The Beginning of a Movement
In 2024, December 6th, history was made in Anambra State with the launch of Carnival of Trade 1.0 — a first-of-its-kind cultural and skills competition designed to empower teenagers beyond academics.
For years, schools have focused heavily on examinations and classroom learning, leaving little room for creativity, entrepreneurship, and real-world problem-solving. The vision behind Carnival of Trade was simple but powerful: to create a platform where students could not only learn practical skills but also showcase them in front of their peers, parents, educators, and the world.
Organized by Canjud TalentForge Network, Carnival of Trade 1.0 brought together students from across the state to compete in Drama, Dance, Talent Hunts, Crafts, and Games, while celebrating African culture through face art and costumes.
The event quickly became more than a competition — it became a movement. A movement for cultural pride. A movement for student empowerment. A movement for real-world education.
Here are 5 unforgettable moments from Carnival of Trade 1.0 that made it a landmark event for education, culture, and innovation in Nigeria.
1. The Crowning of Drama & Dance Champions
One of the most unforgettable highlights of Carnival of Trade 1.0 was the intense inter-school drama and dance competitions.
Redeemers International High School, Okpuno Awka, took home the ₦300,000 prize for Drama, stunning the audience with a performance that combined traditional storytelling, powerful acting, and vibrant costumes. Their drama didn’t just entertain — it sent a message about justice, unity, and the struggles of everyday people, leaving many in the audience in tears.
Meanwhile, Dr. Alutu College, Nnewi, stole the spotlight in the Dance category, also winning ₦300,000. Their performance, built on rhythm, precision, and electrifying choreography, showcased the richness of Igbo dance and cultural expression. The crowd cheered every step, and by the end, the atmosphere felt like a true carnival of joy.
For students, these victories weren’t just about the prize money. They were proof that discipline, practice, and teamwork pay off. For the schools, it was a proud moment — their names etched into history as the first-ever champions of Carnival of Trade.
2. Handmade Crafts That Stole the Show – Carnival of Trade 1.0
While the stage was alive with music and movement, another corner of the Carnival told its own unforgettable story — the Handmade Crafts Exhibition.
Dozens of students presented shoes, bags, beadwork, paintings, and creative designs they had crafted during their weekly skills acquisition classes in school. The exhibition revealed a truth often overlooked: teenagers are not just dreamers, they are doers.
12 standout students received ₦50,000 each for their exceptional creativity and craftsmanship. For many of them, it was the very first time their talents were recognized and rewarded. Their smiles — wide, proud, and unforgettable — lit up the entire hall.
One student proudly said, “I never believed my small beadwork could win me something big. Now, I want to start making more and selling them.” That spark of entrepreneurship is exactly what Carnival of Trade was built for.
3. The Explosion of Culture & Face Art
Carnival of Trade was not just about winning competitions — it was about celebrating African identity.
Most student in attendance participated in African carnival face art. From vibrant reds and yellows to intricate tribal patterns, the face art turned the event into a sea of culture and pride. It wasn’t just decoration; it was a living reminder that our heritage is something to be worn boldly and proudly.
Coupled with the traditional costumes worn during dance and drama performances, the event became a breathtaking cultural display. Parents, teachers, and even the judges admitted that it felt like being transported into a festival of African unity.
This cultural immersion aligned perfectly with global education goals around heritage preservation. As UNESCO emphasizes, education must celebrate culture and creativity — and Carnival of Trade 1.0 did exactly that.
4. The Emotional Reactions of Parents & Teachers
Another unforgettable aspect of Carnival of Trade 1.0 was the emotional reactions it stirred.
Parents, some of whom initially thought the event was “just another school show,” were visibly moved by what they witnessed. Tears flowed as they watched their children act, dance, and display hidden talents they never knew existed.
Teachers were no less proud. One teacher said:
“I have been teaching for 15 years, but I have never seen my students perform with so much passion. Carnival of Trade showed me a side of them that the classroom never revealed.”
The pride in their eyes was clear: this event had transformed education from routine to reality.
5. The On-Ground Games and Instant Wins
Of course, no Carnival would be complete without fun and laughter.
On-ground carnival games brought energy, competition, and joy to every corner of the venue. From quick performances to creative tasks, the energy was palpable..
These mini-competitions kept the crowd engaged throughout the day, creating laughter, bonding, and unforgettable memories. For many students, the games were the highlight of their day — proof that learning, competition, and fun can exist together in one experience.
Carnival of Trade 1.0 Was Just the Beginning
Carnival of Trade 1.0 wasn’t just an event. It was the birth of a movement — one that combined education, culture, and innovation into a platform for teenagers to shine.
By the end of the day, winners had gone home with over ₦1,000,000 in cash and prizes, but the true prize was much bigger: the confidence, pride, and empowerment students carried back to their schools and communities.
The inaugural Carnival of Trade left a lasting impression, reminding everyone that education must go beyond the classroom.
And this is just the beginning. With Carnival of Trade 2.0 coming up in November 2025, the stage is set for an even bigger celebration of skills, culture, and student innovation.
Want to know more about the vision and programs behind this movement? Read more about Canjud TalentForge Network.
Final Thoughts
Carnival of Trade 1.0 taught us something powerful: when students are given the right platform, they don’t just learn — they shine.
From breathtaking drama and dance performances to innovative crafts and cultural celebrations, the event captured the spirit of African youth — creative, resilient, and ready to lead.
As we look ahead, the goal remains clear: empower students not just with knowledge, but with skills and opportunities that make them competent, confident, and future-ready.
Carnival of Trade 1.0 was unforgettable. Carnival of Trade 2.0 will be unstoppable. You can register your school for Carnival of Trade 2025 here.