Seven (7) persons have been confirmed dead and twenty-nine (29) others sustained various degrees of injuries in an incident that occurred during the annual Calabar Carnival on Tuesday.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Cross River State has confirmed the ‘bloody’ incident.
The Sector Commander of the Corps, Maikano Hassan confirmed the number of casualties.
Hassan said that the incident occurred in front of the Jumat Mosque in Bogobiri in the capital city of Cross River during the Bikers Carnival activity of the carnival.
He listed the number of injured to include 21 male adults, three women, two male children and three female children.
The FRSC boss said that the injured were rushed to Naval hospital and the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for medical attention.
He said that the remains of the dead had been deposited in the two hospitals in Calabar.
According to him, the incident occurred when a Toyota Camry car lost control and rammed into a crowd of onlookers during the carnival.
The incident abruptly brought the day five activity to an end, where the state governor, Prof. Ben Ayade was already seated with other dignitaries.
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 2020 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.
Meanwhile, Gov Ayade has condoled with families of those who lost their lives and promised to bring to book the driver of the vehicle that caused the accident.
The much anticipated Calabar carnival will return this year in December, the Cross River State Government has declared.
The carnival would return two years after there has been no show due to the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic that took the world by surprise.
Speaking in a briefing to unveil activities lined up for the Carnival, Commissioner for Culture & Tourism Eric Anderson said it will witness the entry of two new competing Bands, increasing the total number of bands to seven.
The two new ones are Calasvegas and Diamond Bands.
They join the former five of Seagull, Bayside, Passion4, Freedom, and Master Blasts Bands.
The Commissioner said: “The truth is that just as we wanted to sustain our tourism economy, the world was hit by a pandemic, So the government had held firmly to the commitment to always offer an experience that is safe and fair to all concerned and following global standards and expectations, it was only in our best interest to observe global sanctions against social gatherings
“Decisions were made and steps are taken in 2020 and 2021, earlier to curb the spread of
the COVID-19 pandemic and save humanity from this creeping scorch but when we were to unveil 2021, the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 was not in any way to be undermined.
“We will agree that it was ingenious and a carefully considered decision to halt the Calabar Festival experience for these two years.
“We have also expanded the brand with innovations for increased participation and patronage while ensuring that the socio-economical benefits trickle down.
“As we gear up for the 2022 experience, we are starting with full engagement of the public and private sector with a participatory innovation.”
“We are calling for entries for a suggestible carnival theme for 2022 and the person with the selected theme will be carting home a cash reward of N1m. Entries opened on 2nd August and close in 10 days.
“To our sponsors, this is a bigger and better opportunity, I know you won’t miss the mark, all instruments are set in place for a much further national and international reach and a numerical increase in participation, with an open market for product and services.”
“There is no other moment than now and a very special thanks to our dear Governor Senator Prof. Ben Ayade for ensuring that we start early and committing to a successful 2022 Carnival Calabar & Festival.”
Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade has suspended the 2021 Calabar Carnival.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Ayade announced suspension of the carnival on Monday at State Executive Council Chamber.
Ayade cited health concerns arising from the outbreak of COVID-19 variant, Omicron as well as prevailing security situation as reasons for the suspension.
He said he would not as a governor and leader compromise the lives and safety of the citizens for the fleeting excitement of the carnival.
Before announcing the suspension, Ayade had subjected the decision to popular votes, following which majority of the stakeholders voted for the suspension of the carnival.
Cross River State governor, Sir Ben Ayade, has suspended the 2021 Calabar Carnival.
Announcing the suspension of the 2021 Carnival at State Executive Council Chamber, attended by carnival band leaders, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Eteng Jones Williams, members of the state Executive Council, local government chairman from the 18 Council areas of the state, Governor Ayade cited the health concerns arising from the outbreak of COVID-19 variant, Omicron as well as prevailing security situation as reasons for the suspension. He said he would not as a governor and leader compromise the lives and safety of the citizens for the fleeting excitement of the carnival.
Before announcing the suspension, Ayade had subjected the decision to popular votes, following which majority of the stakeholders voted for the suspension of the carnival.
Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River has suspended the Chairman of Calabar Carnival Commission, Mr Gabe Onah, from office.
