• Unveils 2024 Carnival theme
Governor Bassey Otu has pledged that no stone would be left unturned to make Cross River State an investment haven for those wishing to berth their tourism related investments.
He spoke when he was joined by his Kwara State counterpart, Alhaji AbdulRaham AbdulRazaq, represented by his deputy, Kayode Alabi and the first daughter of President Bola Tinubu, Dr. Mujidat Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, to unveil the 2024 Carnival Calabar theme entitled: “Our Shared Prosperity” amidst spectacle of performances in the Pearl Hall of the Transcop Hotel, Calabar.
Governor Otu described the theme unveiling ceremony as more than just the beginning of preparations for the Carnival. “It is also a symbolic unbundling of the various shades of spectacles that await tourists and fun-seekers during the 32-day action-packed festivities.”
The Carnival which holds on December 27 every year has become an asset to national growth and international tourism product since 2005. Otu expressed his delight that over the years, the Carnival has become a tool for social re-engineering, arts renaissance and economic growth.
He declared that the phenomenon which the yearly fiesta has become has left his administration with no option than to make it even bigger and better.
“The activities of the Carnival Calabar and Christmas Festival are tangible assets that have given the state global acclaim as a prime tourism destination in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.”
The theme unveiling ceremony had in attendance leaders of the seven competing bands of the Carnival, the Director General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Folorunsho Coker who was represented; the President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) Mr. Nkereuwem Onung; Ikechi Uko of the Akwaba fame amongst other dignitaries within and outside the state.
Former minister for tourism, Chief Edem Duke commended Governor Otu for bringing vigour into the Carnival in his few months in office.
Duke, leader of the Calasvegas Band that won the first prize for overall best competing band, also called on the Federal Government to adopt Carnival Calabar as a federal tourism project that fits the marketing bill and should be used to brand the the image of country.
Chairman of the Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Unah disclosed that the state Carnival Commission has secured a partnership with the European Cultural Center, adding the carnival globally is marketed through channels.