Over 15 million people across the globe will witness the main event of this year’s Calabar carnival that will be televised live on DSTV on Thursday.
Erasmus Ekpang, the Cross River Commissioner for Information, revealed this to the News Agency of Nigeria. He added that hundreds of people had already arrived in the state for the major occasion, known as “Carnival Calabar.”
As of Tuesday, when the annual carnival’s cultural event took place, the state was already overcrowded, according to the commissioner, who hailed the 20th edition of the carnival as a great success.
“What we have seen so far has us genuinely excited, and we know that things will only get better. As I speak with you, Calabar’s hotels are so packed that guests are forced to stay on pushcarts.
“As there isn’t a hotel room available, our three visitors from Mali are currently sleeping with one of my friends. The only people grinning today are the guests who reserved their lodgings in advance, he said.
Regarding the sponsorship of the carnival, the Commissioner stated that DSTV and a few banks are collaborating with the state government.
According to NAN, the state administration added some new elements to this year’s carnival, which began in 2004.
He claimed that the carnival was organized in the state’s Northern and Central senatorial districts to provide a feeling of community for the locals.
“The government also brought back the children’s section of the carnival, which took place on Wednesday (today).” “Ogoja in the North and Ikom in the Central took turns hosting the carnival last week.”
NAN reports that Major roads and streets in the city have been lightened up with street lights.
NAN reports that no fewer than 15 states and two African countries took part in Tuesday’s cultural aspect of the 31-day carnival which kicked off on December 1. Calabar has been given a makeover for the carnival, including a large roundabout and specially renovated roadways. Street lights have been installed on the city’s main thoroughfares.
According to NAN, the 31-day carnival, which began on December 1, is celebrating its cultural aspect on Tuesday. It involves participation from no fewer than 15 states and two African nations.