Governor Bassey Otu and wife arrive for the flag-off of Carnival Calabar…yesterday – Saturday, December 29
Physically challenged steal show at event
Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River has pledged to take the Calabar Carnival global in 2025 to build on the event’s already impressive reputation as Africa’s biggest street party.
Otu made the promise yesterday – Saturday, December 29 – in Calabar, while declaring open the carnival’s street party.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the street party would have seven competitive bands and seven non-competitive bands engage in different forms of performances from the Millennium Park through to the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar.
The 2024 Calabar Carnival, which began in November and would run till Dec. 31, has its theme as “Our Shared Heritage.”
The Carnival had witnessed three editions of dry run from October to test-run all the preparations towards the final flag-off of the highly acclaimed event yesterday.
The Governor said: “Today is a great day in the Calendar history of Calabar. We are indeed very, very humbled that we are celebrating about two decades of this particular event. And I know that we’ve been building and adding value daily.
“The buyers have increased. And we know even next year, because the diaspora is pressing very, very hard, we might be able to add the diaspora band that will come on full strength.
“But as Cross Riverians, we want to thank all those who have come, and we say come and live and share with us. I declare this open in the name of the Father, in the name of the Son, and in the name of the Holy Spirit.”
Otu appreciated the dignitaries present as well as tourists across the nation, urging them to take out time to explore the tourism assets in Calabar.
He commended the previous Governors of the State for sustaining the Carnival over the years.
“For those that are coming for the first time, please don’t go back very quickly, try to stay back and enjoy the full hospitality of our people.
“Let me salute our forefathers. His Excellency Gov. Duke, His Excellency Gov. Imoke and Prof. Ben Ayade, for building on what was started by Governor Duke until it got here,” he said.
Dr Gabe Onah, Chairman, Calabar Carnival Commission appreciated the various sponsors for the carnival, including Afreximbank, Arias IIP, the IAI International Insurance, MTN, First Bank, United Bank of Africa and more.
He, however, called on them to take ownership of the tourism and hospitality sectors for sustainability.
“We are experiencing a rebirth. We are here to speak to the ignition of community spirit, to speak to the community of Africa, and what we are ready to offer the world.
“The dance party on the streets tells the story. The Carnival is allegorical, it is didactic, it is educational, it is theatre for development.
“No wonder Afreximbank, Arias IIP, the IAI International Insurance, MTN, First Bank, UBA are here as sponsors. We thank you for this, but we believe that we can take over this sector and run with it for sustainability, competition, and appreciation by the communities,” he said.
Also speaking, Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi commended Gov. Otu for uniting the people of Cross River through the Carnival.
“This is a historic event. Here, I can see love, understanding, compassion, and liberty.
“Your excellency, Gov. Otu, your leadership style has paid off, and I must commend you for unlocking the potentials in the youths. You are actually taking the lead,” he said.
Also, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara said: “I am glad to be back here. I am witnessing sustainability and progress here.
“This puts Nigeria on the global map, and it improves the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the State. This is a beautiful day, so let us celebrate.”
Physically challenged steal the show at Carnival Calabar
Meanwhile, the 2024 edition of Calabar Carnival witnessed a celebration of inclusion on Saturday as some physically challenged individuals participated in the event’s street party and competitive challenge.
The carnival, known for its vibrant costumes, energetic performances, and infectious music, showcased the talents of no fewer than 25 physically challenged individuals, promoting a message of inclusion and empowerment.
The individuals took turns to showcase their talents, defying expectations and inspiring the crowd.
Sax Gambo, leader of the group known as Paradise City Para Soccer Players, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that participating in the carnival was a form of empowerment for the group.
“Revellers get to know that they can also feature in cultural events.
I thank the Calabar Carnival Commission for making the physically challenged have some sense of belonging.
“Honestly, we feel valued and respected participating in the carnival. This is a way of creating a fair, equitable, and just society.
“This is our fourth year participating in the carnival, we are looking forward to another edition in 2025. In spite of covering the 12km parade route, we are not tired,” he said.
Also, Aliu Umar, a member of the group, expressed excitement at his participation in the street party.
“Assuming we were left out of this colourful event, I would have felt really bad,” he said.
Some of the physically challenged individuals during the street party in Calabar yesterday
Bassey Otu of Cross River with other dignitaries during the unveiling of the 2024 Calabar Carnival street party in Calabar, yesterday
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