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Tag: Calabar Carnival

  • C’River moves to restructure Calabar Carnival after 20 years

    C’River moves to restructure Calabar Carnival after 20 years

    The Cross River Government has put plans in motion to restructure the annual Calabar Carnival after 20 years of existence.

    Nsa Gill, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, said this in a statement to newsmen in Calabar on Sunday.

    He said that the Gov. Bassey Otu-led government had setup a 13-member carnival review committee headed by Chief Edem Duke, a former Minister of Culture.

    Gill said that the review committee had a 10-point terms of reference, and that its report would be delivered within two weeks.

    According to him, the essence of the review is to improve the standard of the carnival, and to align it with global trends in tourism product development and repackaging.

    “The review is aimed at restructuring the carnival, which showcases one of the world’s finest display of arts, culture, and tradition.

    “The committee is also to review the past 20 years of the carnival in order to identify the high points and the low points.

    “The committee is to identify the success factors of the last 20 years, restructure the bands as a creative entity, and explore organic ways of improving the carnival,” the statement read in parts.

    The governor’s aide further said that the committee would advise the government on how to improve regulations and the organisation of the event to align with world best practices.

    “Another task of the committee is to harness marketing opportunities in order to improve funding, and to give the event its deserved international visibility.

    It would be recalled that the Calabar Carnival was initiated in 2005 by the administration of Donald Duke, a  former governor of the state.

  • Bikers thrill revellers with breathtaking stunts at Calabar Carnival

    Bikers thrill revellers with breathtaking stunts at Calabar Carnival

    No fewer than 200 bikers on Sunday thrilled revellers with spectacular and breathtaking stunts during the Bikers’ Parade session of the 2024 Carnival Calabar, held in Calabar, Cross River.

    The bikers covered the 12km distance of the carnival route, exciting fun seekers. Also, revellers in their numbers stood at strategic locations to watch different interesting acrobatic maneuvers by the bikers.

    The entire process was a visual feast, with riders showcasing their skills and stunts like; ‘wheelies’, ’stoppies’, and ‘jumps’, on a variety of high-performance power bikes.

    Adorned with colourful outfits and gleaming chrome, the bikers added a touch of glamour to the proceedings.

    As the riders revved their engines and performed daring manoeuvres, the crowd remained mesmerised by the display of speed, agility and balance.

    It was a celebration of the passion and camaraderie that defines the biking community in the city of Calabar. The event provided a platform for bikers to connect, share stories, and showcase their machines.

    It also provided an opportunity for bikers to interact with the community, promoting a sense of unity and shared passion.

    Nigeria’s fastest female biker, Aisha Vatsa, popularly known as “Flygirl”, who participated in the parade said it was extremely exciting for her as biking remained her hobby.

    Vatsa, who is the National Secretary of Metallic Knights Motorcycle Club, said she participated in the parade to enlighten on the touristic and health benefits of biking.

    She said the main aim of the club was to promote biking through the carnival platform as they desire that Calabar should be known globally as the bikers’ hub.

    According to her, this can be achieved with the excellent road network, beautiful weather and the hospitable people of Calabar.

    While Vasta appreciated Gov. Bassey Otu for giving bikers the needed visibility in the course of the carnival, she also harped on safe riding.

    “We want to give our thanks to His Excellency, Gov. Otu, we are excited to keep this carnival going. And the main focus for us, the metallic knights, is we ride safe, we promote safe riding,” she said.

    “I have been riding power-bikes for over 20 years, and I have been to Ghana, Benin Republic and Ivory Coast with my power-bike, and I aspire to visit South Africa and Europe soon.

    Nformi Leonard, a member of the Metallic Knights Motorcycle Club, said he rode on power-bike from Abuja to Calabar to participate at the carnival.

    “Biking, for us, is a form of releasing that adrenaline. When we are stressed, we go on bike and we feel very refreshed. We just want to have fun here,” he said.

  • Calas Vegas emerges winner of 2024 Calabar Carnival

    Calas Vegas emerges winner of 2024 Calabar Carnival

    The Calas Vegas carnival band has emerged winner of the 2024 Calabar Carnival. The band, which had also clinched the first position during the 2023 Calabar Carnival, beat six other bands to emerge overall winner again in 2024.

    This was announced after the Carnival Street party as the bands were adjudged by teams of adjudicators at four different performance points.

    The bands had caught the attention of the revellers through their beautiful costumes and well presented electrifying performances.

