Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has called on Africans to be united
in other to help the continent win back her rightful position in the world.
Speaking during the flag off the first dry run of the 2018 Carnival Calabar
on Sunday, Ayade who was represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ivara Esu, said
that this year’s celebration marks the 14th anniversary of the carnival.
The governor, who disclosed that the theme of the 2018 Carnival is
`Africanism`, described the carnival as `the largest street party in
Africa.’
He said that the time has come for Africans to show unity among themselves
and the commitment to be respected by other nations of the world.
The carnival, according to him, has over the years promoted talent and
creativity, while at the same time uniting the people of Cross River and
Nigeria in general.
“Today, we are flagging off the 14th annual Carnival Calabar, the largest
street party ever; the greatest show in Africa.
“So much has been done to showcase what the theme is all about. The time
has come for Africa to be of age where the black man is seen as a symbol of
integrity.
“If Africans can get themselves together and shun fraud, drug peddling and
other forms of heinous crimes and vices, we will win back our position and
compete favourably with other colours in the world.
“All we need to do is to change our attitude and believe in ourselves. We
hope that the bands will take time to espouse the theme and tell the story
of Africa and the need to respect our continent,’’ he said.
The governor disclosed that his administration has done a lot in bringing
understanding to the carnival through the interpretation of the Carnival
themes.
Mr Gabe Onah, Chairman, Calabar Carnival Commission, said that the state
had sustained the hosting of the largest street party in Africa for a
record 14 years.
Onah lauded the efforts of the people of Cross River and the participants
for coming out en mass for the dry run
“We are here to make a difference in this year’s carnival with the theme
`Africanism’. The dry run signifies the commencement of the carnival.
“It tracks the system on the 12 kilometres routes and engages the
community positively,’’ he said.
The five carnival bands which include Seagull, Master Blaster, Passion 4,
Freedom and Bayside will be participating in this year’s carnival.
The participants were beautifully dressed in different attires, while
security was mounted along the carnival routes.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included, Speaker of the state Assembly, Mr
John Gaul-Lebo, Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa, members of the state executive
council among others.
Photo: Cross River State Deputy Governor, Professor Ivara Esu, flanked on
the left by rep of Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs Inameti, Chairman
Carnival Calabar Band, Sen. Florence Ita Giwa(R) and other top officials of
the state government and sponsors at the flag off of Carnival Calabar 1st
dry run in Calabar, yesterday.