By PATRICK ABANG, Calabar –
History was made in the Ogoja Local Government Area, as Senator Prince Bassey Otu’s administration kicked off Carnival activities in the Northern Senatorial District in Cross River State.
The Ogoja carnival, adorned with colorful ambiance, featured five competing bands from the Northern Senatorial District, Ogoja LG represented by Hon. Peter Odey, Yala represented by Stephen Odey, Bekwarra represented by Legor Idabor, and Obanliku LG represented by Fidelis Ugbo.
The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, flagged off the event and reminded the people of Northern Cross River that the season of sweetness was indeed a reality, assuring the district of significant improvements in road infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and job opportunities.
Expressing gratitude to the Governor and his wife for choosing to host the carnival in the Northern Senatorial District, the Deputy Governor highlighted the distribution of over three thousand bags of rice to the various wards as part of the festive celebration. He said each of the 52 wards in the Northern Senatorial District had received 60 bags of rice for Christmas.
The Former Federal House Member representing Bekwarra, Obudu, and Obanliku Constituency, Rt. Hon. Legor Idabor, emphasized that the district had longed to experience the Christmas season since the commencement of Calabar Carnival in 1999. He expressed pleasure with the accomplishments of Senator Bassey Otu, concluding that the district would strengthen its bond of unity.
The Leader of Obanliku, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, and the Former Council Chairman of Ogoja LGA, Hon. Emmanuel Ishabor in their various remarks, appreciated Governor Bassey Otu for prioritizing the well-being of the people. They also noted that the initiative had brought happiness to the people, especially those who lacked the financial capacity to attend the Calabar Carnival.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Mike Odere, the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Stephen Odey, Commissioner for Science & Technology, Dr. Justin Beshel, and the Commissioner for Sport, Hon. Agnes Atsu who commended the Governor and his wife, promising that the initiative is here to stay and would be significantly improved in the coming years.
In the band competition, Ogoja LG, representing Hon. Peter Odey, secured the first position, with Yala LG, representing Stephen Odey, as the second runner-up, while Obudu LG, representing the Former State Governor, Ben Ayade, came third position. All competing received cash awards as they were all deemed winners for putting in their best efforts at such short notice.
Afterward, the evening featured an after-carnival musical show with captivating performances by various local artists from the Northern Senatorial District.
The crowd was brought to their feet with the rousing performance of the Ogoja-born music star, King Sunny Neji, who crowned the night.
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