    Seagull band clinched the second position, while Bayside band secured the third position. The seven competitive and seven non-competitive bands were made to cover a 12km carnival parade from the Millennium Park through the Mary Slessor Avenue to the UJ Esuene Stadium.

    The competitive bands were: Passion 4, Freedom, Bayside, Calas Vegas, Masta Blasta, Seegull, and Diamond bands.

    Each band displayed performances in accordance with the theme of the carnival: “Our Shared Prosperity.”

    Passion 4 Carnival Band, 11-time winner of the Calabar Carnival, which donned green and pink dominated attire, presented an electrifying performance, harping on the need for happiness in the land.

    In dramatic and engaging displays, Seagull Carnival Band harped on the need for peaceful coexistence to achieve prosperity and progress.

    The two-time winner of Calabar Carnival competitive challenge harped on the essence of good legislation, food security, seamless transport system, welfare scheme, and education.

    Diamond Carnival Band focused on the significance of peaceful coexistence, stressing that this would go a long way in attracting investors to  the country and the state.

    In melodramatic form, the team displayed the message of welcoming visitors and investors.

    Freedom Carnival Band in satirical performance, advocated for economic diversification and equitable resource distribution.

    Bayside Carnival Band on the other hand explored a sub-theme: “Our culture, our strength,” as they projected the rich culture of the Oyono community of Cross River.

    For the cultural carnival among states, Akwa-Ibom state emerged winner, Osun became the first runner up while Delta emerged the second runner up.

    In the Local Government Areas category, Yakurr won, Calabar South bagged second position while Odukpani came third.

    For the Junior Carnival, Calas Vegas band also emerged winner, while Seagull band clinched the second position, and Bayside secured the third position.

    The carnival, which featured three dry runs in Oct. before the main carnival, attracted revellers from states across Nigeria and international tourists.

  • PHOTO: Aisha Buhari makes first public appearance after leaving Aso Rock

    PHOTO: Aisha Buhari makes first public appearance after leaving Aso Rock

    Former First Lady Aisha Buhari on Saturday made a stunning appearance at the 2024 Calabar Carnival Street Party with an impeccable style and elegance.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports this would be one of Mrs Buhari’s first public appearances after moving out of Aso Rock after the 8-year tenure of her husband, Muhammadu Buhari elapsed in 2023.

    Her presence at the 2024 Calabar Carnival Street Party on Saturday added a touch of sophistication to the carnival, renowned for its colourful costumes, mesmerising performances, and infectious energy.

    Mrs Buhari’s fashion sense was on point, as she donned a pink outfit that showcased her taste and style.

    The former first lady sat at the VIP area with other dignitaries to enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds as seven competitive and seven non-competitive bands thrilled revellers with series of performances.

    Her attendance at the carnival showed her commitment to promoting Nigerian culture.

    The event was also attended by Gov. AbdulRahman AbddulRasaq of Kwara and Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi, some National Assembly members and foreign countries’ ambassadors.

    Runtown, Iyanya thrill fans at Calabar Carnival Live Concert

    The UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar, Cross River, was abuzz with excitement on Friday night as Nigerian music sensations, Runtown and Iyanya, displayed electrifying performances at the 2024 Calabar Carnival Live Concert.

    The duo’s energetic performances were a perfect blend of their hit songs, infectious beats, and captivating stage presence. Runtown, known for his unique sound and style, performed some of his biggest hits, like “Mad Over You” and “For Life”.

    Iyanya, on the other hand, brought the stage down with his signature blend of R&B and Afrobeats, performing crowd-pleasers like “Kukere” , “Ur Waist” and more.

    The crowd was thoroughly entertained, singing along to every song and dancing. The energy was palpable, with fans waving their hands and screaming for more.

    A reveller, Kennedy Amadi, from Imo, in an interview with NAN said he deliberately travelled from Abuja, his base, to experience performances by Runtown and Iyanya. Amadi said he was not disappointed as he got value for his money after being entertained.

    Also, Jidenna Akpan who was attending a live concert for the first time, said she enjoyed every bit of the artistes’ energetic performances.

    “This is so interesting and I will be looking forward to the next edition of the carnival concert. Then,  I believe other artistes will be allowed to perform as well,” she said.

    For Frank Udo, meeting Runtown at the concert was the highlight of the carnival for him.

    Other up-and-coming artistes also performed to the excitement of the revellers.

