True to their hype, the ceremony kicked-off with colour and panache, as it was witnessed by top celebrities, captains of industry, politicians and revelers, including the host governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, who were treated to high octane entertainment at the Millennium Park, Calabar, Cross River State.
The event, which lasted two hours, saw the lighting of the Christmas tree at midnight, accompanied with fireworks.
Before then, there were performances by up and coming musicians discovered during auditions for the 2013 Festival.
Ace comedian, I Go Die left the guests, which included the Governor's wife, Obioma, Minister for Tourism, High Chief Edem Duke, former Military Governor of the state, Air Vice Marshal Gregory Agbonemi and Nollywood stars Kate Henshaw, Rita Dominic, Gideon Okeke, Bryan Okwara and Executive Director of First Bank, Mr. UK Eke on the edge of their seats.
"We remain that place in Nigeria where every Nigerian would be proud to be, where every Nigerian will say there is one state in Nigeria where you can see the governor walking about, associating with his people, he is not afraid, he is part of the crowd, and the people are warm, happy and beautiful", Imoke said.
While urging youth to make use of their talents, Imoke recalled that like music star, Inyanya, many talents are discovered every year during the festival.
The governor contended that the two brands recognised by the world today are Nollywood and the Calabar Carnival, noting that, the tree-lighting exercise will go down in the record of Nigeria that next to the tallest and biggest flag in Nigeria is the tallest Christmas tree.
Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, stressed the need for government to galvanise resources and train young artistes in order for them to use their creative abilities to better their lots.
Duke also urged 'Cross Riverians' to find in each of them their creative talents that they may showcase to the world instead of waiting on government to provide their needs.
He hinted that the siting of over N2 billion project for a creative academy in Ikot Nakanda, Akpabuyo Local Government Area remains a clear testimony of how important government holds the works of creative arts among youths in the area.
Edem Duke also used the opportunity to announce the offer of 10 scholarships by the government of Trinidad and Tobago to provide opportunities for people to learn creative arts of carnival.
He disclosed that the scholarship would be available from next year, adding that carnival has transformed from a street party into an economy.
Executive Director Public Sector, South, First Bank of Nigeria, Mr. UK Eke, lauded Cross River government for its initiative which has also helped in uniting people from several cultures while bringing happiness to Nigerians.
No comments:
Post a Comment