By CHRISTIAN NJOKU

Cultural troupes from Ghana, Cameroon and 15 states in Nigeria were among those that shone at the 2023 Calabar Cultural Carnival on Wednesday, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

The event, which witnessed cultural performances from the 18 Local Government Areas of Cross River, had different cultural groups in colourful cultural attires.

Declaring the event open, the Deputy Governor, Mr Peter Odey, said it was “one of its kind as it is happening in the season of sweetness”.

In his remarks, Mr Gabe Onah, Chairman, Cross River Carnival Commission, said that out of the 22 states that expressed interest, 15 had arrived at the time of the flag-off of the cultural carnival.

Onah listed states that were on ground to include Enugu, Kebbi, Edo, Rivers, Kaduna, Kwara, Yobe, Ondo, Ekiti and Akwa Ibom.

“Today marks the bedrock of our tomorrow. Culture is what unites us. It is our true strength. We are live with over 15 million viewers on DSTV and other platforms.”

In an interview the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), however, the leader of the Akwa Ibom contingent, Ms Abigail Akpakip, said that the attendance was “a bit low due to the economic situation in the nation”.

While commending the government of Cross River for a good organisation, Akpakip said the few states that were in attendance were passionate about showcasing their cultural heritage.

Also, Mr Haruna Abu, leader of the cultural troupe from Ondo State, said the carnival was an improvement from what they saw in the previous years.

He added that they were okay with the logistics and accommodation for the troupes.

NAN reports that the performing states and local governments were judged at different adjudication points on the carnival route.

The criteria for determining the best performing states included the costume, dance, use of time and presentation of the theme.

Prizes are to be awarded to the best three states and local governments. (NAN)

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