A former minister for tourism, High Chief Edem Duke has urged the federal government to adopt the annual Calabar Carnival and turn it into a federal tourism project to buoy up the country’s image and revenue earning.
Duke, a foremost tourism expert believes that considering the gains currently being made through the Calabar Carnival, the country can be rebranded if the federal government does the right thing with the project.
Calabar Carnival was started in 2005 by Donald Duke, a former governor of Cross River State and has been sustained by successive governors. On Tuesday, the state governor, Senator Bassey Otu unveiled the theme for this year’s carnival.
It was at the event that Duke, leader of Calasvegas Band that won the first prize for overall best competing band in the 2023 edition of the festival, made the call, even as he hailed Otu for taking steps to keep the carnival fire burning, very early into the life of his new government.
The governor himself spoke in the same vein, when he said described the Carnival Calabar as an asset to Nigeria’s tourism industry. The theme for the 2024 carnival is “our Shared prosperity”
Also present at the event was the Kwara State deputy governor, Kayode Alabi, as well as the first daughter of President Bola Tinubu, Dr. Mujidat Folashade Tinubu.
Otu expressed his delight that over the years, the Carnival had become a tool for social re-engineering, arts Renaissance and economic growth.
“the activities of the Carnival Calabar and Christmas Festival are tangible assets that have given the state global acclaim as a prime tourism destination in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.The phenomenon the yearly fiesta has over the years leave his administration with no option than to make it even bigger and better.”
He described the unveiling ceremony as more than just the beginning of preparations for the Carnival, but also a symbolic unbundling of the various shades of spectacles that await tourists and fun-seekers during the 32-day, action-packed festivities known as the Carnival Calabar and Festival.
He said his administration acknowledges the value of security of live and property and no stone will be left unturned in making Cross River State safe haven residents and potential investors wishing to berth their tourism related investments in the state.
Otu maintained that the carnival would not have grown in leaps and bounds without the untiring efforts of the competing and non-competing bands.
“Their leadership quality, creativity and other forms of sterling virtues have contributed in no small measures to create some exciting contents for television viewership and sponsors.”
The ceremony also had in attendance, leaders of the seven competing Carnival bands , the Director General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Folorunsho Coker who was represented at the event; the President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, FTAN Mr. Nkereuwem Onung as well as Ikechi Uko of the Akwaba fame amongst other dignitaries within and outside the State graced the ceremony.
The Chairman of the Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Unah disclosed that the state carnival commission has secured a partnership with the European Cultural center, adding that carnival globally is marketed through channels.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser Events Management to the Governor, Mr. Effiong Ekpenyong said “arising from last year’s edition, we are upbeat that the theme for 2024 Carnival Carnival will generate even greater momentum and galvanize much greater excitement from different stakeholders involved in the management of the yearly festival.”