Onah’s suspension is contained in a release signed on Monday in Calabar by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Christian Ita.
The governor said that the suspension was with immediate effect.
He however did not state the reason for the suspension of the commission’s chairman.
The suspension is coming two days after the commission held its maiden award night in Calabar.
Mr Gabe Onah, Chairman, Carnival Calabar Commission on Monday said that the carnival had been listed 4th amongst carnivals across the globe.
Onah discolsed this late on Sunday night during the International Carnival Calabar session held at UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar, Cross Rivers.
He said that the commission received a documentation to that effect recently, adding that this attested to the fact that, the carnival had gained huge momentum and recognition over the years.
“Four weeks ago, we received documentation as carnival Calabar was being listed as number four carnival among carnivals across the world.
“This is a remarkable success for us because this has translated to the fact that it is the first carnival in the whole of West Africa,” he said.
Onah attributed the successes recorded so far to Gov. Ben Ayade’s contributions to the improvement of the carnival since he emerged the Governor.
He said Ayade had renewed the carnival’s patent to a registered trade mark.
According to him, the governor also introduces other programmes into the carnival to engage the public like the bikers parade, children carnival and more.
“We appreciate the Governor of the state for impacting positively on the carnival through his brilliant innovative ideas,” he said.
The Chairman of the commission, announced Passion Four and Freedom Band, the joint winners of 2019 Carnival Calabar, as first position, Seagull band 2nd, while Bayside band and Master blaster emerged 3rd and 4th respectively.
He said for the Local Government Areas category, Calabar Municipality Local Government Area came first position, Odukpani Local Government emerged 2nd while Akpabuyo took third.
“For the state category, Anambra state took first position, Lagos State came 2nd while Enugu state took the third position.
“The most creative and authentic band goes to Passion 4,
“The most improved band of the year goes to Freedom band while Passion 4 gets the most creative and authentic band, likewise the best costume design- and best decorated truck.”
Residents and revelers at the ongoing Calabar Carnival were yesterday treated to a breathtaking showpiece by over 5000 power bikers and 300 vintage cars drivers.
The Bikers Carnival which is in its second edition as a spice to the carnival offering drew bikers and drivers from America, Canada, Australia, Germany and other parts of the world including Africa.
Also participating on the program tagged, “wonders on wheels,” were a wide range of convertibles numbering about 300 as well as other vintage cars that existed in 70s.
Flagging off the event at the Millennium Park Roundabout which serves as the take off point, Cross River governor, Prof Ben Ayade intimated that “this new version was introduced to pump the adrenaline of the young people.”
His words: “This is a new version of what our Carnival Calabar entails. Today, we are taking you through a variety of different action on the wheels. This is a new option and we just introduced this to ensure that we pump the adrenaline of young people.”
Ayade who arrived the flag off point with a red and black bandana and accompanied by his wife, Linda, said: “I got some friends from the United States, Australia, Canada who just arrived Calabar to be with us for this carnival, so you are lucky to have this opportunity to watch the first option of formula K in Calabar.”
The governor charged tourists and visitors to the state to “take advantage of the beauty, greenery and all that exists in Calabar to enjoy the warmth, embrace and the agility of the African man, providing a shoulder for all to lean on,” adding: “please find time while here to savour this rich city.”
Earlier, Chairman Cross River Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, disclosed that the vintage cars on the streets had existed when many were not born.
He lauded Ayade for his vision to introduce an addendum to the fleets of events lined up to spice up the Carnival Calabar program.
The power bikes, convertibles and vintage cars had a field day along the 14 kilometres Carnival Calabar routes entertaining over 40,000 spectators who watched them perform a variety of stunts.
Competitors from the United States, Canada, Germany and Australia are participating in this year’s Bikers’ Parade in the ongoing Calabar Carnival.
Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River made this known while fagging-off the event in Calabar on Thursday.
“Some of our friends from various countries of the world are here to participate in the bikers’ parade.
“We have nationals from Germany, US, Canada, Australia and others as you can see,” he said.
According to him, Calabar carnival has become an international brand which draws interest from people all over the world.
The governor said that some unique features had been introduced into this year’s bikers’ parade as well as other events to improve what had been on ground.
