First Calabar Carnival dry-run 2024 parades physically challenged persons in bands
The first Calabar Carnival Dry-Run in 2024 shadowing the biggest street party in Africa was unique as persons living with disability join bands that caravanned on scheduled routes in Calabar on Sunday 13.
Governor Bassey Edet Otu who kicked-off the festival said that 2024 Calabar Carnival will be better than previous events acknowledging the efforts of competing and non-competing bands to take the carnival to the next level and improve patronage which in turn would rob-off on the state’s revenue earnings from tourism.
Otu represented by Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem reiterated the commitment of the state to make the 20th Anniversary of the Calabar Carnival started by Donald Duke, the former Governor, a unique and memorable event.
All the competing bands including Bayside, Seagull, Calavegas, Passion 4, Masta Blasta, Freedom and Diamond graced the Dry-Run parade.
Her Excellency, Mrs. Onari Duke, wife of Mr. Donald Duke was among the dignitaries that witnessed the show which began from the Millennium Park. Mr. Gabe Onah Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Calabar Commission implored participants to use the occasion to express their “Shared Responsibilities” which is the theme of 2024 Carnival Calabar which is planned to be Bigger and Better as stated by the Governor at the unveiling of the 2024 Carnival theme held on the 24th of March at the Pearl Hall, Transcorp Hotel in Calabar.
The choice of the theme for this years Carnival Calabar was among others, meant to change mindset of people not to be a source of pain to another person but radiate love and joy in our relationships with others.
By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)