  • Gov. Otu eyes new height for Calabar Carnival in 2025

    Gov. Otu eyes new height for Calabar Carnival in 2025

    Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has pledged to take  the Calabar Carnival global in 2025 to build on the event’s already impressive reputation as Africa’s biggest street party.

    Otu made the promise while declaring open the carnival’s street party on Saturday in Calabar.

    The street party would have seven competitive bands and seven non competitive bands engage in different forms of performances from the Millennium Park through to the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar.

    The 2024 Calabar Carnival, which began in November, is meant to run till Dec. 31 has its theme as “Our Shared Heritage.”

    The Carnival had witnessed three editions of dry run from October to test run how the carnival would be.

    The governor said, “Today is a great day in the Calendar history of Calabar. We are indeed very, very humbled that we are celebrating about two decades of this particular event.  And I know that we’ve been building and adding value daily.

    “The buyers have increased. And we know even next year, because the diaspora is pressing very, very hard, we might be able to add the diaspora band that will come on full strength.

    “But as Cross Riverians, we want to thank all those who have come, and we say come and live and share with us. I declare this open in the name of the Father, in the name of the Son, and in the name of the Holy Spirit.”

    Otu appreciated the dignitaries present as well as tourists across the nation, as he urged them to take out time to explore the tourism assets in Calabar.

    He commended the efforts of previous governors of the state for  sustaining the carnival over the years.

    “For those that are coming for the first time, please don’t go very quick, try and stay back and enjoy the full hospitality of our people.

    “Let me salute our forefathers. His Excellency Gov. Duke, His Excellency Gov. Imoke and Prof. Ben Ayade, for building on what was started by Governor Duke until it got here,” he said.

    Dr Gabe Onah, Chairman, Calabar Carnival Commission appreciated the various sponsors for the carnival, in the likes of: Afrixim Bank, Arias IIP, the IAI International Insurance, MTN, First Bank, United Bank of Africa and more.

    He, however, called on them to take ownership of the tourism and hospitality sectors for sustainability.

    “We are experiencing a rebirth. We are here to speak to the ignition of community spirit, to speak to the community of Africa, and what we are ready to offer the world.

    “The dance party on the streets tells the story. The Carnival is allegorical, it is didactic, it is educational, it is theatre for development.

    “No wonder Afrixim Bank, Arias IIP, the IAI International Insurance, MTN, First Bank,  UBA are here as sponsors. We thank you for this, but we believe that we can take over this sector and run with it for sustainability, competition, and appreciation by the communities,” he said.

    Also speaking, Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi commended Gov. Otu for uniting the people of Cross River  through the  carnival.

    “This is a historic event. Here, I can see love, understanding, compassion, and liberty.

    “Your excellency, Gov. Otu, your leadership style has paid off, and I must commend you for unlocking the potentials in the youths. You are actually taking the lead,” he said.

    Also, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara said, “I am glad to be back here. I am witnessing sustainability and progress here.

    ”This puts Nigeria on the global map, and it improves the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state. This is a beautiful day, so let us celebrate.”

    Physically challenged persons steal show at 2024 Calabar Carnival

    Meanwhile, the 2024 edition of Calabar Carnival witnessed a celebration of inclusion on Saturday as some physically challenged individuals participated in the event’s street party and competitive challenge.

    The carnival, known for its vibrant costumes, energetic performances, and infectious music, showcased the talents of no fewer than 25 physically challenged individuals, promoting a message of inclusion and empowerment.

    The individuals took turns to showcase their talents, defying expectations and inspiring the crowd.

    Sax Gambo, leader of the group known as Paradise City Para Soccer Players, disclosed that participating in the carnival was a form of empowerment for the group.

    “Revellers get to know that they can also feature in cultural events. I thank the Calabar Carnival Commission for making the physically challenged have some sense of belonging.

    “Honestly, we feel valued and respected participating in the carnival. This is a way of creating a fair, equitable, and just society.

    “This is our fourth year participating in the carnival, we are looking forward to another edition in 2025. In spite of covering 12km parade route, we are not tired.”

    Also, Aliu Umar, a member of the group, expressed excitement at his participation at the street party.

    “Assuming we were left out of this colourful event, I will feel really bad,” he said.