“We are going to give you a new version of what Carnival Calabar represents. Today we have added, “Wonder on Wheels 2018 ’’ with a brand of Formula K bikes.
“You will witness displays and things you have never seen before,” Ayade said.
He added that Cross River had a unique history which the carnival represented.
The enormous richness and diversity of Nigeria’s culture has always been considered as strong reason why tourism should be a primary foreign exchange earner for the country. From east to west; from north down to south, the country is naturally endowed with rich tourist sites.
Nigeria’s art and cultural heritage are woven from threads of history and diversity, legend and conquest. Nigeria is a vast country with a population of about 170 million people covering about 923,768 sq.km of landmass, located wholly within the tropics. The country aptly described as the ‘Giant of Africa’ and the Heart of Africa is richly endowed with ecological and cultural resources, which are of universal recognition.
The richness and diversity of the Nigeria culture is a manifestation of the socio-cultural differences of the over 250 ethnic groups that inhabit the land for ages.
However, the big question is, how much of these opportunities in its art and culture have been fully developed to attract tourists (locally and internationally) as well as earn revenue.
Expected to be one of the growing and high earning sector in the country, the industry was accorded priority status in 1990 when the National Tourism Policy was launched. The main thrust of Government policy on tourism was to generate foreign exchange earnings, create employment opportunities, promote rural enterprises and national integration, among other things. Also, it is ideally positioned to contribute to seize the opportunities stemming from urbanization.
Given the plethora of opportunities provided by tourism, it is surprising that the industry has not received adequate attention in the developing countries where most of the natural tourist sites are domiciled, especially in Nigeria. An incredible tour through the history of tourism in Nigeria over the last 50 years of its existence shows that not much has been accomplished and important challenges remain.
Jude Monye, Ag. MD/CEO of Heritage Bank; former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke
As at 2016, direct contribution of Travel & Tourism to GDP was N1,861.4billion (1.7% of GDP) but this was forecast to rise by 1.1% to NGN1,881.1 billion in 2017. But the figures presented in the WTTC 2017 report are proof that not so much contribution from the sector has reflected on the economy. In the last 10 months, no significant direct contribution from Travel & Tourism to the country’s GDP. For instance, its contribution to the whole economy GDP remains at 1.7%, same as it was in 2016. A review of tourism’s impact on the country’s GDP in the last 10 years (2007 – 2017) shows that its impact was at all-time high in 2008, having contributed 2.4% to the GDP. Since 2008, its impact has been fluctuating between 1.8% and 1.5%.
However, more must be done to market Nigeria’s massive and profitable industry. This is because the country is yet to tap its full potentials.
With this development, Heritage Bank through its strategic partnerships with government and private organisations has continued to make efforts to transforming
Nigeria into a tourism sector destination in Africa and position it as lever of Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
For the bank’s giant stride of support to tourism, Federal Government Commended Heritage Bank for its commitment to the development and growth of the creative industry. The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed gave the commendation at a two-day Creative Nigeria Summit.
The bank, aimed at boosting Nigeria’s tourism via creative arts industry supported the sponsorship of exhibition at the National Museum Benin, at the Exhibition Gallery of National Museum Benin by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, NCMM, in collaboration with the Edo State Government, and the Smithsonian Institute, United States of America.
Also, Heritage Bank Plc partnered with the organizers of the International Festival of Contemporary Dance (IFCOD) to host the second edition of One Language, a musical production of intrigue, dance and drama.
Most prominent of its partnership and supports is the annual Calabar Carnival and festival, tagged “Africa’s Biggest Street Party,” was created as part of the vision of making Cross River State the number one tourist destination for Nigerians and other tourists across the world.
Since its debut in 2004 by a former governor of the state, Donald Duke, the theme of the yearly event has continued to change. The theme of the recently concluded 2017 edition was “migration and climate change.”
The theme was chosen against the backdrop that Africa has always known migration and it has been the home of many cultures for many centuries. From the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade era, colonization and neo-colonialism, the African continent which used to be home to many foreigners, has now become a land of opportunities.
