By Akpan David, Calabar
The governors of Kwara and Kogi states, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq and Ahmed Usman Ododo have rated the overall organization of this year’s Calabar Carnival far better.
They did the rating weekend as the one month carnival climaxes with the 12 km parade of the major bands and traditional troupes.
Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq lauded Governor Bassey Otu for sustaining and adding more creativity and style to the annual event.
According to AbdulRasaq, the event puts Nigeria on the map as it is now a global event and improves 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,” the Kwara governor assured.
The governor of Kogi State said the commitment displayed by participants and residents of the state made the carnival very promising.
Governor Otu affirmed that this year’s theme, “Our Shared Prosperity,” remains internationally engaging, considering the global audience in attendance at the event.
“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.
The governor applauded his predecessor, Donald Duke who initiated the Carnival Calabar as well as former governors Liyel Imoke and Prof. Ben Ayade, for sustaining the carnival.
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.
The revelers, including the competing and non-competing bands entertained the crowds while interpreting the theme at the various adjudication points.
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