  • Ghana, Cameroon,15 states shine at 2023 cultural carnival in Calabar

    Ghana, Cameroon,15 states shine at 2023 cultural carnival in Calabar

    Cultural troupes from Ghana, Cameroon and 15 states in Nigeria were among those that shone at the 2023 Calabar Cultural Carnival on Wednesday.
    The event, which witnessed cultural performances from the 18 Local Government Areas of Cross River, had different cultural groups in colourful cultural attires.
    Declaring the event open, the Deputy Governor, Mr Peter Odey, said it was “one of its kind as it is happening in the season of sweetness”.
    In his remarks, Mr Gabe Onah, Chairman, Cross River Carnival Commission, said that out of the 22 states that expressed interest, 15 had arrived at the time of the flag-off of the cultural carnival.
    Onah listed states that were on ground to include Enugu, Kebbi, Edo, Rivers, Kaduna, Kwara, Yobe, Ondo, Ekiti and Akwa Ibom.

    “Today marks the bedrock of our tomorrow. Culture is what unites us. It is our true strength. We are live with over 15 million viewers on DSTV and other platforms.”

    In an interview the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), however, the leader of the Akwa Ibom continent, Ms Abigail Akpakip, said that the attendance was “a bit low due to the economic situation in the nation”.
    While commending the government of Cross River for a good organisation, Akpakip said the few states that were in attendance were passionate about showcasing their cultural heritage.
    Also, Mr Haruna Abu, leader of the  cultural troupe from Ondo State, said the carnival was an improvement from what they saw in the previous years.
    He added that they were okay with the logistics and accommodation for the troupes
    Recall that the performing states and local governments were judged at different adjudication points on the carnival route.
    The criteria for determining the best performing states included the costume, dance, use of time and presentation of the theme.
    Prizes are to be awarded to the best three states and local governments
  • Carnival Calabar: C’River govt gifts N1m grant to 10 hotels

    Carnival Calabar: C’River govt gifts N1m grant to 10 hotels

    By Wevole Ezin

    In its avowed determination to maintain its status as the preferred tourism destination in Nigeria and provide standard accommodation for the larger number of visitors expected at this year’s edition of Carnival Calabar, Cross River State government has given one million naira grant each to 10 hotels in the state capital, Calabar to enable them improve on their facilities.

    Presenting the award to the deserving hotels at Kada Cinema Studio 2, Marina Resort, Calabar Wednesday, the Managing Director of the state Tourism Bureau, Prince Ekpenyong Ojoi said the initiative, aptly named “Empowering Hotels, Investing in Excellence,” is a testament to the state government’s unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism and belief in the potential of its local businesses.

    While expressing gratitude to the state governor for his steadfast dedication to fulfilling promises outlined in the “People First” mantra, he said the award presentation is a tangible demonstration of his commitment to fostering economic growth and empowerment within the state.

    According to him, the 10 exceptional hotels were carefully selected based on their commendable efforts in staying up-to-date with licensing requirements and their potential for remarkable growth.

    “Today’s recognition is not merely a financial grant, it is a vote of confidence in your commitment to excellence, service quality, and the advancement of our state’s tourism landscape.

    “We acknowledge that the tourism industry thrives when our hospitality partners are thriving. It is in this spirit that we embark on this journey of empowerment, knowing that by investing in our hotels, we invest in the very essence of our tourism potential.”

    The Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem who described the gesture as a welcome development said this is what the hoteliers have been yearning for to enable them reposition and improve on their facilities.

    Ayambem, represented by the Minority Leader of the Assembly Hon Samuel Abang pledged the Assembly’s readiness to cooperate with the tourism industry in the area of law making to ensure its viability.

    “In terms of security, we are pushing had to ensure that our state return to what it used to be in the past. We have passed the Anti kidnapping law with death sentence as penalty among other good laws to ensure the safety and protection of our people.”

    The Commissioner for Tourism, Hon Abubakar Ewa who noted that the hospitality industry has suffered stagnation in the recent past, praised Governor Otu for the grant which he said will help them renovate their facilities in readiness to cater for the accommodation of the teeming human traffic expected in the state for its 32 days Christmas Festival including Carnival Calabar.

    One of the beneficiaries of the grant and Managing Director of Pyramid Hotel Calabar, Mr Charles Ogar thanked Otu for the grant which he said will go a long way to help in giving their hotels a facelift especially during this festive period.

  • Darkness reigns as poor lighting mars Calabar Carnival

    Darkness reigns as poor lighting mars Calabar Carnival

    Fun seekers who trooped out in their thousands to witness this year’s Calabar carnival have bemoaned the inability of the government to light up the city, especially the possession routes of the carnival.

    Some of the fun seekers spoke in separate interviews in Calabar on Wednesday at day six of the annual carnival.

