The Nation Newspaper

Tag: CALABAR

  • Calabar traders protest extortion and harassment

    Calabar traders protest extortion and harassment

    Commercial activities in Calabar the Cross River State were slowed down at the popular Etim Edem Motor Park as traders locked their shops in protest against the management of the park for alleged incessant battering, extortion and harassments.

    The traders under the umbrella, Etim Edem Traders Welfare Association, led by their Chairman, Comrade Etim Akpan took to the streets adjoining the market to call on the Calabar South Local Government Council Chairman, Mrs Majorie Asuquo to sack of the management of the park led by Michael Mesembe.

    The traders who said they have endured the constant humiliation of their executive members by the park managers for long without complaining, erupted into protest after the secretary of their association, Chukwu Emeka Eke was allegedly battered to a point of coma and one of his eyes injured.

    The traders insisted that either the park management is replaced or they would continue in their protest to persuade the relevant authorities to act.

    “It is better we are managed by armed robbers than by the present management where our members are daily subjected to battering, extortion, harassments and verbal assault by Imoh and his boys. We will continue to protest peacefully until the authorities that put him there acts on our demand,” Comrade Akpan said.

    The Chairman alleged that they are asked to pay sums ranging between N20, 000 to N30, 000 by the management of the park to even fix their own stalls.

    Akpan said, “The matter that resulted in the battering of Chukwu Emeka to a point of coma follows the demand from management of the park that every trader who displays goods outside his stall should pay the sum of N20,000 in addition to the amount paid for each stall and when one of the traders insisted on not paying his goods were destroyed by Imoh, the operations officer of the park and his boys  which resulted in a scuffle and when the secretary went to find out what was wrong, he was attacked.

    “Imoh brought out his chest and started with me and rained all sorts of abuses on me and there is nobody that can contend with him and when the secretary came, he did not join issues with them but simply asked what the matter was and Imoh and five of his boys started to assault  him  and threw him on the concrete floor and continued to beat him until  the liquid in his eyes came out”.

    The traders who took the protest to the nearby Atakpa Police Station were addressed the Divisional Police Officer for the Division, DSP Rasheed, and the Chairman of Calabar South Local Government Council, Majorie Asuquo.

    The DPO said Imoh and his colleagues who battered the trader would be charged to court.

    The council chairman said it was unfortunate that the park management which was instituted to take charge of motor vehicles in the park had over stepped it bounds by meddling into the activities of traders just to extort money from them.

    “Each time I wanted anything from the traders I always write to them through their association and have not sent anybody to terrorise or extort money from them and this must stop and I am going to ensure that drastic changes are effected in the market immediately to put pay to ugly situations like this,” she said.

    She appealed to the traders to resume normal business activities while she undertakes the process of carrying out reforms in the market.

     

  • Navy intercepts ship with 41 illegal migrants in Calabar

    Navy intercepts ship with 41 illegal migrants in Calabar

    The Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy in Calabar Thursday intercepted ship AV Agamba 41 illegal migrants who had come in from Gabon at the Shoreline jetty in the Cross River State capital.

    Also on board the ship were 183 Nigerians.

    Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Atiku Abdulkadir, said that the ship was intercepted by men of the Navy on routine patrol.

    Abdulkadir, who pointed out that the ship was only allowed to berth at the jetty because a majority of the passengers were Nigerians, said that the Federal Government has placed a ban restricting dumping of illegal immigrants in Nigeria ports.

    He said that out of the 183 Nigerians, about 93 of them were children, saying that 83 of the children and a majority of the adults had no travelling passport, but rather, came in with `emergency travelling certificates’.

    According to him, the Navy was out to confirm whether the children were taken illegally into Nigerian or not.

    He said there was a need to profile them and trace their origin.

    “We also have 41 foreigners on board this ship. Out of this number, four of them are from Central African Region while others are from the West African region.

    “Over 35 of them again are with emergency travelling certificate and no passport. We are trying to work with the Nigeria Immigration to re-assure ourselves that there are not of any dangerous character.

