22 states, Cameroon, 18 councils on parade at Calabar carnival

Twenty-two states, the Republic of Cameroon and 18 local councils in Cross River State were on parade in the 2023 edition of the state cultural carnival in Calabar, yesterday.

The troupes, adorned in colourful costumes and dance steps, held the mammoth crowd of fun seekers spell bound all through the carnival route. Flagging off the carnival in Calabar, the Governor, Bassey Out, lauded the state Carnival Commission for putting together an organised programme that has brought the entire world to Calabar. 

While reassuring of its readiness to host the world, Otu said the state has put everything in place, including security, to ensure a hitch-free celebration.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, said the presence of 22 states, a cultural delegation from the Republic of Cameroon, as well as those from the 18 local councils of Cross River is a testament of the state’s preparedness to host the world in a very serene and secured environment.

The Managing Director of the state Carnival Commission, Gabriel Onah, who confirmed the arrival of the cultural troupes, said that the carnival is live in 54 nations and online to 50 million viewers, as well as fun lovers, who are going to use it as a way to relax.

He said: “Today truly marks the bedrock of our carnival concept, bringing the state’s heritage and a true creative performance for the people to benefit from.”