Cross River State Governor Bassey Out has unveiled the theme for the 2024 Carnival Calabar, titled: “Our Shared Prosperity”.

The carnival which holds on December 27 every year is part of the 32-day Christmas festival in the state that has become an international tourism product since 2005.

Otu and his Kwara State counterpart, Alhaji AbdulRaham AbdulRazaq, represented by his deputy, Kayode Alabi as well as the first daughter of President Bola Tinubu, Dr. Mujidat Folashade Tinubu-Ojo jointly unveiled the theme at the Pearl Hall of the Transcorp Hotel, Calabar.

Otu expressed his delight that over the years, the carnival has become a tool for social re-engineering, arts renaissance and economic growth.

In his words: “The activities of the Carnival Calabar and Christmas Festival are tangible assets that have given the state global acclaim as a prime tourism destination in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.”

The phenomenon which the yearly fiesta has become, according to the governor, “has left my administration with no option than to make it even bigger and better.”

Describing the ceremony as more than just the beginning of preparations for the carnival, Otu said, “It is also a symbolic unbundling of the various shades of spectacles that await tourists and fun-seekers during the 32-day action-packed festivities.”

He said his administration acknowledges the value of security of live and property, adding “no stone will be left unturned in making Cross River State an investment haven for potential investors wishing to berth their tourism related investments in the state.”

Governor Otu maintained that the carnival would not have grown in leaps and bounds without the untiring efforts of the competing and non-competing bands.

“Their leadership quality, creativity and other forms of sterling virtues have contributed in no small measure to create some exciting contents for television viewership. And attract sponsors.”

The ceremony also had in attendance, the leaders of the seven competing bands of the carnival, the director-general of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Folorunsho Coker, who was represented; the president of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung; Ikechi Uko of the Akwaba fame amongst other dignitaries within and outside the state.

Former minister of tourism, High Chief Edem Duke, commended Governor Otu for bringing vigour into the carnival in his few months in office.

Duke, who is the leader of Calasvegas Band that won the first prize for overall best competing band, also called on the federal government to adopt Carnival Calabar as a federal tourism project that fits the marketing bill. And should be used to brand the image of the country.