    “It is a big concern for us that people are coming into this country without proper travelling documents.

    “Now that there is Lassa fever and other health challenges, we also want to ensure that those that are here are of no health threat to the people around,’’ he said.

    The FOC said that the police and the Department of State Security, who were also on ground at the jetty, would check the Nigerians to ensure that they are of no security threat to the society.

    “We will hand the foreigners over to the Immigration Service for proper check. Anyone found with illegal travelling document would be sent back to Gabon.

    “We are concerned about security. We want to ensure that the proper thing is done and we cannot afford to allow illegal immigrants into this country anyhow.

    “I am happy that the relevant security agencies are all here. Anyone one of them found with illegal document will be repatriated back to Gabon with this same ship,’’ the FOC said.

  • Association lifts psychiatric patients in Calabar

    Association lifts psychiatric patients in Calabar

    Patients of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Calabar felt a sense of belonging as the Senior Staff Association of the hospital donated several items to them.

    Items donated to them included foodstuff, provisions and toiletries among others.

    The Chairman of the Association, Comrade Ken Bassey, said they thought it wise that the patients be made to feel loved and wanted, especially in the Christmas and New Year season.

    His words: “What we displayed was service to humanity. We thought it wise as a union that it is not only about agitating for our welfare for our members, but also there should be a paradigm shift to also reaching out to members of the society especially the less privileged.

    “We presented gifts to our patients. Our clients because we benefitted so much from the system and we also thought it wise to give back to the system. There is a popular dictum that charity begins at home, so we thought it wise to start with our inmates. We are using this opportunity to call on well meaning Nigerians to join us in this gesture

    “A healthy nation is a wealthy nation and the government should know that and take the issue of health seriously because it is very key. We should be well funded and for the staff that provide the healthcare service, there should be a very conducive environment and people should be trained to handle this cases so that at the end of the day we would have results that the government is looking out for.”

    Bassey urged that government pay more attention to mental health institutions.

    Consultant neuropsychiatrist, Dr Olutokin Michael, said it was unfortunate people in the society did not reckon with their patients. He said people do not want to associate with them and they are often stigmatized.

    “We have to give them a sense of belonging and we use this opportunity to tell them we love them and that they are important persons too,” he said.

    Acting Head of Administration of the hospital, Mrs Arit Uweh, thanked the association for the gesture.

    “We thank you for the time and love.  We are happy that you thought it wise to make them happy. Not just to think about yourselves but also to touch other people’s lives,” she said.

    Head of Nursing Services, Mrs Ekanem Ekpo Otu, said most times people give to the less privileged in the society but never think of patients of the psychiatric hospital.

    She said, “Thank you for thinking of our patients. I thank the association for placing our patients first. Thank you for the love and God bless and replenish you. The items would be useful and would go a long way to take care of the patients.”

    Servicom Officer in the hospital, Mr Okon Asuquo, lauded the gesture, saying it has never happened in the history of the hospital.

    He urged that it be emulated by others.

  • Cross River: Immigration arrests two suspected traffickers

    Cross River: Immigration arrests two suspected traffickers

    The Cross River Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says it has arrested two suspected human traffickers as well as rescued 29 victims.

    State Comptroller of Immigration, Mrs. Funke Adeuyi, told reporters in Calabar Tuesday that the suspects and their victims were apprehended on January 10, 2016.

    Adeuyi said they were arrested by men of the NIS on border patrol at Itigidi in Abi local government area of the state.

    “On January 10, the immigration border patrol officers at Itigidi intercepted two buses containing 29 youth which we found out were victims of human traffickers.

    “On first line interrogation, we discover that a lot of them were going to an unknown destination.

    “We have profiled them and we have all cause to suspect that they were about to be trafficked to an unknown destination.”

    She said they would be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons.

    According to the State Comptroller, the two suspects had some monies with them, while some of the victims only had their mobile phones with them.

    “The victims told us during our first line investigation that they were being taken to a place where they would work and get some money.

