By Musa Yaro, Calabar
Cross River state governor, Prof Ben Ayade revealed that 14 states in the country and 18 local government areas in the state will participate in the 2022 cultural carnival, which will hold in Calabar.
The states are Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Ebonyi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kogi, Kwara and Nasarawa, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo.
The governor, represented by the Deputy. Governor, Prof Ivara Esu stated this while flagging off the four kilometres walk cultural carnival in Calabar on Monday.
According to the governor, the carnival had continued to grow despite the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is the last carnival we will be hosting as an administration and we are delighted to have continued with this flagship event.
“In the past, we have had more states than there are today. But to have 14 states today, shows that Cross River state has become a brand, which other states chose to come and celebrate peacefully at the end of year,” Ayade said.
He commended the 18 local government areas for actively participating towards the achievement of the 2022 event.
“I welcome all the contingent from the 18 local government areas that have come to showcase the multifarious culture of our people. No matter where you come from, as a Nigerian, you are bound to identify with one form of culture or the other,” he added.
Ayade expressed thanks to God for helping his administration keep faith with the people and the annual carnival fiesta.
He also expressed hope that the tourism event would sustain its growth on the international tourism scene.
The Executive Secretary of the State Carnival Commission, Mr. Austin Cobham said, “the parade was an opportunity to present to the world the different cultural experiences in the state and country as a whole.”
Speaking to journalists, he disclosed that the best performing states would be presented with cash prizes while the best performing local government areas in the state, would bag excellence awards based on their costumes. dance styles, use of time as well as the presentation of the 2022 carnival theme.
