By TAIYE OLAYEMI

Gov. Bassey Out of Cross River has pledged to take the Calabar Carnival global in 2025 to build on the event’s already impressive reputation as Africa’s biggest street party.

Out made the promise while declaring open the carnival’s street party on Saturday in Calabar.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the street party would have seven competitive bands and seven non-competitive bands engage in different forms of performances from the Millennium Park through to the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar.

The 2024 Calabar Carnival, which began in November, is meant to run till Dec. 31 has its theme as “Our Shared Heritage.”

The Carnival had witnessed three editions of dry run from October to test run how the carnival would be.

The governor said, “Today is a great day in the Calendar history of Calabar. We are indeed very, very humbled that we are celebrating about two decades of this particular event.And I know that we’ve been building and adding value daily.

“The buyers have increased. And we know even next year, because the diaspora is pressing very, very hard, we might be able to add the diaspora band that will come on full strength.

“But as Cross Riverians, we want to thank all those who have come, and we say come and live and share with us. I declare this open in the name of the Father, in the name of the Son, and in the name of the Holy Spirit.”

Out appreciated the dignitaries present as well as tourists across the nation, as he urged them to take out time to explore the tourism assets in Calabar.

He commended the efforts of previous governors of the state forsustaining the carnival over the years.

“For those that are coming for the first time, please don’t go very quick, try and stay back and enjoy the full hospitality of our people.

“Let me salute our forefathers. His Excellency Gov. Duke, His Excellency Gov. Imoke and Prof. Ben Ayade, for building on what was started by Governor Duke until it got here,” he said.

Dr Gabe Onah, Chairman, Calabar Carnival Commission appreciated the various sponsors for the carnival, in the likes of: Afrixim Bank, Arias IIP, the IAI International Insurance, MTN, First Bank, United Bank of Africa and more.

He, however, called on them to take ownership of the tourism and hospitality sectors for sustainability.

“We are experiencing a rebirth. We are here to speak to the ignition of community spirit, to speak to the community of Africa, and what we are ready to offer the world.

“The dance party on the streets tells the story. The Carnival is allegorical, it is didactic, it is educational, it is theatre for development.

“No wonder Afrixim Bank, Arias IIP, the IAI International Insurance, MTN, First Bank, UBA are here as sponsors. We thank you for this, but we believe that we can take over this sector and run with it for sustainability, competition, and appreciation by the communities,” he said.

Also speaking, Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi commended Gov. Out for uniting the people of Cross River through the carnival.

“This is a historic event. Here, I can see love, understanding, compassion, and liberty.

“Your excellency, Gov. Out, your leadership style has paid off, and I must commend you for unlocking the potentials in the youths. You are actually taking the lead,” he said.

Also, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara said, “I am glad to be back here. I am witnessing sustainability and progress here.

“This puts Nigeria on the global map, and it improves the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state. This is a beautiful day, so let us celebrate.” (NAN)

•PHOTO: Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River with other dignitaries during the unveiling of the 2024 Calabar Carnival street party in Calabar, on Saturday