    We reliably gathered from some of the victims that their parents were aware that the suspected traffickers were taking them away to do menial jobs that would earn them some money.

    “We would hand them over to NAPTIP for further investigation on the matter’’ she said.

    She advised parents to be careful in giving out their children or wards to people whom they do not know much about.

    Receiving the victims and suspected traffickers, Mr Victor Odudukudu, an official from NAPTIP, assured that the agency would continue with the investigation.

    “We are going to interview the victims and interrogate the suspects.

    “We are also going to trace their family members and find out if they actually gave out their children to the suspects,’’ he said.

    One of the suspects, Mr Denis Agbor, said that he was taking the victims to Akure, Ondo state, to work in his restaurant.

    According to Agbor, he took the victims from Yakurr local government area of the state.

    “When I was about going back to my base in Akure, these people met me and appealed that I take them along with me and engage them in menial jobs.

    “I agreed to their appeal and promised that I will be paying those that will work in my restaurant some token while I will engage others elsewhere.
    “I am not taking them for anything bad; I was only trying to help them earn a living and I even know some of their parents,’’ he explained.

  • Chinese firm to set up auto assembly plant in Calabar

    Chinese firm to set up auto assembly plant in Calabar

    A Chinese truck manufacturing company, SINO Truck of China, has completed arrangements to establish an assembly plant in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

    This was announced when the company’s Head of African Division, Mr. John Wang, visited Governor Ben Ayade.

    Wang noted that the assembly plant would be preceded by the establishment of service centres across the state for the company’s trucks in Nigeria.

    He said the assembly plant would reflect the company’s first-class infrastructure and the people’s life style.

    The company chief said the peaceful investment climate in the state was one of the motivating factors, adding: “Cross River is the most peaceful in the Southsouth with an enduring weather that has a huge potential for the development of trucks and it is good for industrial establishment.”

    Giving a profile of his company, Wang said: “Sino Truck is a state-owned company and the number one heavy duty truck manufacturing company in China with over 56 years experience, a good track record in truck manufacturing and assemblying.”

    Ayade urged the company to speed up the preparations for the auto plant to take off.

    He said: “With our aggressive climate change campaign, the World Bank is setting up $16 billion for Africa and the United Nations (UN) is setting aside $100 billion annually for developing countries. You can see that transportation of young seedlings for planting, vegetation and forest cover becomes a key issue.”

    He added: “We are far more prepared and more geared towards the utilisation of the product more than you can imagine.”

  • CALABAR CARNIVAL 2016 TO EXPLORE ‘CLIMATE CHANGE’ AGAIN

    CALABAR CARNIVAL 2016 TO EXPLORE ‘CLIMATE CHANGE’ AGAIN

    IT was a strategic business idea for Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State and his team, who have set the ball rolling for the 2016 edition of Calabar Carnival and Festival, barely a day after this year’s edition came to a close.

    At a sponsors dinner held Wednesday at the popular Transcorp Hotel, Calabar, Ayade unveiled the theme of the 12th edition of the carnival taking place this year, as ‘Climate Change’; the same theme for the 2015 show.

    The Governor said it was necessary to explore the subject further, as more and more countries in the world continue to show concern for the environment, recalling that the World Bank had set aside $100 billion to support Africa’s afforestation and climate change drive, while United Nations (UN) had also set aside $100 billion annually to support climate change in Third World countries.

    He urged the sponsors to broaden their capacity to give. “As you all know, it is not just Calabar carnival, it is Calabar international carnival.

    This year, the December show, touted as Africa’s biggest street party, increased its scope with the inclusion of some countries who participated in the international competition which took place at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar. The maiden edition had Flamingo of Spain, Italian Flag Twirlers,  Drumming Wonders of Burundi, Urukereza of Rwanda,  Ghana cultural troupe, Masai dancers from Kenya, Vai Vai Samba of Brazil and Nigeria,  represented by Passion-4, this year’s winner of the Carnival Calabar competition.

