Cross River state Governor Promises Bigger 2024 Carnival Calabar

Governor of Cross River State in southern Nigeria, Senator Bassey Otu says transforming the Carnival Calabar into a bigger international festival remains one of his cardinal campaign promises.

Governor Otu made the remark at the flag off ceremony of the 2023 Carnival Calabar, which commenced from the Millennium Park in the heart of the city of Calabar through a designated 12 kilometre route.

According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche, Senator Otu said, “this is one of our campaign promises that we are definitely going to bring carnival back and on a bigger platform.”

Ogbeche indicated that the governor, who commended the sponsors of the 2023 and appreciated tourists, visitors, guests and other funseekers for choosing to Calabar as their destination for Christmas, stated “what you have seen is the tip of the iceberg because we are going to move it to the next level.”

The statement further indicated that the three years old, CalasVegas Band, which has the former Minister of Culture and Tourism, Edem Duke as leader clinched ₦10 MN star prize as winner of the 2023 edition of the Carnival Calabar.

Ogbeche stated, “at the end of the show held on the main bowl of the U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, CalasVegas band clinched the coveted top position of ₦10mn out of the ₦55mn on offer.

“Passion 4, the carnival’s most successful band led by former House of Representatives for the Ikom/Boki constituency, Chris Agibe, came second, while Princess Florence Ita-Giwa, the former Special Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo on Legislative Matter’ Seagull Band got third position,” the Chief Press Secretary stated.

Meanwhile, the Bikers’ carnival, which has always been a major attraction for lovers of motorcycles rides and stunts is expected to feature on today, Thursday December 29, 2023 at 3 o’clock in the afternoon.