By Our Correspondent
Preparatory to the 10th edition of Africa’s Biggest Street Party, Carnival Calabar, Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State has flagged off the mock event with the theme, “Celebration Time”, in Calabar.
Speaking at the ceremony which was recently announced as the “Best Event in West Africa” by tourism observers, the Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Mr. Efiok Cobham stated that this year’s event is significant to the life of the administration as it will serve as a hallmark celebration to usher in the next government.
“Ten years is no mean feat. For us, Carnival Calabar has grown bigger and bigger as we promised Cross Riverians and Nigerians when we came on board in 2007. With our vision of institutionalizing the event, by allowing private sector to be the main drivers while government regulates, there is greater hope that this Carnival will grow in lips and bound.” He pointed.
He averred that the institutionalization of the annual festival which is still been test run following the formation of the Carnival Calabar Band Associations who are now the main drivers of the event, restating that, “Last year you said it was the biggest, this year is going to be extra ordinary.”
While thanking the few private organizations who have discovered the event as one of the major brands in the country to invest in, the governor maintained that, “There is no other mega brand than the Carnival, if you want to enjoy visibility in your business then carnival is the best deal.”
Chairman Carnival Calabar Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, said, “Today the private sector has taken full ownership of the celebration with the band enjoying enormous sponsorship, stressing that this year’s event will be fireworks.”
Chairman, Carnival Calabar Bands Association, Sen. Florence Ita Giwa who was extremely excited about the level of sponsorship the association has enjoyed so far following the legal frame work put in place by the government, said that she was particularly challenged to observed that despite the financial challenges the state has faced over the years, it has remained consistent and committed to the actualization of its tourism drive.
While announcing the fruits of the private sector participation in the event so far to the tune of N15 million donation from the Nigeria Ports Authority and a brand new Hilux van, donated by the SCOA (Nig) Ltd, Ita Giwa maintained that the proceeds and other donations were used in acquiring a befitting office for the bands which is a normal practice by any standard carnival organizers globally.
Mrs. Obioma Liyel Imoke latter presented the utility vehicles donated by SCOA to the Carnival Calabar Band Association.
follow us on twitter @crossriverwatch
Short Link:
Since You Are Here, Support Good JournalismCrossRiverWatch was founded on the ideals of deploying tech tools to report in an ethical manner, news, views and analysis with a narrative that ensures transparency in governance, a good society and an accountable democracy. Everyone appreciates good journalism but it costs a lot of money. Nonetheless, it cannot be sacrificed on the altar of news commercialisation. Consider making a modest contribution to support CrossRiverWatch's journalism of credibility and integrity in order to ensure that all have continuous free access to our noble endeavor. CLICK HERE |
New Feature: Don't miss any of our news again.Get all our articles in your facebook chat box.Click the Facebook Messenger Icon below to subscribe now
Text Advert by CRWatch :Place Yours
Will You To Learn How To Make Millions Of Naira Making Special Creams From Your Kitchen?.Click Here
Expose Your Business And Make More Sales. Advertise On CrossRiverWatch.com Today
2 commentsOn Imoke Flags Off 10th Carnival Calabar Activities
Aha, school leavers are still waiting for their WAEC results. Abi, no be so? A failed government of misplaced priorities.
Pleasure is wat C/River is known for.Woe to all dis leaders who find joy in pleasure leaving other serious issues of the masses aside