    Earlier on Tuesday, Ayade led his cabinet, the locals and revelers in a five million tree-planting campaign which was also in tune with the theme of the 2015 event. The governor maintained that his administration will plant five million trees to support afforestation and climate change.

    He said: “Calabar is going green, introducing urban afforestation, which is a classical departure from what we know. That is why we have the first green police in Africa.”

    The session had former Rivers State governor and Minister for Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, wife of Cross River State Governor Mrs. Linda Ayade, Deputy Governor Ivara Esu, House of Assembly Speaker John Lebo, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, members of the National and state assemblies, Nollywood actors, John Okafor, aka Mr. Ibu and Okon.

    It was fanfare all the way at the last Calabar Carnival. For over a week, the event swelled yuletide activities in Calabar,  and last Monday,  it went a notch higher when the governor  flagged off the commencement of the street parade,  a local competitive arm of the festival,  parading the traditional five bands; Freedom Band, Bayside Band,  Passion4 Band, Seagul Band and Master Blasta Band.

    As richly costumed girls led each group, accompanied by music blasting trucks and acrobatic dancers, revelers lined the Carnival routes, cheering up the participants.

    Masquerades, celebrities, notable disc jockeys and exquisite floats offered side attractions.

    Interestingly, all the floats were crafted of various designs depicting the ‘Climate Change’ theme.

    Last Sunday,  the festival played host to over 1000 power bikers drawn from Nigeria, China, Canada, Australia Germany, the US, Philippines, Togo, Ghana and Benin Republic, in the maiden edition of Calabar Bikers’ Parade.

    According to the Governor, the power bike idea has no doubt increased commercial activities in the city.

    He said: “We need to encourage tourists that have the capacity to spend. So the bikers’ parade creates a platform for those who have the wealth to buy expensive classic bikes like the ones on parade today.”

    In a 12 kilometre ride, the bikers, led by the State Governor, performed different types of

     stunts to the admiration of ecstatic crowd that lined up along the carnival route to catch a glimpse of the extreme riders.

    According to the State helmsman, the initiative was also to create a delicate and complex balance between the enthusiasm of youth and the wisdom of a 60 year old.

    On the choice of his bikes, the red and the blue, Ayadesaid: “They were specifically chosen to reflect the glamour, elegance, royalty, while green was chosen to reflect the theme of the festival which is Climate

     Change.”

    The festival which was flagged off by Ayade at the Millennium Park, also witnessed both male and female stunt performers with the deputy governor, Prof. Ivara Esu, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, John Gaul Lebo, former governor of the state, Mr. Donald Duke, among others in attendance.

    The immediate past Commissioner for Information, Chief Akin Ricketts, a biker himself, described the new offering as the brainchild of Ayade geared towards

    creating value for the festival.

    Ricketts said,” This is a new offering that has put a verve on Calabar Festival. Bikers are drawn from all over the world.” He said it would have a long lasting impression

     on the people.

    One of Nigeria’s ace movie actors and a biker, Mr Sam Dede, described the event as a convergence of happy people in unity and that in future it will be more popular than Carnival Calabar.

    An Abuja-based biker, Gentle Giant, who said he has been preparing for the event since January, noted: “This is a new development which people have been longing for. It happens in Miami in USA,” adding that being in Calabar was a dream come true. Highlight of the event was the presentation of souvenir to Ayade by Tinapa Bikers.

  • 958 stranded at Calabar after vessel’s breakdown

    Nine hundred and fifty-eight passengers from  Nigeria, Benin Republic Congo, Togo, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Mali, Niger and Guinea, have been stranded at the Sea Port in Calabar, the Cross River State.

    This followed the breakdown of a passenger vessel, Emilians–Carneiro, conveying them from Gabon to the coast of West Africa.

    The ship was said to have had a leakage on its floor, causing  the malfunctioning of one of the engines on December 25.

    It was gathered that the ship was heading to Benin Republic when it developed a fault, forcing it to stop over in Calabar to avoid sinking.

