By: Asako-Ita Victoria.
The Cross River State Commissioner of Information, Hon. Erasmus Ekpang, briefed Journalists at the NUJ Secretariat in Calabar, and assured them of the State’s readiness to host the 2023 “Carnival Season of Sweetness.”
According to the Commissioner, HE Senator Prince Bassey Otu will among other things light up Calabar with the unveiling of the 40ft Xmas Tress at the Millennium Park. I
“Carnival Season of Sweetness 2023, is a rebranding that HE Senator Prince Bassey Otu is poised to bring back to its glory, the way the carnival has been having kicked started activities to ensure that we are at par and same page with the Journalists.
“Security-wise, we are tight and preparations are in top gear, street lights, and roundabouts decorations as never been seen are ongoing. We are totally 100% ready for the Carnival and as usual, it will remain the biggest Street Party in Africa.
“The essence of the parley was to brief the Media on our preparedness that we are fully ready to accommodate visitors from 30th November 2023 to 2nd January 2024.
“We have introduced concerts after every dry run, the children’s carnival is back in full force, and the hoisting of the 40ft Xmas Tree. We are bringing the early days Carnival Calabar to return to the destination Calabar.
“It’s a 32-day shutdown! It will be a change of mind from propaganda to reality. COVID-19 did some damage to previous carnivals but I can assure you that, it’s either Calabar Carnival, as there’s none to be compared with,” he said
the commission is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that this year’s festivities are quite memorable.
On his part, the state commissioner for information, Erasmus Ekpang, said the state capital is being given a facelift and major rehabilitation of roads within
Mr. Austin Cobham, Special Adviser to the governor on Events Management, informed Journalists that the Carnival will be 32-day fun-filled activities to commence on 1st December 2023 to 2nd January 2024.
Other activities include a boat regatta, a Voices of Calabar choir competition, and a Queen of Humanity Beauty contest.
According to Mr. Cobham, elders are not left out of the carnival. Hence, Elders Night has been introduced for people above 65 years where they would be celebrated and honoured.
The Carnival Season of Sweetness 2023, will bring together Sponsors and Partners while the government can only come in as a last resort for everything has been put in place.
Many countries, 20 States of the Federation, and all 18 local government areas of the State have indicated interest in participating as the Carnival Commission is leaving nothing to chance to ensure a successful festival.
