Bassey Otu: Calabar Carnival No Longer Justfor Cross River, But the World
As Cross River State prepares for the biggest street party in Africa, the Calabar Carnival, the Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, speaks about the preparations to host about a million
The governor of Cross River State, Bassey Edet Otu, has announced plans to make the annual Calabar Carnival a global event, attracting visitors from across Nigeria and the diaspora. The governor's theme for this year's festival, "Rethinking Our Collective Destiny," emphasizes unity and a shared destiny for humanity. The governor hopes that the festival will bring together people from all walks of life to celebrate peace, harmony, and love.
In addition to the grand carnival, the governor spoke about the state's commitment to sustainable tourism, job creation, and long-term benefits for residents. With natural resources such as the Obudu Mountain Resort and the monolith in Ikom, Cross River State is uniquely positioned to leverage its advantages and build a thriving tourism industry.
The state's tourism sector already provides employment opportunities for many of its residents, and the governor aims to expand this further through new investments and innovative ideas.
The governor also addressed the growth of Calaly Air, the state's airline, which has been performing well and plans to expand its fleet. The governor emphasized the strategic importance of Calabar as a coastal entry point into Nigeria's Gulf of Guinea region, and the upcoming coastal road project will further enhance connectivity and trade opportunities. To support this growth, the governor plans to upgrade the airport infrastructure and obtain an Air Operator Certificate for Calaly Air.
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