Presently, the world recognizes it as the new frontier, not to be exploited for the benefits of others but to be cultivated on its own. It is against this backdrop that the board of the carnival commission adopted the theme migration in a bid to bring people together beyond the realm of tribal and religious conflict to show case Africa’s talent and several opportunities.
Imeh Bishop Umoh (Okon Lagos) and Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Leader of The Seagull Band
This theme resonates with the greenhouse effect which is the corporate identity of Heritage Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative banking services provider, a development which encourages it to partner with Segaull Band, one of the five bands that participated in the carnival.
The Ag. MD/CEO of Heritage Bank, Jude Monye says the theme of the carnival this year is migration and climate change and heritage have to do with green, green- house effect and sustainability, protection and human development.
“As far as this is concerned, the bank will continue to support initiatives that have to do with sustainability,” adding that migration is a depletion of human resources, depletion of values and depletion of human capital.
“We are here as an institution to help to facilitate and to create awareness that the grass is not greener on the other side, we can develop ourselves, we can build our nation, we can build our continent and sustain it if we do the right things like planting trees, keeping our environment clean, disposing our wastes properly and living a good life.”
Monye was accompanied by a team from the bank which included Mr. Godwin Ukwat, Regional Head, South South; Mr. Archibong Etim, Team Lead Commercial, Calabar; Mrs. Queen Essien, Team Lead, SME; Mrs. Obo Offiong, Experience Centre Manager, Calabar, Mrs. Rita Ihunna, Team Member, Commercial, Head office, Lagos and Mr. Blaise Udunze, Media Relations Officer.
The Cross-River State Governor, Mr. Ben Ayade tasks the bands to interpret the theme, ‘Migration’ for the youths to see the need to remain in Africa and develop the continent.
The Seagull Band is one of the carnival bands registered in 2005 for the Cross-River State annual Christmas festival. It is the most stylish and coordinated body with the main objective of promoting and sustaining the tourism and hospitality industry and enhance the status of the under privilege through charity. The band display the African culture through aesthetics, talents and innovation, paraded yearly during the carnival.
The Seagull Band is identified by its eye catching distinctive colour – red and maintains defined hierarchical structure. It is the band that recognises and celebrates Nigerians and other artistes, movie stars and beauty queens. The band is under the dynamic and charismatic leadership of the vibrant and distinguished
Senator (Princess) Florence Ita-Giwa.
Ita- Giwa is the wife of late Dele Giwa, a leader who was killed by a parcel bomb during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. Since the death of her husband, Ita-Giwa has been a vibrant activist and a fighter for the people of Bakassi Peninsula. She’s also a former senator who represented Cross River State Southern District at the National Assembly and a former Legislative Adviser to late Nigerian President Musa Yar’adua.
Speaking on the theme of the carnival, Senator (Princess) Ita-Giwa says the relevance of theme to recent and trending ignoble migrant journey and the attendant menace is no less efficacious as it has brought the subtlety and complexities that characterize the infamous movement of people from less attractive zone to a more attractive one.
She says the 2017 Seagull Band interpretation takes a prismatic view of the forms of migration and causal factors of human migration.
Ita-Giwa says, “The epicenter of this interpretation are the two major forms of migration- the 18th century infamous/involuntary yet monumental slave trade and the modern day voluntary slavery/ trafficking of vulnerable persons. The tumultuous whirlwind and rippling effect of these forms of migration is brought to the fore,” adding that, “international conflict and war as causes of migration also form part of the outlay.”
The Segaull Band presentation which was set in a typical African setting was logically captured in the following sections: Domestic settlement, arrival of European traders, the slave trade (the capture, torture and resistance), transformation, legacy, human trafficking (sex workers, Libya to Europe, the returnees, natural/environmental disasters, development, self-actualization and dignity restored (Home sweet home)
The five bands: Segaull, Masta Blasta, Passion 4, Bayside and Freedom mustered at Millennium Park along the 12 kilometers Carnival route so that spectators will see at least three performing bands within four hours. The bands arrived at the U.J Esuene stadium early in the morning.
Besides the carnival, there was also the Miss Africa Calabar Beauty Pageant 2017 which was won by Miss Botswana, Gaseangwe Balopi, 21.
Balopi emerged the 2017 African queen at the second edition of the pageant which was a keenly contested event after a fourth round of appearances in different attires by 25 contestants.
