The Cross River State Carnival Commission has presented investors with potential economic opportunities inherent in the 2023 Carnival Calabar.
READ ALSO: Commission to Host First Carnival Calabar Dryrun in October
The Chairman of the commission, Mr. Gabe Onah with the support of the governor, Senator Bassey Otu outlined the opportunities the carnival and the 32 days Calabar festival holds for local, national and international partners at an investor’s breakfast meeting in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, southern Nigeria.
Prior to the technical session with the investors and partners, the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mr. Peter Odey promised a bigger, better and fun packed cultural experience that would mesmerise residents, tourists and indeed all fun seekers.
Otu who was represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey made this promise during the Governor’s breakfast meeting with potential sponsors and partners ahead of 2023 Carnival Calabar Festival.
The governor said, “this year’s carnival has the theme ‘Season of Sweetness’ and promises to thrill residents and visitors with its grandeur and cultural richness. I assure you of this administration’s commitment to ensure we prepare adequately in order to give world the best experience and that is where you come in as partners.”
He urged financial institutions and the business community to leverage on the opportunities by partnering with the government to make this year’s carnival an exceptional one.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Robert Ewa, appreciated stakeholders in the tourism industry for especially those already collaborating with the government, for working tirelessly to give the people a mind blowing fiesta.
During the technical session, Mr. Onah stated that the diverse sponsorship opportunities in a creative economy like the Carnival Calabar was worth investing in, hinting that “the products, stakeholders and the environment are three strong pillars for tourism initiative. The private sector has a huge role to play in creating substantive Economic content to sustain the public.”
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Events Management, Mr. Effiong Ekpenyong commended the governor for his commitment to ensure the Carnival Calabar grows stronger and bigger, noting “the flagg off of the first dryrun would serve as a litmus test to showcase economic content of the carnival.”
Dryrun
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the commission, Evangelist Austine Cobham affirmed that the dryrun, which will kickoff Sunday October 15, 2023 in the afternoon would be flagged off by the governor, Senator Bassey Otu and would be rounded off with a live performance at the Millennium Park, Calabar.
Cobham explained, “the arrangement has been concluded to host a dryrun like no other. We are rolling out the drums. All the bands and their leaders will be on ground; we have security and most importantly, our cleaners will be at the rear of the float cleaning up as the revelers proceed along the 12 kilometre carnival route.
“This time around, as the float moves, to enhance free flow of traffic, the road will be opened. It will not be a complete lockdown until the dryrun ends. Besides, the other parts of town where the float is not passing through will be opened and controlled. Every year, we take lessons from previous events and build on it. So, this first dryrun is going to be splendid, I can guarantee,” he added.