    A statement by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) said about 200 Nigerians on board the ship disembarked and left by road to their states.

    The remaining persons, comprising children and adults, had been passing through trying times in the last one week.

    It was learnt yesterday that the people at the facilities of the Shoreline Logistics Nigeria Limited lacked food, water, sanitation and clothing for the children.

    The Director General of Cross River SEMA, Mr. John Inaku and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Zonal Coordinator for Southsouth, Mr. Ben Ogbemah, yesterday described the situation as pathetic but promised that the Federal Government would protect and comfort them.

    The SEMA chief urged them to remain calm and obedient to constituted authority to make their transit to their countries smooth.

    Ogbenah, who was represented by an Assessment Officer, Mr. Abia Ufok, urged them to remain peaceful while awaiting the intervention of relevant authorities.

    He expressed gratitude to God for protecting the passengers from a shipwreck.

    The ship’s captain, Manuel Uluaresma, who spoke through an interpreter, said: “The vessel was conveying passengers from Gabon to Benin Republic and other coastal West African countries when one of its engines malfunctioned on the high seas; a leakage occurred on the floor of the ship.

    “Due to the intensity of the situation, it became obvious that the vessel could not get to its destination. Therefore, for reasons of safety and protection of the passengers, we decided to berth at the Calabar port.”

    The captain said arrangements had been made to convey the passengers by road to their destinations at no cost to them.

  • Carnival Calabar’s new dimension

    Carnival Calabar’s new dimension

    Prior to the Calabar Festival, Nigeria’s tourism assets had dwelled on the realms of “attractions” that could be developed.  There was then no part of Nigeria that could be described as a destination.

    The then administration of Donald Duke in 2005 launched the maiden edition of the Carnival Calabar. The thinking was to create a tourism product that would serve as a launch pad to draw both local and international tourists to Calabar.

    Duke organized the carnival for two years before handing over to Senator Liyel Imoke. Imoke grew the carnival from just being an event organized by the state government to an event that had huge private sector presence through sponsorship and endorsement.

    Also intellectual depth was added to create an annual theme that seeks to draw attention to contemporary issues through choreographed carnival presentation by bands.  There were also great efforts to professionalize the carnival activities and band through skill acquisition in the area of costume designs and sewing.

    Many youths in Cross River found different forms of expression through the Calabar Festival. It has also served as an opportunity to nurture local talents and groom them to stardom, the biggest acts that so far come from the festival shows in the last 11 years is Nyanya, one of the big acts in the Nigerian music industry.

    An industry that has benefitted so much in the transformation of Calabar to a tourist destination is the hospitality and tourism industry. Calabar has seen so much injection of funds to carry out hospitality  property development that more than 15,000 rooms have been added to the hospitality sector of Calabar. Although notable international brands are yet to berth in Calabar, there are high quality non-branded hotels available to visitors.

    Calabar Carnival, in the last 11 years, has changed a lot of things for Nigerians. Many say the only unifying factor among Nigerians is football. However, the Calabar Carnival has achieved this on a smaller scale. The carnival has become a tourism offering that many locals have bought into. Many among  Nigerians who hitherto travelled out of the country to spend their Christmas holidays are doing a rethink. Calabar, because of the carnival, has become a choice destination for them. That is the reason that despite the increase in the number of flights, Calabar during this period, they are never enough. It is difficult to get hotel accommodation, if one does not make advance booking. Many hospitality businesses during this period which has become their season, make much more than they make in the whole year.  Other ancillary tourism products like open bus tour of the city, water cruisin and, conferencing have grown around this prime product.

    Having done so much in the first eleven years of its existence, the current administration in Cross River led by Professor Ben Ayade has put in place machinery to take the festival to the next level. It will be the first time  new Cross River State governor is organizing the carnival and he wants to make it a memorable one.

    Outside the consolidation of the content to increase appreciation of the festival, the Ayade government is internationalizing the festival with greater participation of groups from within and outside Africa. The Sao Paulo, Brazil based Viva Band made an appearance in 2012. The Brazilians are coming back this year with greater force. In addition to this, about 10 African countries would be participating.

