Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River launched this year’s Carnival Calabar on Friday, saying everyone should partake in the socio-economic and cultural prosperity of the world.

In a speech, Mr Otu described the theme of the carnival, “Our Shared Prosperity,” as “actually international in nature because we have the global audience here; people of all continents”.

He said, “It is to tell everyone that there is a need to bring economic, social and cultural prosperity into what we are doing so that our people will share.”

Mr Otu said he was humbled to be celebrating about two decades of the Carnival Calabar and commended former governors of the state for holding onto what former governor Doland Duke started.

He also said a new band, called Diaspora Band, might be added in the future to cater to those in the diaspora.

Also, the chairman of the Cross River Carnival Commission, Gab Onah, said they had laboured since the start of the millennium to change the narrative and were beginning to see the fruit.

He described this year’s event as another testimonial of their “humble effort to unite the world, give love and help to foster peaceful coexistence”.

Several dignitaries, including Deputy Governor Peter Odey and Aisha, the wife of former President Muhammadu Buhari, graced the colourful event.

(NAN)