By John Ikani
Cross River State Governor, Senator Ben Ayade, has suspended the 2021 Calabar Carnival over new covid-19 variant Omicron.
Announcing the suspension on Tuesday, Governor Ayade said he took the decision after a prolonged debate with his aides, including commissioners, special advisers special assistants, Speaker of the House of Assembly and council chairmen during an enlarged Executive Council Meeting.
He said the gathering was to unveil the theme of the 2021 edition of the carnival, but based on the emergence of the new variant called Omicron and advice by health experts that it kills faster than other variants, the carnival has to be suspended.
The decision was unanimously agreed upon by the stakeholders at the meeting.
Governor Ayade said the lives of people are paramount and he would compromise the lives and safety of the citizens for the fleeting excitement of the carnival.
What you should know
Cross-River is the home of tourism and hospitality in Nigeria and Africa, and goes by the slogan ‘The People’s Paradise.’
The famous Calabar Carnival is an annual display of culture and beauty, and to mark Christmas celebration.
Famed as the best and longest tourism event in West Africa, the carnival attracts over two million revellers and features participants from over 25 different countries.
The Carnival is a month-long celebration filled with exciting events. The highlight of Calabar Carnival is the Street Parade that features the Battle of the Bands. The Parade is only a slither of Calabar Carnivals attractions.
There are ceremonies, concerts, art shows, street parties, masque events, sporting events and non-stop parties.
