The 20th edition of the famous Calabar Carnival is poised to engage a vast global audience of around 15 million viewers, with the main event broadcast live on DSTV. Cross River’s Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, underscored the event’s success, citing full hotel bookings since Tuesday as evidence of the heightened anticipation surrounding this cultural extravaganza.
In an interview, Ekpang expressed the state’s enthusiasm, emphasizing that only those who had the foresight to secure hotel bookings in advance are currently spared from the accommodation squeeze.
“We are truly excited about what we have seen so far, and we know that it will only get better. As I speak with you, hotels in Calabar are fully booked, such that visitors have to be sleeping in private houses. We had three visitors from Mali that are presently staying with a friend of mine because there is no hotel space. Only those visitors that booked their hotels in advance are smiling now,” stated Ekpang.
He also acknowledged the crucial role of sponsors, including banks and DSTV, in working in partnership with the state government, contributing to the event’s prominence and scale, making it a significant cultural milestone.
This year’s Calabar Carnival introduces new dimensions, expanding into the Northern and Central senatorial districts of the state. The initiative aims to foster inclusivity and a sense of belonging among residents in these areas. Commissioner Ekpang revealed that the carnival has already traversed Ogoja in the North and Ikom in the Central, featuring highlights such as the reintroduction of the children’s segment on Wednesday.
The convergence of diverse cultures and the grandeur of the carnival underscore its significance as a celebrated annual event, drawing attention not only nationally but also globally.
IMAGE: Trending Reports
