By Chinelo Obogo
The Chief of Staff to Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, Emmanuel Ironbar, has commended the organisation of the 2024 edition of Carnival Calabar, describing it as a catalyst for socioeconomic and cultural growth for the state and Nigeria at large.
Ironbar gave the commendation at the flag-off of the 2024 Carnival Calabar festival over the weekend in Calabar.
Speaking on the theme, “Our Shared Prosperity,” Ironbar said, “The theme could not be more apt as it seeks to tell the whole world that there is a need to integrate the economic, social, and cultural elements into what we are doing in order to achieve a shared prosperity for Cross Riverians.”
Ironbar stated that Governor Otu is delighted that it is during his administration that the Carnival marks its 20th anniversary, which he noted is worthy of celebration. He praised the administrations of Governors Liyel Imoke and Ben Ayade for sustaining the legacy of their predecessor, Donald Duke, saying, “The vision has put Cross River on a global map of international tourism destinations.”
He added that Carnival Calabar is Cross River’s unique way of telling its story to the world, hinting that the global audience has recognised the state not only as a tourism destination but also as an investment hub.