C-River Govt Plans Big For 2023 Calabar Carnival
BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – The Cross River State Government has unveiled plans aimed at fast-tracking the State’s economic development through the hosting of a remodeled edition of the 2023 annual Calabar Carnival
Spotlighting the proposal to successfully drive this year’s festival, the State Commissioner for Information, Comrade Erasmus Egbang said the 32 days fun-filled event would witness a significant departure from the past given its repackaging and remodeling in line with the people’s first mantra policy of the present administration.
Comrade Egbang, who briefed reporters on the government’s preparedness towards hosting this year’s event, explained that the new-look Carnival is packaged with exciting activities carefully designed to positively impact the state economy as well as satisfy the diverse population of the state.
He said among the new concepts and activities introduced to make the Carnival electrifying include a children’s festival with strict compliance with the Child Rights Act; an Arts and Crafts exhibition to promote the State’s rich cultural heritage; a Gospel music concert; and the Queen Humanitarian competition that would add value to the theme; “The Season of Sweetness, A Break From The Norm”.
According to the Commissioner, the unfavourable weather condition the state has been experiencing through incessant downpours has disrupted the robust plan of activities lined up to test run what awaits fun seekers during the major festival, which is known as Africa’s biggest street party, coming up on December 28, 2023.
The 32-day-fiesta is scheduled to commence with a City Walk to commemorate World AIDS Day and the opening of the Christmas Village at the premises of the Calabar Municipal Gardens.
Forefront News findings indicate that a 40-feet Christmas Tree, complete with a blend of decorative lighting effects, will be erected at the Millennium Park at the popular Eleven-Eleven Round About to serve as the rallying point for fun seekers, expected to throng the State for this year’s celebrations.
On arrangements put in place to guarantee the safety and security of tourists and residents, Comrade Egbang assured that all relevant security agencies in the State would be on red alert to promptly respond to all forms of security challenges may may arise during the period.
Assuring those who would be attending the Carnival daily from neighbouring states, like Akwa Ibom among others, not to entertain any fear, Comrade Egbang said the State government is already working on palliative measures to ensure the Calabar-Itu Highway is in good and proper shape to ease off existing and emerging traveling challenges for the road users.
