By Onwa Ekor, Calabar
Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has flagged off the 20th Carnival Calabar Dry run in an evening filled with excitement and celebration in Calabar.
The event marks the first of three dry runs held annually to prepare for the main Carnival in December.
The governor who was represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, affirmed that this year’s carnival theme tagged, “Our Shared Prosperity,” would be the biggest and best.
He used the opportunity to invite visitors and tourists from around the world to join the 20th anniversary celebration in December.
Chairman of the State Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming carnival, assuring that all preparations have been made to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.
The dry run was attended by prominent figures including wife of a former governor, Mrs. Onari Duke, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Peter Okpara, and leaders of the seven competing carnival bands in the state.
Also present at the event were the Chairman of the Festival Committee, Effiong Ekpenyong and the Executive Secretary of the State Carnival Commission, Austin Cobham
The event was characterized by lively and enthusiastic vibes, signaling the start of another fantastic carnival season in Calabar.
Thousands of carnival enthusiasts from the competing bands and non-competing groups danced and paraded along the 12km carnival routes in the state capital.
