Calabar — Governor Liyel Imoke
of Cross River State has described Calabar Carnival as a unique brand that
should be jealously protected and promoted.
Imoke said this at the event’s
command performance night in Calabar as part of activities for the carnival.
He said the beauty of Nigeria’s rich
cultural heritage was expressed in the carnival.
*Member of a the Seagull Band during
the Children’s parade of the 2013 Calabar carnival yesterday in Cross Rivers
State. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke
He called on governments at all
levels and the private sector to ensure all hands were on deck so as to see to
it that the carnival was protected.
Imoke said this would serve as a way
to continue attracting both local and international support for the country.
“Carnival Calabar can be identified
internationally and exported around the world.
“It has become a brand that everyone
has identified with because it is about the people. So, with or without
government behind it, it has become an international brand.
“After Nollywood, Carnival Calabar
is the highest brand in Africa and it is unique because, unlike others, it is
designed, programmed and costumed through passion and creativity,” he said.
Also speaking, Ms Karen Sauza,
sponsor of the Brazilian Samba team to the carnival, said another Brazilian
band would be participating at the adult carnival.
She said the band would showcase
some popular Brazilian songs.
Sauza said the continuous
participation of Brazilian bands at the carnival affords both Nigeria and
Brazil the opportunity for cultural exchanges.
She commended Governor Imoke for
promoting the carnival.
The command performance featured
plays from the state’s Arts and Culture Department, and the James Ben Henshaw’s
play, This is our Chance.
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