its standing commttees and directorates.

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He said Mr Tony Ndanenu, founder of the group retained his position as its Director-General with Onyeka Iwegbue as Deputy Director-General and Efe Ogbogbo Secretary.

He added that Mr Juan Governor, Ndokwa East Local Government Area, immediate past Chairman would serve in the group’s Ad-hoc Finance Committee with other members.

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“They would serve with Mr Martins Ushieagu who retained his position as the group’s Director of Finance and Ovie Wanogho his Deputy Director and Efe Ogbogbo his Secretary.

“Mr Udu Diegbe is the group’s Legal Director with Mr Onyeka Iwegbue as Deputy Director and Valentine Okpufe as members.

“Mr Victor Ijeaba will serve as Entertainment Director with Goddy Osakwe as Deputy-Director and Fanny Ndanenu as Secretary with
Elohor Ojaide as member.

“Chief Kingsley Omolu would serve as Director of Venue Directorate with Mr Chuks Azaka as Secretary and Mr Obi Makodi, Ossai Chuka, Emeke Metu and Tina Eriokpe as members.

“The Ulege Committee would be chaired by Mr Hippo Coleman with Okechukwu Ozegbe as Secretary, while the Odogwu Committee would be chaired by Ojumili Uche,” Chukwuma said.

He added that Prof. Ugbome Nwachukwu would serve as Director Strategy and Innovation Directorate with Ifeanyi Idili as Secretary and Emeke Nwachukwu, Dr Onyene Azaka and Prof. Andrew Ubogu as members among others.

Ndanenu, the group’s director-general in an interview with NAN, welcomed the newly appointed members and directors, saying their appointments came with great responsibilities.

He encouraged them to participate actively, contribute meaningful ideas, and demonstrate commitment towards delivering a successful and memorable 2026 Ashaka Carnival.

“Let us work together with unity, dedication and a strong sense of purpose to make this year’s carnival a remarkable success. Together, we shall deliver,” Ndanenu said.

He emphasised the importance of preserving indigenous languages, traditions, and cultural heritage for future generations, saying this was the essence of the carnival.

Ndanenu while expressing concern that indigenous languages and cultures were gradually going extinct, maintained that African culture must be preserved in spite of exposure to modern civilisation.

He added that to promote cultural preservation, he was working with like-minded individuals in Ashaka, Ndokwa East in Delta to revive the Ulege dance through a cultural carnival.

He said the event, scheduled for Dec. 25 to Jan. 2, 2026, aimed to foster unity, peace, development, and a positive mindset in the community as well as attract development to it.

He added that various committees had been working to ensure the carnival’s success, with arrangements in place for adequate security of life and prosperity during the event.

“We grew up dancing Ulege in different groups from various quarters with distinct names in Ashaka community.

“This year, we’re expanding the dance by bringing the groups together to perform under a unified name, involving the entire community.

“This is our second large-scale event, and we expect our sons and daughters from the Diaspora and across the country to join us.

“This initiative goes beyond the Ulege dance or a carnival; it’s about uniting our people through dance and preserving our cultural heritage, which is at risk of disappearing,” Ndanenu explained.

He expressed gratitude to community members who donated funds to support the carnival, which would feature a live band, football novelty match and other attractions#

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