The Cross River State Government has unveiled a new annual tourism event.

A statement on Tuesday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nsa Gill, said the event, entitled “Carnival Parade of Thanksgiving and Festival of Praise,” otherwise known as “Jesus Carnival,” would be held every Easter season.

According to Gill, the maiden edition took place on Easter Monday in Calabar, the state capital, and was flagged off by the governor, Prince Bassey Otu, and his wife, Bishop Eyoawan Bassey Otu. Speaking, the governor said Jesus Christ has taken Cross River State to unimaginable heights within two years of this administration.

“From inception, I declared this a Godly state, and Jesus is the true governor. Easter Monday has now been set aside to celebrate Jesus and to say, father, thank You for how far you’ve brought us. The story of Cross River State is changing for the better. I’m grateful to all the men and women of God who have continually kept the state in their prayers,” Otu said .

He called on more Christians to join in praying for the state, noting that no investment in the things of God is ever wasted. The governor also appreciated the large contingent of clergy who led their congregations in participating in the event.

The colorful and spiritually charged event, marked by splendour and cultural flair, is a spiritual offshoot of the globally celebrated Carnival Calabar, traditionally held every December.

Organisers said the Jesus Carnival was designed as a moment of collective gratitude to God for the success of Calabar Carnival and the continued progress of the state.

“It blends faith, culture, and thanksgiving into a unique Christian celebration during the Easter season,” the statement said.

The parade route covered several strategic locations across Calabar Municipal and Calabar South, including Millennium Park, Watt Market, Nelson Mandela Street, Target Street, and the Mary Slessor Roundabout, before returning to the main carnival corridor. Prayers were offered at various roundabouts along the way, adding a spiritual dimension to the march.

Also, the wife of the governor said the vision for the Easter event was inspired by a desire to dedicate a significant part of the tourism calendar to Jesus Christ.

“While Calabar Carnival is a secular celebration, this is a spiritual festival — one created to honoubr Christ for His sacrifice and celebrate our faith as a people,” she explained.

The celebration culminated with live gospel music performances, headlined by internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, and producer, Cobhams Asuquo, whose electrifying performance left the crowd in awe. (Newspeak)