Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu, Sunday, unveiled the theme for the 2024 Carnival Calabar entitled: “Our Shared Prosperity”.
The Carnival which holds on the 27th of December every year is part of the 32-day Christmas festival in state that has become an international tourism product since the year 2005.
Governor Otu and his Kwara State counterpart, Alhaji AbdulRaham AbdulRazaq, represented by his Deputy, Kayode Alabi as well as the first daughter of President Bola Tinubu, Dr. Mujidat Folashade Tinubu-Ojo jointly unveiled the theme amidst spectacle of performances in the Pearl Hall of the Transcop Hotel Calabar.Otu expressed his delight that over the years, the Carnival has become a tool for social re-engineering, arts Renaissance and economic growth.
In his words: “The activities of the Carnival Calabar and Christmas Festival are tangible assets that have given the state global acclaim as a prime tourism destination in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.”
The phenomenon which the yearly fiesta has become, according to the governor, “has left my administration with no option than to make it even bigger and better.”
Describing the theme unveiling ceremony as more than just the beginning of preparations for the Carnival, Otu noted that “It is also a symbolic unbundling of the various shades of spectacles that await tourists and fun-seekers during the 32-day action-packed festivities.”
He said his administration acknowledges the value of security of live and property, adding “no stone will left unturned in making Cross River State an investment haven for potential investors wishing to berth their tourism related investments in the state.” Governor Otu maintained that the carnival would not have grown in leaps and bounds without the untiring efforts of the competing and non-competing bands.
“Their leadership quality, creativity and other forms of sterling virtues have contributed in no small measure to create some exciting contents for television viewership. And attract sponsors.”
The ceremony also had in attendance, the leaders of the seven competing bands of the Carnival, the Director General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Folorunsho Coker who was represented; the President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, FTAN Mr. Nkereuwem Onung; Ikechi Uko of the Akwaba fame amongst other dignitaries within and outside the state.
Former Minister for Tourism in Nigeria, High Chief Edem Duke commended Governor Otu for bringing vigour into the Carnival in his few months in office.
Duke who is the leader of Calasvegas Band that won the first prize for overall best competing band, also called on the federal government to adopt Carnival Calabar as a federal tourism project that fits the marketing bill. And should be used to brand the the image of country.
Chairman of the Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Unah disclosed that the state Carnival Commission has secured a partnership with the European Cultural Center, adding the carnival globally is marketed through channels.
