The Governor of Cross River state, Benedict Ayade stole the show at the ongoing 2017 Calabar Carnival festival in Nigeria, also tagged “Africa’s Biggest Street Party”, when he arrived with his wife on a 'monster scorpion bike'.
The Governor was cheered by many onlookers who were wowed by the grand arrival. Earlier in the day, we shared photos of former governor of the state, Donald Duke and his wife, Onari, who emerged in another monster power bike to celebrate the event.
The Calabar Bikers Parade in Cross River State has become a ritual at the carnival since it was inaugurated by the Governor.
Calabar Festival was created as part of the vision of making the Cross River State in Nigeria, the number one tourist destination for Nigerians and tourists all over the world.
The carnival which falls from 1 December through 31 December every year, has boosted the cultural mosaic of Nigeria people while entertaining the millions of spectators within and outside the State, and boosting industry for all stakeholders.
The Carnival which is reputed to be Africa’s biggest street party is an annual event and this year’s carnival is the 11th edition and was themed ‘Climate Change’ had in attendance Notable faces in the Nollywood Industry, there were celebrities like Patience Ozokwor (Mama G), Eucharia Anunobi, Shan George, Chacha Ekeh, Francis Odega, Osita Iheme, Kenneth Okonkwo and others are among the entertainers supporting the Governor Ayade’s Band "Dare To Dream" at the ongoing Calabar Carnival 2015. Others are, Enyinna Nwigwe, Joseph Benjamin.
Bands in this year edition included the regulars and two new entrants. They include, Masta Blasta, Bayside, Freedom Band, Passion 4, and Seagulls, with Ayade’s Band, and Brazilian samba group the Vai Vai Band, adding an international twist.
Below are photos of the Dare To Dream Band in the Carnival.....
CALABAR - The Governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade has described the Calabar Festival as the biggest street party in the whole of Africa as it witnessed over 15 countries in attendance. The Governor, who made the remark on Monday in Calabar at the grand finale of the 2015 carnival, noted that the festival is unique in promoting talents and unity among Nigerians.
Mr. Ayade pointed out that apart from promoting talents and creativity, the carnival had united the people of Cross River and other Nigerians. In his words;
“We are celebrating 11 years of the carnival; the greatest street party ever; the greatest show in West Africa, this is just the beginning.
“This is my first carnival as Governor of the state. We will continue to add new innovations to make it colorful in the years ahead,’’ he assured.
He said that the theme for this year’s carnival is “climate change’’, adding that the hospitality of the state had continued to attract tourists from across the world.
The governor commended the efforts of people of the state and the participants for making the 2015 carnival a success. Earlier in his remarks, Gabriel Onah, Chairman, Calabar Carnival Commission, disclosed that the carnival had continued to produce commercial content into the state.
“Tourism is indeed our own oil. We will use tourism to market the state to the world.
“The attention of the world is focused on Calabar today, as you can see, the state is wearing a new look,’’ he said.
A spectator, Philip Ita, who described the carnival as a street party uniting the people, commended the government for sustaining it for the past 11 years. The 12 kilometers carnival walk commenced from Mary Slessor road and snaked through IBB way, Marian road, MCC way, Calabar highway and terminated at the U.J Esuene stadium. Security operatives from the police, Civil Defence, Army, Navy and Immigration were stationed at strategic points along the route to ensure a crisis free carnival.
The Biggest Street Party on the continent, kicked off with carnival dry runs, decoration of streets and opening of the festival village. The festival was created as part of the vision of making Cross River State, the number one tourist destination for Nigerians and tourists all over the world.
The Carnival, which will last till December 31, has indeed boosted the cultural rich of Nigeria, while entertaining millions from within and outside the country. Commenting on the carnival, Special Adviser on Security, Jude Ndaji, noted that proactive measures had been taken to ensure a hitch-free celebration.
“The state is ready for the carnival. We have adopted different approaches to ensure this year’s celebration is better than all the other carnivals we hosted.
“At this time last year, we were not facing the kind of security challenges we are having today. And so, we have adopted security measures to deal with the situation and we are sure of a hitch-free celebration.
“As we speak, all the security agencies in the state are on high alert and all the arrangements for the carnival have been concluded.
“Usually, a few embassies in the past indicated interest in the programme but this time around, 15 countries are coming and we are ready to host them and other visitors to our state,” he said.
Currently, he said, a new band has been created with Mr. Ayade as the head, bringing the number of bands to six. He noted that the new band was made up of celebrities, stars and professionals who would add a new touch to the carnival.
(NAN)
The Calabar Festival, said to be the biggest street party on the continent, was kicked off by Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade on Sunday November 30th and which would last till December 31st is studded with carnival dry runs, decoration of streets and opening of the festival village. It was indeed all a fun affair, glamour, beauty, colors and a showcase of all the glitter and style at the 2015 Calabar festival.
It was graced by the presence of various dignitaries in the various industries, Nollywood actors/actresses in the likes of Chacha Eke, Patience Ozokwor, Ini Edo, Osita Iheme, Bishop Imeh Okon, etc were also there. Below are photo reports of the Carnival in progress...
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