After 20 years of hosting the annual Calabar carnival and yuletide activities, Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu has approved the appointment of a high powered 13-man committee to review the concept of the festival and carnival.
A statement on Sunday by the Governor’s spokesman, Gill Nsa, said the review is aimed at improving and refreshing the product in line with global trends in tourism product development and repackaging.
The committee which is headed by High Chief Edem Duke also has as members, Mrs. Onari Duke, Senator Florence Ita -Giwa, Senator Gershom Bassey, Chris Agibe, Dr. Lyam Ugot and Eric Anderson
Others members of the committee are Sir Gabe Onah, Ededem Ani, Johnnie Akpanke, Amb. Ikechi Ukob, Prof. Esekong Essien and Prof. Owan -Eno.
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The committee which has two weeks to submit its report to the governor has the following as terms of reference; to review the past 20 years to identify the high and low points, to identify the success factors of the last 20 years, restructure the bands as a creative entity.
Other terms of reference are to explore organic ways of improving the carnival by making it “our cultural expression,” initiate the establishment of a carnival museum for the preservation of carnival culture.
The committee is also to advise government on the improvement of regulations and organizations to align with global best practices, harness all marketing opportunities to improve carnival funding, and device means of placing carnival Calabar’s presence on the international roadmap
The committee is equally tasked with suggesting a roadmap for the next 20 years to guide the operators and finally to engage relevant stakeholders in arriving at its recommendations.
