21 states, 18 LGAs in CRS perform at Calabar Cultural Carnival

The streets of Calabar, Cross River capital were Tuesday, awash in a kaleidoscope of colours as 21 states showcased their cultures in the ongoing Calabar Festival Cultural Parade. Also in attendance were the 18 local government areas of the state. Flagging off the parade at the Millennium Park, Cross River governor, Prof Ben Ayade, flanked by his wife, Lynda and the deputy governor, Prof Ivara Esu, said the Calabar Cultural Carnival was the beginning of the unification of Nigeria as a continent. “Cross River State is here and at it again. The Cultural festival for today is the celebration of the African culture, a kind of harmony and the high rhythm of the entire culture that constitutes the epicentre of the true black man, “Ayade said. According to the governor, “the culture we are having today is an experience and an exposé on the wealth of the African people, the unity, harmony, love, charisma, energy, warmth and the fellowship that characterizes African fellow-progressiveness.” He maintained that, the gathering was to celebrate Africa as it is only Africans that can celebrate themselves.

Ayade added, “As the Americans take full control of technology, Africa is leading in culture and hopefully we shall catch up with technology and shall overcome.” Explaining that his choice of dress for the event was due to the Bikers Carnival scheduled to begin as soon as the Cultural Carnival ended, the governor intimated that “from next year, I will come dressed in cultural attire.” He said the dressing also showed “the level of energy that we will be expected in 2017, because Cross River is going to reconstruct its dynamics, and tell its story, its narrative from the perspective of industrialization,” adding that the State insists that it must decouple from the dependence on federal allocation. “Cross River State believes that intellectualism is required in governance and that is why we have this catalytic combination of energy, intellect, capacity, unity, harmony, verb, vitality and all that we need to be able to plan a new Cross River,” Ayade stated. Cutting the tape, the governor explained that he was doing so believing that; “Ultimately, this cultural festival is the beginning of the unification of Nigeria and indeed Africa.” The event drew a crowd of over 5000 spectators who were thrilled by the performances of the various troupes who danced along the parade route.

December 28, 2016