By Solomon Azu
Wife of the Cross River State governor, Bishop Mrs Eyoanwan Otu has been commended for her innovation and pioneering role in people oriented programmes in the state.
The commendation was made by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Governor and coordinator of the Think Cross River group, Mr. Edem Darlington, during a radio interview session “The People’s Opinion programme on FAD FM. Calabar Saturday, and monitored by this reporter.
According to Darlington, the introduction of the Easter carnival was a strategic move by Bishop Otu to market the rich cultural and religious history of the state to the global community, while at the same time boosting the state economic fortunes.
“The innovative and strategic move by the wife of our dear governor at introducing the Easter carnival which is also called the Jesus carnival is an intentional move aimed at showcasing our rich religious and cultural history to the world. As it is in every business venture, that move will see a rapid rise in influx of visitors and tourists in our state with its attendant boost of our economic fortunes.
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He emphasized that the carnival also aims to strike a balance between faith-based content and entertainment for diverse audiences. “It’s about balancing faith and fun,” he said.
“I commend their excellences, because while Jesus was on earth, he did not only mingle with church people alone, he went out and met with the sinner and other group of people in the society and that is exactly what the governor and his wife are trying to achieve,” Darlington concluded.
In his contribution, the Special Adviser, Events management, Mr. Effiong Ekpenyong noted that the Easter Carnival, a brainchild of the governor’s wife is a new addition to the rich tourism calendar of the state aimed at promoting faith, culture, and tourism and also ensuring year long entertainment for both visitors and tourists to the State.
“Jesus Carnival, a unique blend of faith and culture, is poised to become a major tourist attraction in Cross River State, Nigeria. According to him, the initiative is part of the state’s efforts to leverage its tourist potential throughout the year.
The Carnival also aligns with Cross River State’s overall tourism development plan, which seeks to promote cultural heritage and boost the local economy. With its rich cultural landscape and natural wonders, the carnival is expected to attract millions of people, showcasing African culture and heritage through music, drama, and artistic creativity.
“We are a tourist state, and we should have events all year round.The event is expected to bring enormous benefits to the state, with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) fully involved in its organization.
The state’s commitment to hosting successful events is evident in its recent activities, including declaring work-free days for civil and public servants during the Calabar Carnival. With effective planning and execution, the Jesus Carnival has the potential to become a flagship event for Cross River State, promoting faith, culture, and economic growth.
