Colourful Carnival Calabar continue waxing stronger despite two years of Covid 19 break
Carnival Calabar has continued to wax stronger, wins acclaims and has remained the people ultimate street party despite the two years Covid 19 break.
Based on its level of acceptance and love by the people, the carnival has remained one of the most enduring products that will never die no matter the situation.
The 2022 edition with the theme, Agro industrialisation had so much to offer from the beautiful dance steps and costumes, acrobatic displays, interpretation of the theme, to the international flavours adding colours and cultures.
Calabar was electrified all through the duration of the festival despite the challenges posed by the devastating impact of Covid 19.
Despite the ugly incident that led to death of some people during the bikers parade which led to its cancellation , the Carnival was a huge success.
Though the Carnival Calabar Commission led by Sir Gabe Onah immediately issued a strong warning to motorists in Calabar to respect the laws of the land, adding that the lack of respect for the barricades along the carnival routes will no more be tolerated.
The Commission while sympathising with the families and victims of the unfortunate incident during the Bikers Parade, explained that the incident happened when an errant driver ploughed into the crowd.
The Commission warned that henceforth any vehicle that breaks the cordons and barricades on the streets during the carnival season will be severely dealt with according to the laws of the land.
While all revellers and participants of the annual festival were urged to be law abiding in the spirit of the season as the Commission assured all residents that things are under control and order will be enforced in the city.
The carnival attracted dignitaries across the country, including President Muhammadu Buhari’s daughter, Zara and former Borno state Governor, Senator Amodu Sherrif.
Speaking while flagging off the carnival, the state governor, Professor Ben Ayade described the show as Africa’s flagship tourism event.
According to Governor Ayade: “The presence of the daughter of our President and my friend Amodu Sheriff shows that indeed we are one Nigeria. Today is the day we are flagging off the carnival Calabar, the main carnival proper.This carnival is Africa’s flagship tourism event.
“I like to welcome everybody, who has come here for this ceremony. It is significant because this is my last outing; significant because the President has said he identifies with Cross River State”
He noted that the theme of the 2022 carnival Calabar was carefully chosen to enable Africans understand the import of Agro-industrialization and the processing of agro products.
He explained further that: “The theme of this year’s carnival is agro-industrialization and what I am saying is, why take a tuber of cassava and process into garri to make #1000 only when someone else takes the same tuber of cassava and processes it into pharmaceutical starch and makes 10,000 US Dollars.
“What I am simply saying is that the time has come when Africans must put an end to this primitive way of processing agro-products.
“The true value of any raw material is when it is processed and that means the value addition taking it to its end product.”
“Africa cannot continue to be a hub for the export of raw materials. Africa should start processing her raw materials to finished products and export to Europe and America. That is the core message of this theme.
Prof Ayade continued that: “So, what we are expecting to see today is the interpretation of the theme during the float as we watch the revelers on the path.
“We will be looking at the storyline through the dance and procession on the interpretation of the theme Agro-industrialization; and that is the concept.”
He urged spectators to enjoy the show and assimilate the core message of the theme to become productive.
“So, being my last carnival, I enjoin you to sit back with me and let the bands entertain us at this last, but special carnival as the president’s daughter performs the tape cutting to show that the President fully identifies with this event.
In her remarks earlier, President Buhari’s daughter, Zara who was the special guest of honour stated that she was participating in honour of the departed faithful Nigerians and in furtherance of the unity
of the country.
On the international carnival proper, eight countries participated, showcasing their rich cultural heritage.
Culture they said is the totality of the peoples way of life, this was seen in South Africa, Ghana, Brazil and other dance steps depicting the peoples rich cultural heritage.
To some, it may be the display of nudity, but to the participating countries, it is the full showcase of their culture through dance which was well appreciated by many.
South African emerged victorious, winning the 2022 international Carnival Calabar ahead of Brazil and Lithuania at second and third positions.
South Africa took the first position beating Brazil with its energetic African dance style and display of mammaries to the excitement of the cheering crowd in Calabar.
South Africans went wild with jubilation after it was announced that the rainbow nation has emerged the winner.
Brazil was a spectacle to behold with its beautiful ladies, colourful costumes, unique carnival dance steps.
Brazil which is not new to carnival added experience to their participation with exotic beauty and captivating smiles.
Lithuania came third with its powerful and beautiful pyrothenics which left the crowd cheering and watching with excitement.
The captivating and beautiful fire works added beauty to the international Carnival which was introduced by Governor Ben Ayade to expand and internationalise the scope of the carnival to a global event .
Ghana showed something different and captivating which marked them out as one of the audience favorites.
Tanzania was not left out with their sensual dance steps which the lady dancers with heavy backside shaked their endowment to the admiration of the crowd.
Cameroon was fantastic in its dance steps and its colourful attires.
India showed that apart from its world acclaimed Zee World, it has something more to offer in the areas of dance which is often showcased in their movies.
Ethiopia showcased it beautiful dance steps where the body and head is shaked vigorously is a fantastic and entertaining manner.
The energetic dance steps which is uniquely Ethiopian showed that the country apart from being a giant in African aviation has something unique to offer in the area of culture and dance.
On Nigerian scene, Passion 4 emerged the winner and 2022 Carnival Calabar band of the year.
Passion 4 defeated Seaguls Band and Calas Vegas band with 1762 points to second and third positions respectively.
Freedom Band came fourth, Bayside fifth, Masta Blaster came 6th while Diamond Band came seventh.
On the Cultural carnival parade, Odukpani Local Government emerged the winner beating Calabar South LGA, and Ogoja LGA to second and third positions respectively.
With the high level of acceptance by the people who waited anxiously for two years to participate in their carnival again, the carnival Calabar no doubt is a fantastic product which will survive many ages to come if properly planned, executed and marketed.
NDLEA arraigns man for trafficking In 332Kg of Tramadol
2021 performance: “We achieved over 100% of our target” – FIRS
Glitz as FTAN honours information minister, Runsewe, Ikechi, Amachree, others
Air Peace boss fulfils cash promise to Eagles, harps on unity