The CalasVegas band led by Nigeria’s former Minister of Tourism and Culture, Mr. Edem Duke, has clinched the first prize of Ten Million Naira (₦10,000,000.00).
CalasVegas, a band introduced barely four years ago and identified by gold colour, toppled longtime winners, Passion 4, to emerge winner of the 2024 Carnival Calabar much to the surprise and excitement of spectators.
The Seagull band always spotting red colour and led by Senator Florence Ita-Giwa placed second, while Freedom band adorned in yellow won third position.
In the Junior Carnival category, the first position went again to the Calas vegas, Seagull band clinched second prize and Bayside band identified in colour blue with the wife of the former governor, Mrs. Omari Duke came in third place.
Similarly, at the cultural Carnival, which attracted participants from more than 12 Nigerian States and the eighteen local government areas of Cross River State, saw Akwa Ibom State emerge winner for the second year running.
Osun State won second position and in third place came the beautiful dancers from Delta State, who through their different cultural displays thrilled the judges and spectators with their titillating performance while giving interpretation to the theme “Our Shared Prosperity”.
Topping the chart of local government councils for the 2024 Cultural Carnival was Yakurr, followed closely in second position by Calabar South, while Odukpani local government area clinched third position.
In a brief interview, the chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah expressed confidence that this year’s events was proof that Nigerians and indeed Africans were God’s gift to the world.
Onah said, “since the start of the millennium, we have laboured to change our story and we are beginning to see the fruits. This year’s event is another testimonial of our humble effort to unite the world, give love and help foster peaceful coexistence.”
Dignitaries at this year’s main Carnival Calabar included the Cross River State deputy governor, Dr. Peter Odey, the wife of the former Nigerian President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari and the chairman of Governor’s forum and Governor of Kwara State, Governor Abdulrahman Abdul Razak and his Kogi State counterpart, Usman Ododo.
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