- The 2018 Calabar carnival was officially flagged off by the governor of Cross River state, Ben Ayade on December 27
- The event which took place on the streets of Calabar, was a colourful one with a lot of residents and visitors in attendance
- The theme of the 2018 carnival was titled 'Africanism', which featured at least 25 states and various countries
The governor of Cross River state, Ben Ayade officially flagged off the 2018 Calabar carnival with a wonderful opening ceremony and a powerful speech. During the event which was witnessed by an excited crowd, the governor spoke on the importance of celebrating the African culture.
Ayade, who was accompanied by his wife, Lynda; presidential candidate, Oby Ezekwesili; Senator Ita Giwa, as well as the newly crowned Miss Africa, Congolese Dorcas Kasinde, placed emphasis on Africa becoming a united entity, in order to create solutions to challenges dividing the continent.
He said: "We are here to tell the African story ourselves. Africans have a platform to use the opportunity of this dance and drama to tell the African story in a way that we know. Everything about Africa is taking global stage and the platform offered by this event is to show that Africans have really matured.”
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Governor Ayade with his wife, Linda; Miss Africa, Congolese Dorcas Kasinde and Senator Florence Ita Giwa
Source: Original
One of the governor's bands
Source: Original
He went on to add:“So, Africanism is saying think, act, conduct and carry yourself as an African. Africa is not colour, faces but the spirit of the heart, goodness of the heart, niceness of character, love for fellow human beings as well as providing a shoulder for your brother to lean on”.
READ ALSO: Zack Orji, Segun Arinze, others step out in style at the 2018 Calabar carnival
The beautiful band from Canada
Source: Original
Cross River state Carnival Commission, Gab Onah, also spoke on the theme. According to him, the theme for the year's festival was chosen to place emphasis on the need for Africans to tell their story by themselves.
He went on to state that the 2018 carnival is bigger than others and several countries are part of the event including Brazil, Columbia, Mexico, Ghana, Lithuania, amongst others.
An excited dancer from the Ghanaian band
Source: Original
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Nollywood actors were also present at the event and even took part in the carnival parade. Notable faces like Zac Orji, Segun Arinze and others stepped out in style at the festival, eliciting screams and cheers from their fans.
Veteran actor, Zac Orji
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The beautiful ladies were not left out as they dazzled in colourful costumes made of feathers and other eye-popping materials.
A beautiful participant in the parade posing for a photo
Source: Original
At least, 25 states of the federation have so far graced the festival which is described as one of Africa's largest street parties.
The governor's band
Source: Original
Legit.ng will keep you posted on more interesting activities to follow at the festival.
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See more photos below:
Beautiful group of foreign participants
Source: Original
A group of participants posing for a photo
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The event which fully kicked off around 4pm on Wednesday December 28, ran into the night with the streets of Calabar fully lit and filled with many excited people in their unique and colourful costumes.
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