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From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The Cross River State governor Senator Bassey Otu says everyone has to be carried along in the economic, social and cultural prosperity in the world.
Governor Otu made the call during the flagged off of the 2024 Carnival Calabar which has the theme: “Our shared prosperity.”
“It is to tell everyone that there is need to bring the economic, social and cultural prosperity into what we are doing so that our people will share,” he said.
Governor Otu said he was humbled to be celebrating about two decades of the Carnival Calabar and thanked succeeding governors of the state for holding on to what former governor Donald Duke started.
He also indicated that a new band called Diaspora Band may be added in future celebrations to cater for the people in the Diaspora.
Gab Onah, chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission said they have laboured since the start of the millennium to change our story and they are beginning to see the fruits.
He added that this year’s event is another testimony of their humble effort to unite the world, give love and help foster peaceful coexistence.
Several dignitaries graced 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 comprising Freedom, Bayside, Passion 4, Seagull, Master Blasta and Diamond Band are seeking to displace last year’s winner Calas Vagas in the 2024 fiesta.
Among other criteria, the bands will be judged based on the interpretation of the theme of the Carnival.
N50 million is up for grabs while the winner takes home the Star Prize of N10 million, N40 million will be spread and calibrated into other distinct categories.
