Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State has said everything has been put in place to ensure that 2012 Calabar Carnival becomes one of the greatest events in Africa and beyond. Speaking while unveiling the theme of this year’s carnival at the Millennium Park, Calabar, Imoke disclosed that the first edition of the dry run (mock carnival) marks the series of events to lead the carnival proper.
Imoke, who was accompanied by his wife, Obioma, gave kudos to both the out-gone and incoming members of the state Carnival Commission for introducing what will help the state realise its vision of a carnival that will grow from strength to strength and outgrow already established carnivals across the world.
The governor further disclosed that the carnival which has the theme,” Celebrating A New Dawn”, has a new team spirit with the active participation of the private sector which is expected to take over when the dream is fully realised.
According to Imoke, “as we celebrate great hope and expectation, we will combine a number of things to make Carnival Calabar a world class brand.”
He therefore called on all stakeholders to ensure that the carnival produces and delivers the greatest show in Africa.
Earlier, the Chairman, Cross River State Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, disclosed that a new dimension has been introduced into the carnival in effort to take it to the next level.
Onah maintained that there is a strong Public Private Partnership in the 2012 carnival which makes it more exciting than ever as a lot of surprises have been introduced to make it the first of its kind.
He commended the leadership and members of the state House of Assembly for their support to ensure that the state becomes a destination of choice through its tourism programmes.