With the 2023 Calabar Festival nearing a crescendo, the Wife of the State Governor, Rev. Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu led today led a procession of seven Children Carnival bands in celebrating the Children Carnival.
Speaking while flagging off the 2023 Children’s Carnival at the Botanical Garden, Calabar, the Governor’s Wife inferred that the Children’s Carnival is a platform to “expose the children to life’s requirement as part of their growing up. Teaching them the values of the society and enabling them to add value to themselves.”
According to the Governor’s wife, it is imperative that in this season of sweetness, they are given a pride of place and celebrated for their uniqueness and “encouraging them with all they need shows that they are loved and valued. This junior Carnival shows that we are ready in whatever way to support them to achieve their dreams and grow up healthy in all aspect of life,” she added.
Earlier in her remarks, the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu stated that the Carnival is an “opportunity to preach humanity as humans and being humane to others. It is an opportunity to show kindness to others because that is what Carnival represents,” adding that there is no religion or belief that is greater than humanity.
Describing the festival as ‘Humanity Carnival,’ Dr. Edu called on the need to value life, using the Carnival Calabar to raise a voice against massacre, voice and war in the country and every part of the world, noting that peace and humanity is priceless.
On his part, the Chairman, Cross River Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah who described the Governor’s Wife as the ‘mother of sweetness’ expressed excitement at the celebration of the Children’s Carnival. He appreciated the Governor’s wife for bringing back the Children’s Carnival remodeled after being shelved for so many years.
The Carnival Commission Chairman stated that the children are the future and investing in their future starts from today to equip them to become stronger and build a healthier future.
The 2023 Children’s Carnival featured the seven carnival bands of Seagull, Diamond, Master Blasta, Freedom, Bay Side, Calas Vegas and Passion 4, interpreting the 2023 Calabar Carnival and Festivals theme of: “Season of Sweetness” using dance, theatrical performances and music along the lines of culture, folklore, child rights, sports, moral training, happy children and secured future.
By Esther Okoi
