In spite of a charged economic atmosphere in the country, Cross River State re-asserted its pedigree in the tourism sector last Monday, when it held the 11th edition of the Calabar Carnival.
Dwindled resources had, last year, forced several governments and other sponsors to jettison some of the programmes that they had organised or supported over the years.
Indeed, the Abuja National Carnival was not held, while many culture agencies failed to hold some of their star programmes.
But Calabar again came alive as many people stepped out with glamour.
As usual, the enviable breeds were the five competing bands that staged captivating performances during the 12-kilometre walk-dance event.
These were Passion 4, which came first; Seagull (second), Masta Blasta (third), Freedom and Bayside Band.
While the fanfare was boosted by carnival gems from countries such as Brazil, China and Spain, which competed on Tuesday, Nollywood actors and producers, including Patience Ozokwor and Mr. Ibu, joined Governor Benedict Ayade and other stakeholders at the show.
To lift the carnival from where former governor, Donald Duke, and Liyel Imoke, left it, Ayade had introduced a Beauty Queen’s Band which, he said, was an idea of his wife, Lydia.
Also, the 30-day festival that climaxed with the carnival played host to over 1,000 power bikers drawn from Nigeria, China, Canada, Australia Germany, the United States, Philippines, Togo, Ghana and Benin Republic.
On why his government introduced the bikers, Ayade said, “We need to encourage tourists that have the capacity to spend. So, the bikers’ parade creates a platform for those who have the wealth to buy expensive classic bikes like the ones on parade today.”
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