Activities for Carnival Calabar has commenced as the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Edet Otu on Sunday
honoured his predecessors and great leaders of the state during the switching on of the highly symbolic Christmas lights.
Speaking on the occasion of Christmas Lights switch-on in Calabar on Sunday,
Senator Otu stated that the gathering is to illuminate the spirit of Christmas in Calabar, the heart of its beautiful state
Governor Otu noted that: “By switching on these lights, we also celebrate the values of love, kindness and generosity that define this season. We re-live the efforts of our past heroes and my predecessors who lifted the towers of light for the development of our state and shaping our collective destinies as a people”.
The governor lauded Dr. Clement Ebri, Mr Donald Duke, Senator Liyel Imoke, Professor Ben Ayade and others for taking the state to a higher pedestal with their numerous contributions to the growth and development of the state in different fields, especially in nurturing the Calabar Festival since inception till now.
Governor Otu promised to continue sustaining old infrastructures, renew aging ones and build new ones.
He said: “We appreciate the architecture for the well- being and security of our people and our environment while pushing the frontiers of innovations with refreshed passion and technologies. We have taken stock of your great deliveries in diverse clusters, but we are directing all the benefits and results to the people first. We believe the combo of human capital, tourism, rural development and industrialization has been ordained to be translated to better lives for the people of Cross River.
He continued further that: “We are translators and transformers and we shall not disappoint as the evidence on ground has shown within the period of our operations. As we bask in the glow of these lights tonight, let us reflect on our journey and look forward to a brighter future”.
