The Cross River State governor Senator Bassey Otu says everyone has to be carried along in the economic, social, and cultural prosperity in the world.

Otu made the call during the flagged off of the 2024 Carnival Calabar which has the theme “Our Shared Prosperity”.

According to the governor, “This year’s theme is Our Shared Prosperity and is actually international in nature because we have the global audience here, people of all continents.

“It is to tell everyone that there is need to bring the economics social and cultural prosperity into what we are doing so that our people will share”, the governor said.

Otu said he is humbled to be celebrating about two decades of the Carnival Calabar and thanked former governors of the state for holding on to what former governor Doland Duke started.

He also indicated that a new band called Diaspora Band may be added in future to cater to the people in the Diaspora.

Also speaking, Gab Onah, the Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission said they have laboured since the start of the millennium to change the story and narrative of the state and they are beginning to see the fruits.

He added that his year’s event is another testimonial of their humble effort to unite the world, give love, and help foster peaceful coexistence.

Several dignitaries graced the flag off including the Cross River State Deputy Governor Peter Odey and Aisha Buhari, the wife of former president Muhammadu Buhari.

Six bands comprising Freedom, Bayside, Passion 4, Seagull, Master Blasta, and Diamond Band are seeking to displace last year’s winner Calas Vagas in the fiesta.