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From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Governor Bassey Otu, has said the annual Carnival Calabar festival is now part of the identity of Cross River State .
Senator Otu, represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, made this known while flagging off the second dry run in preparation of the festival.
The governor who also unveiled the official mascot and introduced a new Diasporan Band for the festival described the moment as “another iconic chapter” in the state’s two-decade journey of building a world-class cultural and tourism brand.
“This design symbolises the pride and identity of the Cross River people. Africa’s biggest street party, Carnival Calabar, has become part of our identity, part of our history, and will stay with us for the rest of our lives.”
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He stated that the celebration, which is guided by this year’s carnival theme, “Traces of Time,” explores the historical and cultural journey of the Cross River people.
On the Diaspora band, Gabriel Onah, chairman of the State Carnival Commission, said: “We’re unveiling the Carnival Calabar Diasporan Band with their unique theme that ties directly to ‘Traces of Time.
“They are speaking to the pains of history and the desire to reconcile.
“I call on all Diasporans around the world — including myself — to join the Diasporan Band and help chart a new direction for Carnival Calabar,” he said.
