C’River gov unveils 20th Carnival Calabar Dry Run

Senator Bassey Otu, the Governor of Cross River State, has officially launched the 20th Carnival Calabar Dry Run as part of the preparations for the 2024 Calabar Carnival. The event took place on Sunday, October 13, 2024, in Calabar, the state’s capital.

During the launch, which was attended by various dignitaries, including the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, the Governor unveiled this year’s carnival theme: “Our Shared Prosperity.” He expressed confidence that this year’s carnival would be the largest and most spectacular to date, inviting visitors and tourists from around the world to participate in the 20th-anniversary celebrations scheduled for December 2024.

Governor Otu highlighted that this event was the first of three dry runs held annually in anticipation of the main carnival in December. Notable attendees included Mrs. Onari Duke, wife of a former governor; the State Commissioner of Police, CP Peter Okpara; and leaders from the seven competing carnival bands. The Chairman of the Festival Committee, Effiong Ekpeyong, along with Austin Cobham, the Executive Secretary of the State Carnival Commission, were also present.

Gab Onah, the Chairman of the State Carnival Commission, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming festivities and assured that all necessary arrangements had been made to provide a memorable experience for all attendees. The atmosphere during the event was vibrant and energetic, marking the beginning of an exciting carnival season in Calabar.

Thousands of carnival fans, representing both competing and non-competing groups, took to the streets, dancing and parading along the 12 km route in the capital, setting the stage for an unforgettable celebration.