She took home $35,000 and a Ford Edge Sport Utility Vehicle as her star prize.
Miss Rwanda, Fiona Naringwa and Miss Luyolo Mngonyama of South Africa were first and second runners-up. Naringwa took home $10,000 and Mngonyama $5,000.
The new queen promises to use her crown to create awareness on the dangers of illegal migration by youths across Africa while the former Miss Africa, Neurite Mendes from Angola, urges the new African queen to use her office to end illegal migration by some Africans to European countries.
Governor Ben Ayade says that the theme of the event `Climate Change and Migration’ was chosen to create awareness on the need to protect the environment and caution youths against illegal migration.
Ayade says the event afforded the African continent the opportunity to choose another beauty queen that will use her beauty to create awareness on the need for Africans to see themselves as one.
“Migration and Climate Change have become burning and global issues today. Our gathering here today is to choose another African queen that will use her office to create awareness on the theme. Blackness is now a perception, beauty and character in the eyes of the people. The Miss Africa pageant is meant to tell the true story of Africa to the world,” Ayade says.
According to him, “how can a continent like Africa that is blessed with abundant natural and human resources be poor? Africans are intellectually sound. We are not gathered here to pick the most beautiful woman, but rather, we want to pick the true African woman who can use her beauty to change Africa. For us to tell the true African story, we need a face that is appealing. Our theme for this year should caution our youths about the tedious journey through the Mediterranean Sea and Sahara Desert to Europe in search of greener pasture.’’
We commend the initiative of Heritage Bank for supporting efforts to create awareness about the negative effects of migration and climate change and enjoin other corporate organisations to lend their voices as well as in a bid to sustain advocacy against migration and climate change in the overall interest of the African continent as well as restoration of the dignity of the African man and the black race.
Ahead of this year’s edition of the annual Calabar Festival, popular South African Hip Hop artist, Mafikizolo, will be among the 30 artistes expected to thrill the guests.
Mr Ken Aklah,Special Adviser to the Cross River State governor on Events Management, made this to newsmen, on Wednesday, at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, Calabar, while unveiling the timetable for the event.
Accompanied at the briefing by the Commissioners for Information as well as Tourism, the Chairman and MD of the state Carnival Commission, Aklah listed other artistes expected at the event to include Davido, Flavor, Patoranking, Runtown, Timaya, Venessa Mdee of Tanzania, Neza of Rwanda, Iyanya, Styl- Plus, MC Galaxy, Naeto C, DJ Humility, Tekno and DJ Jimmy Jait, among others.
“Despite the difficult times, the Prof Ben Ayade’s administration in the state will continue to ensure that this noble venture that has brought Cross River to global prominence is not truncated,” adding that “it was to this end that December salaries were paid in November, pot holes are currently being filled in the three senatorial districts of the state with improved electricity supply” Aklah said.
He also declared that about 25 countries were being expected, even as government has introduced new offerings into the event as a deliberate measure to boost the excitement for visitors and others who will be in Calabar for the globally recognised event.
On security, Aklah noted that operational vehicles have been handed over to the various security agencies in the state and are already stationed at strategic positions, adding that, “a security camp has also been established and furnished at the Christmas village.”
Aklah said that the last dry run before the Carnival proper will hold on December 17.
This he pointed out “will be flagged off by the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, to ensure that Cross River remains relevant as the flagship of tourism.”
Other additions into the Carnival, Aklah revealed, is the introduction of Power Week which starts from December 26 with cultural carnival where 22 states and the 18 local government areas in the state will be participating.
Bikers parade and Miss Africa beauty pageant will take place on December 27, while 28 is the actual carnival and 29 will see viewers watching another newly introduced package tagged, “wonders on wheel for vintage cars and convertibles.”
International Carnival is slated for the night of December 29, green carnival and street party will hold on December 30 while the fireworks to herald the new year will hold on 31.
In their various remarks, Commissioners for Information and Orientation as well as Tourism, Rosemary Archibong and Eric Anderson respectively, averred that the introduction of more packages into the event was to truly make it bigger, better and bolder, adding that, it will create an avenue for multiplying effect in the society.
