Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safety, tourism promotion and global cultural exchange.
Otu disclosed this on Sunday in Calabar during the flag-off of the 2025 Bikers Carnival, one of the signature events of the Carnival Calabar festival.
Represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, Otu assured Cross River residents and the international community that the state remains safe and well-prepared to host a large tourism festival, adding that he personally inspected the carnival routes to ensure they were motorable and free of hazards.
Otu said, “Let us tell the world that Cross River State is safe. I have gone round the routes myself; there are no potholes and the roads are smooth.”
The governor stressed the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols, urging all bikers to wear helmets, reflective vests and ensure proper riding discipline to avoid accidents.
He added that ambulances, medical personnel and insurance coverage had been put in place to guarantee a hitch-free event.
“With doctors on ground, ambulances stationed, and insurance fully covered, we want this carnival to be remembered only for positive reasons,” he stated.
Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Gabe Onah, described the Bikers Carnival as part of a broader effort to preserve cultural heritage and reconnect younger generations with the values and creativity embedded in Carnival Calabar.
He also revealed the presence of the ECOWAS Commission, with representatives from 12 member nations, noting that their participation underscored the growing business, talent and creative-sector opportunities associated with Carnival Calabar on the regional stage.
