By: Achiane Adams, CRS-MOI Officer reporting from CRS Tourism Bureau
In the bid to promote Africanism through arts and culture, the Cross River State Governor, Sen.( Prof). Ben Ayade, will host the maiden edition of the Africa Festival of Arts and Culture ( AFRIFAC), which is projected to hold in the third quarter of 2020, in Calabar.
This was revealed by the Convener, AFRIFAC and Managing Director, Cross River Tourism Bureau, Mr. Utsu John Atsu, who represented the Governor at the press briefing to herald the showpiece in Calabar.
Mr. Atsu said AFRIFAC, which is rooted in Senator Ayade’s vision to build a strong bond of tolerance, acceptance and unity amongst African countries, will be the biggest event out of the African continent since FESTAC 77.
Highlighting the events on the AFRIFAC calendar, the Managing Director said ” AFRIFAC is Africa by Africa for Africa. There will a lot of intellectual and economic exchange as all 54 African countries in the continent, are expected to showcase their arts, crafts and culture.
“A lot of planning has gone and is still going into the project. In the coming weeks, more details will be communicated, such as the theme, venues,” etcetera,he pointed out.
Mr. Atsu explained that Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade will officially unveil AFRIFAC in order to give it the colour and statue the event represents.
Responding to the question of AFRIFAC’s sustainability, Mr. Atsu said both the Government and private sector are already partnering to achieve that goal.
Clarifying the expressions of doubt cast on the future of Carnival Calabar, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Development, Mr. Eric Anderson, said AFRIFAC is not in any way intended to take the spotlight away from the annual Carnival Calabar and Calabar Festivals, which is 15 years old but to create excitement spanned across the year so that the State has an influx of tourists and visitors all year round .
The Director General, Cross River State Sinage and Advertisement Agency (CRISSA), Mr. Effiom Effiwatt and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Entertainment, Mr. Effiom Bassey were also present at the briefing.
Activities slated for week long event include; Africa Carnival, Africa Street Party, Mr. and Miss Africa, Magic shows, Cuisine display, Cultural performances, Corporate parleys, Bikers parade, Technovation, Royal parades, Talisman shows and lots more.
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