The 2024 Carnival Calabar was a star-studded event, attracting dignitaries from across Nigeria and the globe.
Hajia Aisha Buhari, wife of the immediate past president of Nigeria, and her children, were in attendance, along with the governors of Kwara and Kogi, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq and Ahmed Usman Ododo. Representatives from the European Union and the United Nations also graced the occasion.
The event’s theme, “Our Shared Prosperity,” was hailed by Cross River State Governor Prince Bassey Otu as internationally engaging, given the diverse audience in attendance.
Otu emphasised the need to build economic, social, and cultural prosperity, and applauded the initiators of Carnival Calabar, including former governors Donald Duke, Liyel Imoke, and Prof. Ben Ayade.
He said “The theme of this year is ‘Our Shared Prosperity.’ That shared prosperity is actually internationally engaging because we have the global audience right here; we have people from all continents of the world right here.
“There is a need to build economic, social, and cultural prosperity into what we are doing for our people to share,” Otu said.
He assured that his administration would continue to build and add value to the event, informing that in the coming year, a Diaspora band would be introduced.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara State praised the event for putting Nigeria on the map and boosting the state’s internally generated revenue.
“This program puts Nigeria on the map because it is a global event. What we don’t realize is the improved internally generated revenue of the state. If I look at it from the economic angle, not just the cultural angle, you see people talking about spending December in Lagos, but this is here to stay.
“Hopefully, next year, people will need to spend some days in Calabar before going back to Lagos; that is the joy of it all,” he assured.
The governor of Kogi State also lauded Governor Otu’s leadership, evident in the energy and commitment displayed by participants and residents.
The carnival featured a 12-kilometer route, where competing and non-competing bands entertained the crowd while interpreting the theme.
This year’s event is part of the 32-day Calabar Festival, which includes various activities such as a boat regatta, choir competition, and beauty contests.
The Chairman of the Carnival Commission, Mr. Gab Onah, acknowledged the contributions of the sponsors of this year’s edition, including Afrexim Bank, MTN, Zenith Bank, Arise, International Energy Insurance Company, DSTV, and First Bank, among others.
