Otu promises to take Calabar Carnival global in 2025
By Taiye Olayemi
Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River has pledged to take the Calabar Carnival global in 2025, to build on the event’s already impressive reputation as Africa’s biggest street party.
Otu made the promise while declaring open the carnival’s street party on Saturday in Calabar.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the street party involves seven competitive bands and seven non competitive bands engaged in different forms of performances from the Millennium Park through to the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar.
The 2024 Calabar Carnival, which began in November, and ends on Dec. 31, has its theme as “Our Shared Heritage”.
The governor said:“Today is a great day in the calendar history of Calabar. We are indeed very humbled that we are celebrating about two decades of this particular event, and I know that we’ve been building and adding value daily.
“The buyers have increased, and we know even next year, because the diaspora is pressing very hard, we might be able to add the diaspora band that will come on full strength.
“But as Cross Riverians, we want to thank all those who have come, and we say come and live and share with us. I declare this open in the name of the Father, in the name of the Son, and in the name of the Holy Spirit.”
Otu appreciated dignitaries as well as tourists present at the event, as he urged them to take out time to explore the tourism assets in Calabar.
He commended the efforts of previous governors of the state for sustaining the carnival over the years.
“For those that are coming for the first time, please don’t go very quick, try and stay back and enjoy the full hospitality of our people.
“Let me salute our forefathers, His Excellency Gov. Duke, His Excellency Gov. Imoke and Prof. Ben Ayade, for building on what was started by Gov. Duke until it got here,” he said.
Dr Gabe Onah, Chairman, Calabar Carnival Commission, appreciated the various sponsors for the carnival.
He, however, called on them to take ownership of the tourism and hospitality sectors for sustainability.
“We are experiencing a rebirth. We are here to speak to the ignition of community spirit, to speak to the community of Africa, and what we are ready to offer the world.
“The dance party on the streets tells the story. The Carnival is allegorical, it is didactic, it is educational, it is theatre for development.”
Also, Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi, commended Otu for uniting the people of Cross River through the carnival.
“This is a historic event. Here, I can see love, understanding, compassion, and liberty.
“Your excellency, Gov. Otu, your leadership style has paid off, and I must commend you for unlocking the potential in the youth. You are actually taking the lead,” he said.
Similarly, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, said, “I am glad to be back here. I am witnessing sustainability and progress here.
”This puts Nigeria on the global map, and it improves the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state.
“This is a beautiful day, so let us celebrate.” (NAN)
Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Benson Iziama
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