•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.