     

    •Governor Ben Ayade (right), Senator Itta Giwa, Carnival Queen and Chief Nike Ekundaye during the unveiling of 2015 Calabar Festival
    •Governor Ben Ayade (right), Senator Itta Giwa, Carnival Queen and Chief Nike Ekundaye during the unveiling of 2015 Calabar Festival

    Unveiling the theme of the Carnival Calabar and Festival which is “Climate Change”, Ayade enjoined all to be a part of the carnival.  He also revealed that carnival bands from 14 countries will be performing this year, with new innovations such as Bikers Parade, Old Automobile Model showcase and Disco Fiesta in celebration of African music. The notable Children Carnival has also been repackaged to take the form of family funfair.

    Ayade said: “There is need to localise the production of the costumes used during the event as a business angle to the festival”.

    The governor assured all of security, praising the state as having the lowest crime rate in Nigeria.  “Our people are emotionally stable and contented with what they have.  However, a full team of security operatives will be mobilised for the festival,”he said.

    On the international flavour being added to the band, the popular Brazilian Vai Vai Samba  Band from Sao Paolo will return.

    Also billed to be at Nigeria’s leading tourism event is the Flamenco of Spain Band, a group that parades a bevy of Spanish beauties for the spotlight.

    The bands will be slugging it out with several others, as part of the international carnival band competition introduced into the carnival calendar by Governor Ben Ayade.

    Also on the list is Italy, the land of the Azurris, which will also take part in the carnival. The Italians will be represented by the impressive and exciting Flag Twirlers.

    There is also the Circus Oasis of France and the Carnival Troupe of Belize from Europe.

    From Asia, the Henan Province of China will put up a show at the Carnival. To achieve this, it is sending its acrobatic band to the carnival.

    The Drumming Wonders of Burundi and the Urukerereza of Rwanda as well as carnival bands from Ghana, Zimbabwe and Kenya will lead the charge from Africa.

    From the array of activities on display at Calabar Festival this year, it has become a must for all families and fun lovers.

  • Air Force parades fake personnel in Calabar

    The 207 Special Mobility Group of the Nigerian Air Force Calabar, has paraded one Mr. Abdusalam Isiaka, for posing as an Air Force personnel.

    Parading the 25 year-old suspect, suspect before newsmen in Calabar, Commander of the 207 Special Mobility Group, Air Commodore Olusegun Philip, said that the suspect was arrested in Oron, Akwa Ibom state.

    Philip added that the suspect was brought to Calabar because the Air Force Base in Akwa Ibom was under the 207 Special Mobility Group in Calabar.

    According to him, the suspect was arrested by the joint task force of the military `Operation Thunder’ during patrol.

    “The case at hand is that of one Mr. Isiaka who was arrested by a joint task force of the military, `operation thunder’ in Akwa Ibom state.

    “On interrogating the suspect, we found fake identity card with him. We also discover that he was carrying dangerous weapon like knife, daggers, handcuff, teargas and others.

    “We further found out that he was not a member of the armed forces. I had to direct my officers in Akwa Ibom to bring him down to Calabar for further investigation’’, he said.

    According to the Commander, the suspect would be handed over to the Police for further investigation and prosecution.

    “I wish to appeal to the general public to help us and the federal government in curbing illegalities in the country.

    “I wish to also sound a notice of warning that anyone caught with uniform impersonating the armed forces will be dealt with severely’’, he warned.

    Isiaka, a native of Kano state, said that he was a civilian driver of the Nigerian Airforce Logistic Command in Lagos before his dismissal.

    According to him, he was officially dismissed as a driver by the Logistic Command for improper conduct.

    “When I was officially dismissed by the Air Force in Lagos, I met my friend who is a soldier to help me out.

    “That my friend gave me this uniform and asked me to help out myself with it. He used to take me along with him for outside jobs in other to help me fetch some money.

    “I use the uniform to provide security for marriage celebration, birthdays, night clubs, and other social celebrations and I get paid for it.

