No fewer than twenty-nine states in Nigeria and the 18 LGA of Cross River state have been accredited and already in Calabar for this year’s edition of the annual Christmas Carnival.
Governor Ben Ayade confirmed this when he flagged off the event at the Millennium Park, Calabar on Wednesday.
He said the celebration is not only to complement the end of year festivities but to make a bold statement about ‘Africanness.’
Some of the participating states include Imo, Nasarawa, Kogi, Osun, Ondo, Kwara, Benue and a host of others.
Ayade disclosed that the festival is a unique African event which will be used to tell the African story.
Accompanied by his deputy, Professor Ivara Esu, Ayade said the African man is an embodiment of love, empathy as well as sympathy hence the festival will tell this story.
“This is a truly African event meant to showcase the African culture.
“Africa is the last continent to be discovered and the continent is blessed; so, why should an African leave such a blessed continent?” the governor queried.
The chairman of the state’s Carnival Commission, Gab Onah, said: “Today is significant to the extent that the theme Africanism is being brought alive. Our culture is in the front burner and our people are showing that which they know best, which is love and giving.
“He, African man, emphasizes with anything like childbirth, funeral and we share love in Africa.”
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