October 15, (THEWILL) – The Cross River State Government has kicked off preparations for the 2023 Carnival Calabar with the First Dry Run.
The dry run, which is in three phases, heralds the beginning of the preparation by the various bands that will compete at the fiesta.
The 2023 edition with the theme ‘Season Of Sweetness’ is the first carnival that will be conducted by the State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu.
Speaking while flagging off the exercise, the Governor promised that the 2023 edition would be the best that will be seen in the country.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Peter Odey, acknowledged the presence of service commanders in the first dry run, saying it indicates that the State is ready in terms of security.
“We want to assure you, on behalf of the Governor of the State, that we are going to have the best carnival that this country has ever seen this year.
“We are ready and as you heard, all the service chiefs are here. What that means is that we are ready and even the security is ready.
“We are sending this message to all our friends out there in America, London, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago that security is firm in the State.
“We are ready to host you, welcome you to the State and that this year’s carnival will be the best,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Carnival Commission, Gab Onah, said the 2023 Carnival Calabar will mark a new beginning in the State. He said the carnival is back and the 32-day event is also back.
Dignitaries, who graced the first dry run include Brigadier General Okoro, Commander 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army; wife of the former governor of the State, Onari Duke; and former Minister of Culture and Tourism, Edem Duke.
The first dry run will be proceeded by a festival dry run concert by all the competing bands.
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
