Ten years after it was introduced into the state by the former governor, Donald Duke, the private sector has now taken its full ownership for onward sustainability. According to the state’s Deputy Governor, Efiok Cobham, while unveiling the 2014 Carnival theme which is ‘’Celebration Time’’ at the Millennium’s Park in Calabar the Cross River State capital, ownership by the private sector would open more window of opportunities for all sectors of the economy.
He also used the occasion to flag off the first dry run ahead of the main event scheduled for December.The unveiling was followed by three mock rehearsals on different occasions along a 12km route to get the floats ready and in shape for the mega show.
According to tourists who frequent the city at this period, the Carnival Calabar is always a time they look forward to for originality and content which is usually displayed by five competitive bands; The Bayside Band (Blue), Passion Four (Green), Seagulls Band (Red), Master Blasta (Orange) and Freedom Band (Yellow).
The bands are expected to work hard to interpret the theme of the carnival come December 27, 2014, through their dance, float, and costumes as it affects the people of the state. Marking its 10th year anniversary and the last carnival to be witnessed by the present administration while in office, the State Government has promised that the 2014 Carnival Calabar would leave participants and viewers across the world with many surprises.
Search Begins for the next Queen for the Carnival Calabar Queen (CCQ) Pageant 2014
The organizers of the Carnival Calabar Queen (CCQ) Pageant has begun the search for the beauty queen that would take home the coveted crown in the 2014 edition of the pageant. The 2013 edition saw the emergence of Nancy-Olive Aisagbongi, who has been the ambassador for tourism in Cross River State and as well as the face of Mothers Against Child Abandonment (MACA), an initiative of Her Excellency, the wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Mrs. Obioma Ledal Liyel Imoke.
The Carnival Calabar Queen Pageant (CCQ) is an annual pageant that holds in Calabar every December, a couple of days before Christmas. This year promises to be more exciting as mouth-watering prizes have been lined up for the winner and the runners up. The lucky winner will walk away with a brand new car worth N4million, N2million cash prize, one year clothing supply, makeup supply, trip to Jamaica, and one year accommodation in the Government lodge. The first runner-up will get five hundred thousand Naira (N500,000.00) and second runner-up takes home two hundred thousand Naira (N200,000.00).
Forms are out and are available at the rate of five thousand Naira only (N5,000.00). Forms can be bought at Springs Day Spa, Abuja, Value-Mart Supermarket on Marian Road and M. Mohammed Highway, Calabar and Tourism Bureau, Okoi Arikpo House, Calabar.
Payment for the forms should be paid into this account:
Account Name: DCC Project
Account Number: 2014572784
Bank Name: First Bank Plc
The contest is open to all Nigerian ladies between the ages of 18-27. To qualify, participants must have spent one year in the university and possess a minimum intelligence quotient of 70%.
Ticket sales and funds from fundraising from the pageant will be donated to Mothers against Child Abandonment (MACA). The Organization, among other things, caters for abandoned babies and also implements abstinence based programs in a bid to reduce the rate of teenage pregnancy in the state.
The Carnival Calabar Queen (CCQ) Pageant is part of the activities marking the annual Calabar Festival which is an initiative of the Cross River State Government. The festival aims at developing the Tourism potential of the State and attracts tourists from all over the world.
The sponsors for this year event are Mega Hilton hotel, Yellow Chilli, Springs Day Spa, Minds of Creation, Cross River State Tourism Bureau, and Surefoot America International School.
FirstBank sponsors 2014 Calabar Carnival
First Bank of Nigeria Limited has again pledged support for the Calabar Carnival 2014, the month-long platform for showcasing Nigeria’s rich heritage.
In a statement yesterday, FirstBank said it has partnered the Cross River State Government in the execution of the Calabar Carnival for the past seven years, which has given it a good platform to showcase its love and appreciation for the arts and culture, while bringing happiness and excitement to Nigerians. The 2014 edition of the festival themed, “Celebration Time” marks the 10th anniversary of the carnival and First Bank is proud to have played a lead role in bolstering commercial activities and economic development at the events. First Bank’s spokesperson, Folake Ani-Mumuney, said the bank is delighted to support the Calabar Carnival as it resonates with its desire to see the nation enhance its tourism potentials and its cultural heritage while promoting the diversification of the economy.
“First Bank as a heritage brand is always keen to align with activities and causes that project the values of the nation in positive light across the globe. We are proud of the achievements of the Calabar Carnival over the years and remain committed to supporting the festival as well as partnering with similar events that have the potential of enhancing the country’s status on global ratings. Our involvement with the carnival since inception has raised its profile among local and international tourists who yearly look forward to enjoying the bank’s technology-driven products and services,” she said.
Some of the activities being sponsored by First Bank this year include the tree lighting ceremony, governor’s masked fete, theatre performances, musical concerts, golf tournament and the climax of the events being Africa’s Biggest Street Party – the carnival proper which will take place on Saturday 27, 2014.
Since its debut in 2004, the annual Calabar Carnival has become a benchmark for other state carnivals. It’s arguably the largest cultural festival in Africa with over 50,000 costumed revelers, more than 500,000 spectators and an audience of over 50 million television viewers
In a statement yesterday, FirstBank said it has partnered the Cross River State Government in the execution of the Calabar Carnival for the past seven years, which has given it a good platform to showcase its love and appreciation for the arts and culture, while bringing happiness and excitement to Nigerians. The 2014 edition of the festival themed, “Celebration Time” marks the 10th anniversary of the carnival and First Bank is proud to have played a lead role in bolstering commercial activities and economic development at the events. First Bank’s spokesperson, Folake Ani-Mumuney, said the bank is delighted to support the Calabar Carnival as it resonates with its desire to see the nation enhance its tourism potentials and its cultural heritage while promoting the diversification of the economy.
“First Bank as a heritage brand is always keen to align with activities and causes that project the values of the nation in positive light across the globe. We are proud of the achievements of the Calabar Carnival over the years and remain committed to supporting the festival as well as partnering with similar events that have the potential of enhancing the country’s status on global ratings. Our involvement with the carnival since inception has raised its profile among local and international tourists who yearly look forward to enjoying the bank’s technology-driven products and services,” she said.
Some of the activities being sponsored by First Bank this year include the tree lighting ceremony, governor’s masked fete, theatre performances, musical concerts, golf tournament and the climax of the events being Africa’s Biggest Street Party – the carnival proper which will take place on Saturday 27, 2014.
Since its debut in 2004, the annual Calabar Carnival has become a benchmark for other state carnivals. It’s arguably the largest cultural festival in Africa with over 50,000 costumed revelers, more than 500,000 spectators and an audience of over 50 million television viewers
