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From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has stated that everyone must be included in the economic, social, and cultural prosperity of the world.
Governor Otu made the call during the flag-off of the 2024 Carnival Calabar, which has the theme “Our Shared Prosperity.”
According to the governor, “This year’s theme is ‘Our Shared Prosperity’ and is actually international in nature because we have the global audience here, people of all continents.
“It is to tell everyone that there is a need to bring economic, social, and cultural prosperity into what we are doing so that our people will share,” the governor said.
Governor Otu expressed his humility in celebrating nearly two decades of the Carnival Calabar and thanked successive governors of the state for preserving what former governor Donald Duke initiated.
He also suggested that a new band called the Diaspora Band may be introduced in future celebrations to cater to people in the diaspora.
Gab Onah, the Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, noted that they have worked tirelessly since the start of the millennium to transform the state’s narrative, and they are beginning to see the results.
He added that this year’s event is another testament to their efforts to unite the world, spread love, and foster peaceful coexistence.
Several dignitaries attended the 2024 flag-off, including the Cross River State Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, and Aisha Buhari, the wife of former president Muhammadu Buhari.
Six competing bands — Freedom, Bayside, Passion 4, Seagull, Master Blasta, and Diamond Band — will vie to displace last year’s winner, Calas Vagas, in the 2024 fiesta.
Among other criteria, the bands will be judged based on their interpretation of the Carnival’s theme.
Fifty million naira is up for grabs, with the winner taking home the star prize of 10 million naira, while 40 million naira will be distributed across other distinct categories.
