In what could be described as a nostalgic feeling mixed with happiness and laughter, Cross River state governor Bassey Otu, top government officials, notable Cross Riverians, and other residents have gathered at the Millennium Park, the center of the state capital, Calabar, to witness the lighting of the Christmas tree.
The Lighting of the Christmas Tree by the State Governor was performed at midnight on Friday at the Millennium Park.
The event which took place simultaneously across the three Senatorial Districts of the state, signaled the commencement of the 32 days of nonstop fun for the Christmas festivities, declared by the state government.
With the streets of Calabar decorated and fully lit to welcome visitors from around the world, the state governor, Bassey Otu, assured residents that the Cross River State they once knew was back, and that the statewide Christmas festivities would be sustained.
Expressing excitement at the state government’s determination to restore and reignite the State’s Christmas festival, a former Minister of Tourism and an indigene of the state, Edem Duke, said he was confident that the present administration will live up to its promises.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the state governor on General Duties, Ekpenyong Akiba, called on all and sundry to make Cross River State their holiday destination this festive season, as the state was ready to host them.
The Cross River State Christmas festivities which include the Carnival Calabar, were introduced by the past governor of the State, Donald Duke, aimed at making the state the home of tourism and hospitality in Nigeria and Africa.
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
