Calabar, Nigeria – In an effort to exhibit its abundant cultural heritage in alignment with the longstanding Carnival Calabar tradition, a total of 18 states from across Nigeria graced the Calabar cultural carnival on Thursday.
Additionally, the 18 local government areas of Cross River also took part in the event with their distinct costumes, showcasing their cultural prowess while embodying this year’s theme, “Our Shared Prosperity.”
Commencing the festivities at the Millennium Park in Calabar, Governor Prince 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 Commission, Mr Gabe Onah, emphasised 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, epitomises the essence of Cross Riverians. It embodies our culture, characterised 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.
In attendance were representatives from Adamawa, Kogi, Kebbi, Akwa Ibom, Niger, Ebonyi, Edo, Delta, and Osun states, alongside the 18 local government areas of the state, among others.
The event attracted members of the National Assembly, representatives from financial institutions, members of the state executive council, and council chairpersons.