Gov. Otu guarantees to take Calabar Carnival international in 2025

By Taiye Olayemi

Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River has pledged to take the Calabar Carnival international in 2025 to construct on the occasion’s already spectacular status as Africa’s greatest road celebration.
Otu made the promise whereas declaring open the carnival’s road celebration on Saturday in Calabar.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) stories that the road celebration would have seven aggressive bands and 7 non aggressive bands interact in several types of performances from the Millennium Park by way of to the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar.
The 2024 Calabar Carnival, which started in November, is supposed to run until Dec. 31 has its theme as “Our Shared Heritage.”
The Carnival had witnessed three editions of dry run from October to check run how the carnival could be.
The governor stated, “Today is a great day in the Calendar history of Calabar. We are indeed very, 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, 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 the dignitaries current in addition to vacationers throughout the nation, as he urged them to take out time to discover the tourism belongings in Calabar.
He recommended the efforts of earlier governors of the state for sustaining the carnival through 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 Governor Duke until it got here,” he stated.
Dr Gabe Onah, Chairman, Calabar Carnival Commission appreciated the assorted sponsors for the carnival, within the likes of: Afrixim Bank, Arias IIP, the IAI International Insurance, MTN, First Bank, United Bank of Africa and extra.
He, nonetheless, referred to as on them to take possession 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.
“No wonder Afrixim Bank, Arias IIP, the IAI International Insurance, MTN, First Bank, UBA are here as sponsors. We thank you for this, but we believe that we can take over this sector and run with it for sustainability, competition, and appreciation by the communities,” he stated.
Also talking, Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi recommended Gov. Otu for uniting the folks of Cross River by way of 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 potentials in the youths. You are actually taking the lead,” he stated.
Also, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara stated, “I am glad to be back here. I am witnessing sustainability and progress here.
” This places Nigeria on the worldwide map, and it improves the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state. This is an exquisite day, so allow us to rejoice.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)