Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, has said that this year’s Calabar Festival will surpass the past editions in terms of depth and glamour.
Ayade said this while unveiling the Calabar Carnival programmes and meeting with stakeholders at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
He also inaugurated a new band with beauty queens. The band, which Ayade named The Governor’s Band, would participate in the carnival.
He said, “Irrespective of their states of origin, they represent the beauty, elegance, style and class of the average Cross River youth,” said the governor.
He added that his administration would open a garment factory that would serve the carnival and others outside the state.
At the programme powered by Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, which attracted artistes such as Inyanya, Patoranking and Waje, the governor said more countries would participate in the carnival.
Ayaden noted that other new features of the event themed ‘Climate Change’ included Bikers Day and Disco Fiesta.
Founder of the Akwaaba Tourism Market, Mr. Ikechi Uko, reinforced the determination of the organisation to host more countries.
According to him, already some 10 countries have registered for the carnival through the organisation.
He introduced some of the tourism representatives from South Africa, Kenya and other African countries.
Present at the unveiling ceremony were EbonyLife TV CEO, Mo Abudu; comic actor, John Okafor, aka Mr. Ibu; entertainers Blackie, Olu Maintain, Kce, Enyinna Nwigwe and Elvis Chuks.