Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has set a precedent by revealing the theme “Our Shared Prosperity” for the upcoming 2024 Carnival Calabar.
This announcement, made during a special event held in Calabar, signifies a significant shift, as it is the first time the theme has been unveiled in the first quarter of the year.
Carnival Calabar, Africa’s largest street party, held annually in December in Calabar, Cross River State, was initiated in 2004 by former Governor Donald Duke to enhance Christmas celebrations.
Over the years, diverse themes have been introduced by the state government, inspiring band groups to interpret them creatively through performances, costumes, and floats.
Themes have ranged from Climate Change in 2015 to Africanism in 2018.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, the carnival resumed in 2022 with the theme of Agro-Industrialization.
In 2023, newly sworn-in Governor Bassey Otu unveiled ‘Season of Sweetness’ as the theme for the year.
MUST READ: President Tinubu congratulates Senegal’s President-elect, Bassirou Diomaye Faye
Speaking on this year’s theme, Governor Otu urged carnival band groups to deliver both educational and theatrically engaging performances for positive societal Impacts.
He further asserted that his administration prioritizes shared prosperity over a winner-takes- it-all approach.
Also speaking, Former Minister of Culture and Tourism, High Chief Edem Duke, now the band leader of Calas Vegas and winner of the prestigious 2023 Carnival Calabar, called on the federal government to elevate the Carnival Calabar to the status of a national event.
ait.live reports that the ceremony was graced by several dignitaries, notably, the governor of Kwara state, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who was represented by his deputy, Kayode Alabi, and the Pro-Chancellor of Havilla University, daughter of Nigeria’s president, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo amongst others.
(Editor: Ena Agbanoma)
