by crossriverwatch admin
Nigerian movie stars have indicated their interest in owning a band at the annual Calabar Festival and Carnival.
Also, the 2013 edition of the Carnival will take on a more international flavor with more countries such as Brazil, France, Ghana, Rwanda and Egypt indicating that they will be sending bands to the Carnival.
This was revealed at a pre-event press conference that took place at the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort at the weekend.
Speaking on behalf of a large contingent of moving stars who graced the event, Uti Nwachukwu informed the governor that the Nollywood stars will want to own their own band at the festival.
Speaking at the interactive session Governor Liyel Imoke, explained that Calabar Carnival is of tremendous value to Cross River State and Nigeria.
“The truth about Nigeria is expressed in Carnival Calabar because it does not discriminate”, the governor explained.
Continuing, he said: “This (Carnival Calabar) is the reflection of Nigeria, the beauty of Nigeria, its uniqueness in design and presentation and like Nollywood, it can change the image of Nigeria.
“There is opportunity for a partnership to grow the Carnival and the private sector especially finance houses need to understand and invest in the creative industry because of its potentials.”
According to him, “The partnership can boost the local economy and promote the Cross River brand”.
On the charity content of Carnival Calabar, Imoke explained that the office of his wife, Mrs. Obioma Liyel Imoke handles it through an array of activities, adding that a lot comes out of it and would want the press to understand it and project it collectively as a brand.
He described Carnival Calabar as a perfect brand because of its value.
Mrs. Obioma Liyel Imoke, wife of the state governor explained that the 32 Day Calabar fiesta is preceded by a six kilometer HIV/AIDS International Day walk meant to create awareness as well as kick against stigmatization.
According to her, there is a series of programs packaged to raise money for abandoned children, young mothers while the Carnival Calabar Queen is picked as tourism ambassador for the young ones and her responsibility includes visiting schools to advice students against premarital sex.
Mr. Nzan Ogbe, Special Adviser Governor’s Office, said the carnival has over the years become an iconic product which has attained a global acceptance because people all over the world participate.
Ogbe explained that as a variety of activities, it includes charity show, sports, culture, dance, singing and a carnival which is reported to be The Biggest Street Party in Africa which is the icing on the cake.
He promised that this year’s festival will be bigger and better than the previous events with participants from Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil, Cameroon, Rwanda and some West African Countries.
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