“Jesus Carnival” debuts in Cross River State
Ani Bassey
The Cross River State government has kicked off a new faith based carnival parade called “Carnival Parade of Thanksgiving and Festival of Praise” otherwise Jesus Carnival.
The carnival which was flagged off by the State governor Senator Bassey Otu hopes to acknowledge God for taking the state thus far.
Governor Otu disclosed this in Calabar while flagging off the maiden edition of the carnival.
The governor said, “Jesus Christ has taken Cross River State to unimaginable heights within two years of this administration.
‘From inception, I declared this a Godly state, and Jesus the true Governor. Easter Monday has now been set aside to celebrate Jesus and to say, ‘Father, thank You for how far You’ve brought us.
“The story of Cross River State is changing for the better. I’m grateful to all the men and women of God who have continually kept the state in their prayers”, the governor said.
He called on more Christians to join the effort to pray for Cross River, emphasizing that “no investment in the things of God is ever wasted.”
The Governor also thanked the large contingent of clergy who led their congregations in participating in the event.
First Lady of the state, Bishop Mrs. Eyoawan Otu, said the vision for the Easter event was inspired by a desire to dedicate a significant part of the tourism calendar to Jesus Christ.
“While Carnival Calabar is a secular celebration, this is a spiritual festival — one created to honor Christ for His sacrifice and celebrate our faith as a people,” she explained.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Event Management, Mr. Effiong Ekpenyong, described the Jesus Carnival as the brainchild of the First Lady, crediting her prayerful support for much of the administration’s success.
The celebration culminated with live gospel music performances, headlined by internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, and producer, Cobhams Asuquo, whose electrifying performance left the crowd in awe.
The newly introduced festival which has been officially added to the tourism calendar of the state will be held every Easter season.
