Lafarge Africa Plc, United Bank for Africa, and other critical stakeholders have pledged their commitment and dedication to ensure a bigger, better and successful 2024 Carnival Calabar.
The stakeholders made the pledge at the Carnival Calabar Investors’ and Stakeholders’ Business Lunch with the Governor, Senator Bassey Otu in Calabar, the state capital.
The investors, who commended the state Carnival Commission and other stakeholders for making the 2023 Carnival Calabar a huge success, pledged their support to ensure that the 20th edition of the renowned Carnival Calabar would be heralded with pomp and splendour.
Other institutions that have indicated to throw their weight behind the successful hosting of the Carnival Calabar 2024 include Zenith Bank Plc, Hoggis Luxury Suites, Sterling Bank, and Hit FM, among others.
Speaking at the event, the governor of Cross River state, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, represented by the Commissioner for Culture, Art and Tourism, Abubakar Ewa, revealed that this year’s edition with the theme “Our Shared Prosperity”, has been infused with diverse activities to make it more captivating and rewarding for partners and attendees alike.
“We are doing great at the ranch, the water park is back. The mountain villa, the African hut, power and water, all have returned. Everything that is required for the takeoff of the resort is in place.”
Ewa disclosed that even the cable cars are ready, but awaiting PONNET, the company that built it, to come and certify it before it could be opened for public use. He noted that local engineers who were trained by the company had already serviced the cable cars, stressing that it is important for the company to certify them before it starts operation fully.
The Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, attributed the success of the Carnival Calabar for two decades to the dedication of the government, critical stakeholders and the local community.
He praised the band leaders for their hard work in making the carnival bigger each year and encouraged investors to take advantage of the numerous opportunities available at Carnival Calabar, which was recognized as one of the Top 5 well-organised events by CNN in 2021.
Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Event Management, Effiong Ekpenyong, emphasised that the carnival and festival offers an opportunity for brand reimagination, innovation and diversification to satisfy the mammoth crowd that converge in the city of Calabar for the 32-days annual event. He stated that the present administration has put in measures that the business environment in the state would be most friendly.
Executive Secretary of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Mr. Austin Cobham while presenting the various opportunities available for investors to benefit from route sponsorship, outlined the specific areas where they can expect to see higher returns on their investments.
The event was attended by multinational companies who are the major sponsors of Carnival Calabar, leaders of the various Carnival Bands including Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, former Minister of Tourism and Culture, High Chief Edem Duke, captains of industry, top government officials among others.
Kaykayjabari's Blog 