Over Fifteen Nigerian States including the host, Cross River, rolled out the drums, dressed in vibrant colourful traditional attire, as Governor Bassey Otu flagged off the 2023 Cultural Parade.
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The 2023 cultural parade brought together states like Abia, Enugu, Kwara, Kebbi and Yobe, while others including Kaduna, Ebonyi, Edo, Rivers,, Akwa Ibom, Ekiti and Ondo, Ogun as well as Kogi sent representations alongside neighbouring Republic of Cameroon.
As expected given the two weeks Christmas holiday approved by the Cross River State Government for civil servants, enthusiastic spectators lined the streets particularly the 4 kilometres route from the Millennium Park through Mary Slessor Avenue onto Marian road and IBB way.
The energetic display of the dancers, musicians, and performers from different parts of Nigeria and the contingent from neighbouring Republic of Cameroon emphasized the spirit of unity and cultural exchange.
Arriving the Millennium Park in company of the Commissioners for Information and Orientation, Mr. Erasmus Ekpang, his counterpart in Tourism and Culture, Mr. Abubakar Ewa as well as that of the Ministry of Lands and Housing, Dr. Francis Ekpenyong and Health, Dr. Egbe Ayuk, Governor Otu expressed delight with the level of participation.
Otu, who was represented by his deputy, Mr. Peter Odey said, “this is the best cultural carnival that we have ever witnessed in Cross River State having this level of participation from other States in Nigeria and our neighbour from the Republic of Cameroon is indeed a potpourri of cultures on display.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah said that culture was the bedrock of the carnival concept and the Nigerian heritage was a product for people to appreciate and benefit from.
He said, “our culture is truly the bedrock of our tomorrow and that was why a dedicated day has been fixed to showcase our heritage. Out of the 22 Nigerian States expected for the parade, 15 arrived and the 18 local government areas including the Hausa-Fulani, the Yoruba and Igbo communities are all here to showcase culture.
“Our cultures is one of those things that has United us in this country; our true strength as Nigerians remains our diversity and that is why the celebration is our cultural heritage,” he said.
The parade was a true celebration of Nigeria’s cultural tapestry, highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting our heritage as well as fostering a sense of pride and appreciation for the rich cultural diversity that unites the people as a nation.
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