    “I indulged in this illegal act because I couldn’t secure another job after my dismissal. It is very unfortunate that I have found myself in Air Force net,’’ Isiaka said.

     

  • Calabar Carnival: Organisers unveil 2015 theme

    Calabar Carnival: Organisers unveil 2015 theme

    •As Ayade introduces new activities

    Expectations heightened for revellers of the annual Carnival Calabar and Festival, a yuletide offering and tourism preserve of Cross River State government, as Governor Ben Ayade led relevant ministries to unveil this year’s plans at a glamorous event that had investors, celebrities and performing artistes at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, Sunday night.

    Marketing what has come to be known as the best tourism destination in Nigeria, Ayade, in an engaging oratory, unveiled a line-up of festival activities that was applauded by many as Progress in Running.

    The 2015 edition of the December festival will be the first to be organised by Ayade, who took over the mantle of the state’s leadership from Mr. Liyel Imoke. And prior to Sunday’s announcement, many had thought that the new government might not approach the festival with the passion that the two previous administrations had organised the festival. The show was founded by Imoke’s predecessor, Mr. Donald Duke in 2007.

    Praising the governor for what she described as not only sustaining the festival, but taking it a notch higher, Chairman of the Carnival Calabar Band Association and leader of the Seagull Band, Senator Florence Ita Giwa, noted that as a leader of one of the frontal bands, she too was initially worried about the disposition of the new governor to the festival, but added that such was the fear, each time there was a change of government in the state.

    “When Donald was leaving, we thought that would be the end of the Carnival,” she said. “But when Imoke came in, he took the carnival a notch higher. With time, the carnival also became capital intensive, but despite the challenges, Imoke managed to keep it going.  When Professor Ayade came, the same fear was entertained, but with what you are all witnesses to this evening, it is obvious the Carnival can only get better.”

    Ita-Giwa said that contrary to the notion in some quarters that the festival is all about dancing,  ”it is capital intensive and intellectually challenging,”  adding that “the challenges of interpreting the theme is difficult than going for an election.”

    “Once the theme is released, the band leaders begin to have sleepless nights. Each time we are having our rehearsals, I remember the American comedian called Mr. Bean. And I can tell you that there is nothing as difficult as creating expressions without voicing.  Band leaders tear themselves apart during rehearsals and to imagine that we manage about a thousand people.”

    Ita-Giwa also attributed the Carnival to why she has maintained a youthful look. “Cross River is the only state where you see a grandmother dancing and somersaulting,” she said. “I’m approaching 70 and I’m still blasting and dancing on the street of Calabar. You must keep yourself in shape at all times and also work out regularly to fit into this challenge.”

    Unveiling the theme of the Carnival Calabar and Festival which is ‘Climate Change’, Ayade enjoined all to be a part of the carnival.  He also revealed that Carnival bands from 14 countries will be performing this year, with new innovations such as Bikers Parade, Old Automobile Model showcase, and Disco Fiesta in celebration of African music. The notable children Carnival has also been repackaged to take the form of family funfair.

    Interestingly, the governor who invited all the Beauty Queens at the event to the stage, enlisted them instantly into a new band he called the Governor’s Band, saying irrespective of their states of origin, they represent the beauty, elegance, style and class of the average Cross River  youth.

    Ayade, who also announced plans to set up ‘the biggest garment factory’ in Nigeria on December 15, said there is need to localise the production of the costumes used during the event, as a business angle to the festival.

    The governor assured of security, praising the State as having the lowest crime rate in Nigeria.  “Our people are emotional stable and content with what they have.  However, s full team of security will be mobilised for the festival.”

    Some of the guests at the unveiling include comic actor John Okafor, aka Mr. Ibu, sonorous singer, Waje, CEO of EbonyLife TV, Mo Abudu, Dance Hall singer, Patoranking, reggae artiste Blackie, Olu Maintain, Kce and actors Enyinna Nwigwe and Elvis Chuks.