18 States participate in Calabar Cultural Carnival

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

No fewer than 18 states from across Nigeria have participated in the Calabar cultural carnival in Cross River state.

The Nations News Nigeria reports that 18 local government areas of Cross River State also took part in the event with their distinct costumes, showcasing their cultural prowess.

It was gathered that the theme of this year’s cultural carnival is “Our Shared Prosperity.”

Speaking on the festivities at the Millennium Park in Calabar, Governor Bassey Otu urged the participants to seize the opportunity presented by the escalated prizes for winners to display their utmost talents.

“Today marks a significant day in the carnival calendar, and the spectacle commences now as we unveil our rich cultural heritage.

“I extend a warm welcome to all our collaborators and stakeholders, as we are poised to witness unprecedented displays,”expressed Otu.

He further stated, “I pledged last year to introduce enhancements to our offerings, and I believe we have delivered on that promise.”

Unveiling the new incentives, the governor announced that his administration has augmented the prizes this year to ensure heightened competition, with plans for further enhancements in the upcoming year.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Carnival the Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, emphasized that the cultural carnival serves as a promotional tool for the state’s tourism, which encapsulates the essence of the people’s culture.

He articulated, “Our shared prosperity, the central theme of this year’s carnival, epitomizes the essence of Cross Riverians. It embodies our culture, characterized by our ability to extend warmth and hospitality to others.”

Onah, highlighting that “our culture is the foundation on which our tourism thrives,”underscored that Cross River’s tourism potential aims to ignite a sense of community spirit.

The event witnessed participants showcasing their cultural legacy along the carnival routes, pausing at three evaluation points to demonstrate their rich talents while embodying this year’s theme.