The Ogoja Carnival which featured five competing bands namely Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade’s Band, Hon. Peter Odey’s Band, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo’s Band, Sen. Steve Odey’s Band, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbor’s Band and one non-competing band, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu’s Band had been described as a renowned event.
The Cross River State, Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, made the statement during the maiden edition of the Ogoja Carnival on Saturday shortly after the five carnival bands displayed at the first adjudication centre along Mission Road, Igoli, Ogoja, northern Senatorial District, South South Nigeria.Odey said that the sterling performance of the carnival bands in the Ogoja Carnival are a clear indication that it could compete with and become better than the Calabar Carnival in the near future.
Truth Live News reports that according to the Chief Press Secretary to the State Deputy Governor Fred Abua Esq. Odey envisioned a future where the Ogoja Carnival will not just be a local celebration but a renowned event.
He appreciated the wife of the Governor Rev. Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Edet Otu, for ensuring that the Ogoja Carnival was a reality.
“Traditionally, the Calabar Carnival has been the epitome of celebratory events in the Nigeria, drawing crowds from far and wide,” he said.
“However, Odey said: “a shift has been witnessed in this year’s Festival Calendar with the introduction of the Ikom and Ogoja Carnivals by the state Governor Sen. Bassey Edet Otu’s administration.”
He said the initiative has offered a local alternative that takes the essence of the festive season from the capital city to other parts of the state.
According to an Elder Statesman from Northern Cross River, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, people from both the Northern and Central parts of the state have long yearned to experience the carnival spirit within their own communities.
He thanked Rt. Hon. Peter Odey for his instrumental role in bringing the Ogoja Carnival to realization.
The maiden edition of the Ogoja Carnival was witnessed by the distinguished participation of Honourable Members of the House of Assembly, all State Executive Council Members from the north, political office holders, traditional rulers and residents who were all optimistic about the potential of the carnival becoming
The cultural landmark that will draw participation from a broader audience saw Ogoja Local Government as the winner of the 2023 Northern Carnival.