**As Cross River Govt Partners with European Cultural Centre to Elevate Carnival Calabar.
By Lawrence Mpama
The governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, in his vision to raise the bar of tourism development in the state, and as part of the state government effort to strengthen the global appeal and sustainability of the Calabar Carnival, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the European Cultural Centre (ECC) in Calabar.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor during the signing of MoU, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Owan Enoh, emphasized the goal of transitioning the Carnival to financial self-reliance. “The partnership aims to enhance cultural exchange, promote tourism, and develop new skills for the iconic festival.”
He went further to state that, “the Calabar Carnival is our greatest cultural export. With partnerships like this, we are building a Carnival that can thrive independently, creating immense value for Cross River State and beyond.”
Ambassador Sunny Victor Onuoha of the ECC expressed delight in the collaboration, highlighting the Carnival’s unique position as Africa’s premier cultural festival.
“This partnership is about ensuring that the world sees Calabar Carnival on a larger stage. It’s not just a celebration for Calabar, it’s a showcase of Nigeria and Africa to the world. Together, we’ll drive cultural promotion, skill development, and global recognition.”
State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Robert Abubakar Ewa, lauded the initiative as a bold step toward reimagining the Carnival’s vision.
With this partnership, Calabar Carnival 2024 is set to redefine its legacy as a cultural and tourism powerhouse, creating opportunities for Cross River State and positioning the festival as a beacon of African excellence.
Lawrence Mpama is the Publisher and Managing Editor of Cross Atlantic Newspapers, former Editor of Watchman Magazine.
