At least 14 states are set to perform in this year’s Calabar cultural carnival, characterised by splendid cultural displays.

The cultural parade designed to showcase the country’s rich cultures was attended by cultural troupes from the north and south.

The states on the ground to perform at the cultural parade included Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, Kogi, Oyo and the host Cross River, amongst others.

Six more states were on their way to Paradise City when this report was filed.

Declaring the event open, the host, Governor Ben Ayade, disclosed that the Calabar carnival had become a brand other states look forward to.

Mr Ayade, represented by Deputy Governor Ivara Esu, said the parade would showcase the cultures of different states and 18 local government areas of Calabar.

He said the event would help reveal “the multifarious nature of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.”

“No matter where you come from, you are likely to identify with one form of the culture or the other on display today. This is important. We are exiting as a government,” stated Mr Ayade. “But the Calabar Carnival and the cultural parade will remain. This is because Calabar has become a brand.”

The executive secretary of the Carnival Commission, Austin Cobhams, said the parade was a fusion of cultures in Nigeria and that apart from showing the world what the state could offer, it was an opportunity to promote unity via culture and tourism.

(NAN)