    The respondents noted that the non-functional street lights on the routes robbed the carnival which started on a high note during the day of the shine it deserved.

    The 12km routes from Eleven Eleven Roundabout on the highway to Effio-Ette junction along Marian Road and down to the endpoint at the stadium.

    They noted that the government should have done better by ensuring the functionality of the street lights long before the carnival period.

    A respondent, Mr Pascal Bajie, an entrepreneur based in Calabar regretted that the 2022 edition of the carnival which last took place in 2019 lacked the usual glamour.

    He pointed out that before now the street lights that had only functioned occasionally for years, should have been fixed for the purpose of the carnival.

    According to him, I am actually disappointed in the government who are the organisers of the carnival, this amounts to a waste of time.

    “There is no fun because we can’t even record the procession this night because of non-functional street lights.”

    Similarly, Theresa Ogwu, who resides in Calabar said many of the fun seekers who came from outside the state would be greatly disappointed with this outcome.

    “The night activity was expected to be highly entertaining and fun to watch should there have been functional street lights.

    “You can see how poor the illumination is on the carnival routes. It wasn’t like this in previous editions and the government ought to know better.

    In previous editions, the street lights are usually turned on even before 6 pm but its 7:30 pm now and the lights are not on,” she told NAN.

    On his part, Mr Andy Akin, a visitor to the town, who also bemoaned the absence of street lights, said an international event like this that saw participants from no fewer than 14 countries should have better be organised.

    It would be recalled that the annual carnival which started during the administration of Donald Duke, has not been held for the past two years.

    The carnival was suspended in 2022 due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic while no reason was given for the carnival not holding in 2021.

    Efforts were still being made to put some facilities in place for the 2022 edition of the carnival which was hurriedly put up.

    The 2022 edition of the carnival on Tuesday suffered a tragic event when eight persons died and 29 were injured when a vehicle lost control and rammed into a crowd of onlookers during the day fifth day of the carnival.

  • Calabar Carnival tragedy: PDP condemns Ayade’s decision to proceed with activities

    Calabar Carnival tragedy: PDP condemns Ayade’s decision to proceed with activities

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned Gov. Ben Ayade’s decision to continue with the activities lined up for the annual Calabar Carnival after the death of eight persons on Tuesday.

    Mr Venatius Ikem, the State Chairman of the party, made the condemnation in a press statement made available to newsmen in Calabar on Wednesday.

    The eight deaths were recorded when a Camry Car lost control and rammed into a crowd of onlookers on day five activity of the carnival.

    Apart from the deaths, 29 others sustained various degrees of injuries and were rushed to Naval hospital and the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for medical attention.

    However, the Governor continued with the carnival on Tuesday night when he attended Miss Africa, a Beauty Pageant segment of the carnival.

    The PDP chairman described Ayade’s decision as a “singular action tantamount to rubbing salt on injuries.”

    He said that the governor’s action showed insensitivity to the mood and plight of the people.

    Ikem said, ”Indeed, we have been vindicated in our rating of Ayade’s government as inhuman, uncouth and unperturbed by the sufferings of the masses.

    ”It is unthinkable that a leader can proceed to a jamboree where he was seen beaming with smiles and cheering Miss Africa Beauty Pageant contestants after the bloody incident which claimed lives just a couple of hours apart.

    Ikem also stated that the disaster could have been avoided if standard best practices were applicable during the event, especially with regard to crowd and vehicular traffic control as well as the physiological state of the participants.

    Meanwhile, the PDP governorship candidate, Sen. Sandy Onor, has condoled with the families of those who lost their loved ones in the Calabar Carnival accident.

    He prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

  • Gov Ayade expresses sadness over Calabar carnival incident

    Gov Ayade expresses sadness over Calabar carnival incident

    Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade has expressed sadness over the ugly incident where an errant motorist ploughed into a crowd that thronged the Carnival route to watch the bikers parade.

    A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Chief Press Secretary, Barrister Christian Ita said Governor Ayade is devasted by the incident and has directed security agencies to apprehend the motorist who is on the run.

    While sympathising with the victims of the accident and their families, the governor, according to the statement, ordered an immediate investigation to unravel how the motorist was able to get through security barricades to have access to the routes which were closed to the public.

    Ita said the Governor directed the immediate discontinuation of the Bikers parade in honour of the victims of the accident.

    Governor Ayade while promising to ensure the culprit is arrested and brought to book, however, sued for calm.