Cross River Govt Set To Privatize Calabar Carnival

GOVERNOR Liyel Imoke of Cross River State, weekend, said that the
state government was putting plans in motion to privatize the popular
Carnival Calabar, describing the festival as a big boost to the
economy of the state.

Calabar Carnival'14:View amazing images of the biggest street party in
Africa here.

Imoke at the carnival, urged whoever would success him to ensure that
the carnival was sustained in the years ahead.

Speaking at the grand finale of the 10th year anniversary of Carnival
Calabar, which was flagged off at the Millennium Park, the governor
said that the carnival has grown in leaps and bounds, becoming the
biggest street party in Africa.

According to him, for the first time in the history of the carnival,
the state government did not advertise the carnival, yet the crowd
that thronged Calabar to witness it was unprecedented.

He said, "This year's carnival is my last carnival as the governor of
this state. But I believe it will continue in the years ahead. It has
truly become the ambassador event for Africa. We are planning to
privatize it. There must be continuity in leadership which is very
critical for us. Once we can do that, I believe we will continue to
deliver great performances and improve on what we have already done
over the years."

Imoke was accompanied to the Millennium Park, where he cut the tape to
signal the commencement of the carnival by his wife, the deputy
governor and his wife, the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National
Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, the duo of Peter and Paul Okoye of
P-Square fame, Senator Ben Ajade, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP
governorship candidate for 2015 election in the state. Also, present
were Nollywood stars including Kate Henshaw, Jim Iyke and Angela Okoro
among others.

This year's carnival attracted a huge number of tourists and local fun
seekers from across the world. Prominent among them were the Israeli
ambassador to Nigeria and the Rwandan Minister of Sport and Culture,
Ambassador Joseph Habineza.

As usual, the 12 kilometers carnival route was a bevy of activities as
the five traditional bands dressed in different colourful attires
entertained spectators while dancing and partying all the way.
--Vanguard