Cross River government promises residents, tourists spectacular Carnival Calabar as 3rd/final dry run wind down trials

The Cross River State Government has assured fun seekers, carnival enthusiasts, and the public of a grand and vibrant Carnival Calabar festival as final preparations for the highly anticipated event peak.

Speaking while flagging off the third Carnival Calabar dry run on Sunday at the popular Calabar Cenotaph, Cross River Governor, Senator Bassey Otu expressed confidence in delivering an unforgettable experience, highlighting the lineup of colorful parades, musical performances, cultural displays, and other festivities that have hyped the carnival’s image as Africa’s largest street party.

Otu represented by the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi urged residents and visitors to participate fully, emphasizing the event’s role in boosting tourism and showcasing the state’s rich heritage. “Security measures and logistics have been meticulously planned to ensure a seamless celebration,” he assured.

In his address, the Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, said that in line with this year’s theme, ‘Our Shared Prosperity,’ the 2024 Carnival Calabar and festival has been carefully planned to give visitors, viewers, and the general public an unforgettable experience.

He said that considering the cumbersomeness of traversing the 12-kilometer carnival route by the various bands to provide the carnival with world-class entertainment, safety measures have been put in place to address any accidents or eventualities and, more importantly, to align with international best practices.

Speaking on the safety of participating bands, the representative of International Energy Insurance, Esheru Osime assured the over 15,000 revelers who would be entertaining the world along the 12-kilometer route that adequate compensation measures have been put in place to cater for participants in case of accident, eventualities, or even death.

The Executive Director of Yanga Games, Clement Nyambialso, revealed that during the festivity, three lucky persons would be going home with a whopping 10 million naira through a raffle draw. He enjoined those interested in the raffle game to get their tickets via www.calabargames.com or at the Christmas Village in Calabar Municipal Council premises.

The Carnival Calabar and Festival activities began on December 1, 2024, with the symbolic lighting of the towering Christmas tree at the Calabar Cenotaph by the Governor, preceded by the walk against HIV/AIDS and the official opening of the Christmas village.

According to Nsa Gill, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, tourists and fun seekers from across Nigeria and around the world have been flocking to Nigeria’s first capital, Calabar to savour the mirthfulness that characterize the Carnival Calabar and Festival.

By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)