(Posted 18th October 2024)
The first Carnival Calabar Dry Run 2024 was held on the 13th of October as Gabe Onah announces participation at the Afrexim CANEX in Algeria, scheduled from October 15th to 19th, 2024. The first Carnival Calabar Dry Run was flagged off by the Governor who was represented by the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly Honourable Elbert Ayambem. He was joined by band leaders and some members of the State Executive Council and the newly posted Commissioner of Police.
As usual, the Carnival season starts with the first dry run when all bands try the Carnival route. Some non competing bands like the University of Calabar band joined in the fun. Some tourists and tour operators were in town to watch the dry run. At the opening ceremony, the Chairman of The Carnival Commision commended the spirit of the citizens who have sustained the Carnival for 20 years. Commenting further after his opening remarks, the chairman, Sir Gabe Onah PhD, disclosed that carnival Calabar will be participating in the CANEX weekend event holding in Algiers, Algeria. “CANEX WEEKEND is acronym for Creative Africa Nexus ( CANEX) and is actually a Travel Trade & creative sector exhibition event promoted by the AFRIEXIM BANK to harness the opportunities in the creative & cultural industries sector to engage our future generation meaningfully as one of the quick wins to activate community action.
“This is therefore a big stage for our carnival Revellers to perform for the needed visibility for this great product of our heritage, CARNIVAL CALABAR – AFRICA’S BIGGEST STREET Party. We are hopeful that this performance is on a global stage in recognition of our renowned gobal product is a true representation of brand association following discussions now at advanced stage for AFRIEXIM BANK to come on board as title sponsors of carnival Calabar leading to its renaming for a period of time say 3 to 5 years depending on the agreement by both parties. It is on this note that I announce that this will now become AFRIEXIM Bank Carnival Calabar.”
