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Calabar carnival signifies Africa’s hospitality, says Ayade

By Editor
29 December 2016   |   1:55 am
Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has described the annual Calabar carnival as the melting pot of Africa’s hospitality.Ayade said this yesterday in Calabar at the grand finale of the 2016 Calabar carnival.
Ben Ayade

Ben Ayade

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has described the annual Calabar carnival as the melting pot of Africa’s hospitality.Ayade said this yesterday in Calabar at the grand finale of the 2016 Calabar carnival.

He said that the carnival, which had gained international recognition over the years had continue to grow bigger, better and bolder.According to him, the carnival with the theme `Climate Change’, represents the true vitality, unity and harmony that signify the growth of Africa.

“The flag-off of the grand finale of the 2016 Calabar carnival represents the true beginning of African enjoyment.“As we have started today, this is the beginning of a new dawn in Africa. Calabar carnival remains the largest street party in Africa.

“As a government, we will continue to promote and sustain the hospitality and tourism that the state is known for,’’ he said.According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the five carnival bands – Seagull, Master Blasta, Passion 4, Freedom and Bayside were colourfully dressed in different costumes to reflect the colour of their bands.

The Chairman of Calabar Carnival Commission, Mr. Gab Onah, said that 13 countries were in attendance for the street party.According to Onah, some of the countries included Brazil, Croatia, Turkey, UK, Spain, Kenya, Ghana and others.

He said that the carnival, the 12th edition in a row had united the state and Nigeria in general.“We have in Cross River today 13 countries worldwide. The attention of the world is on Cross River today.“We are going to hit the street today with different dance steps and different displays.’’

“Today is the grand finale of the 2016 Calabar carnival, the largest street party ever; the greatest show in Africa,’’ he said.Neurite Mendes, Miss Africa, who was in attendance, said that the carnival had gone beyond borders due to its sustained organisation by the state government.

Dignitaries at the event include, former Cross River governor, Mr. Donald Duke, former governor of Akwa Ibom, Godswill Akpabio, Nollywood actors and actresses, captain of industries, among others.

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