The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, ably represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, on Tuesday officially flagged off the Farewell Carnival Parade in honour of Rt. Hon. Chris Ngoro Agibe and Dr. Iyam Ugot, the late leaders of the Passion 4 and Freedom Carnival Bands respectively.
Speaking at the event which held at Mary Slessor Road, Calabar, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey described the moment as a sad one for the state and Carnival Calabar. He noted these remarkable individuals dedicated themselves in service, not only as commissioners but also in various national assignments, always representing the state with pride.
Odey reaffirmed state government’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of the state, with Deputy Governor Odey emphasizing that “the legacies of Agibe and Ugot will not be forgotten.
“On behalf of the Governor of Cross River State, I want to thank them for their immense services, and assure them that their commitment to the growth and success of Carnival Calabar will never be forgotten.
“We assure you that the government of Cross River State will do everything within its power to ensure that these illustrious sons are immortalized, their names and legacies etched into the fabric of our carnival history.” He added.
He assured the wives, children, and family members of the deceased of the government’s continued support, noting that Carnival Calabar is what it is today because of the lasting impact these individuals made. “They will forever be remembered in green and in our hearts,” he said.
Also paying tribute, the Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Mr. Gab Onah, and the Chairman of the Governing Board, Federal Polytechnic Ugep, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, extolled the late band leaders for their humility, creativity, and significant contributions to the growth and transformation of Carnival Calabar. As founding members of their respective bands, they introduced innovative ideas that elevated the standards of carnival design and performance.
They prayed for God to grant the bereaved families the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
The event, attended by dignitaries including former Senator Gershom Bassey, ex-Minister of Culture and Tourism High Chief Edem Duke, and Managing Director of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Onun Ojoi Ekpenyong, featured a minute of silence followed by a spectacular carnival procession in honor of the departed legends.
