Governor LIYEL Imoke of Cross River State has said everything has been put in place to ensure 2012 Carnival Calabar becomes one of the greatest events in Africa and beyond.
Speaking while unveiling the theme of this year’s Carnival at the Millennium Park, Calabar, Imoke disclosed that the first edition of the dry run (mock carnival) mark the series of events to lead the Carnival Calabar proper.
Imoke who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Obioma Liyel Imoke, gave kudos to both out gone and incoming members of the state Carnival Commission for introducing what will help the state realize its vision of a carnival that will grow from strength to strength and outgrow already established carnivals across the world.
The governor further disclosed that the carnival which has the theme,” Celebrating A New Dawn”, has a new team spirit with the active participation of the private sector which is expected to take over when the dream is fully realized.
According to Imoke, “as we celebrate great hope and expectation, we will combine a number of things to make Carnival Calabar a World Class brand”.
He therefore called on all stakeholders to ensure that the carnival produces and delivers the greatest show in Africa.
Earlier, the Chairman, Cross River State Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, disclosed that a new dimension has been introduced into the carnival in effort to take it to the next level.
Onah maintained that there is a strong Public Private Partnership in the 2012 carnival which makes it more exciting than ever as a lot of surprises have been introduced to make it the first of its kind.
He commended leadership and members of the state house of assembly for their support to ensure that the state becomes a destination of choice through its tourism programmes.
The five competitive bands Bayside Band (Blue), Passion Four(Green), Seagulls Band (Red), Master Blasta(Orange) and Freedom Band (Yellow) participated in the mock carnival while security, Department of Public Transportation were at hand to ensure things were in order.