COUNCIL CHAIRMAN CALLS FOR THE DOMESTICATION OF CARNIVAL OGOJA
Ndifereke BASSEY
The Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Council, Hon. Christopher Agbeh, has called on the Cross River State government to domesticate Carnival Ogoja in order to encourage greater participation and foster the area's economic development.
The Chairman, who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Idi Yakubu, made the call during the presentation of the 2024 Carnival prizes to the winners. He noted that the event's success has brought the people closer to tourism and led to significant business growth, benefiting markets and other business sectors.
Hon. Agbeh further stated that the council is in talks with the Forestry Commission to explore the potential for establishing a tourism and recreational village using the region’s green vegetative areas, which would serve as a permanent venue for the carnival.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration with the Carnival Commission to develop a more suitable and permanent location for the event.
In his remarks, the chairman of the Ogoja Carnival, Hon. Emmanuel Ishabor, expressed appreciation to the council chairman for providing necessary support, including security and facilities, that contributed to the success of the carnival. He promised that future events would be even better.
The Executive Secretary of the Carnival Commission, Mr. Austin Cobham, commemded the contributions of the Council chairman before, during, and after the event.
He emphasized that the carnival should not only be viewed as a street dance but also as an important economic driver, bringing business growth and expansion to the area.
Cobham urged the council chairman to continue collaborating with the Forestry Commission to create a tourism and recreational village as an additional attraction for potential tourists.
Also speaking, Hon. Egana Patrick, commended the Carnival Commission for fulfilling their promises. He noted that the prize redemption would serve as a boost and encouragement for greater participation in future events.
The event was marked by formal presentation of cheques to the winners including Hillside Band of Obudu, who came first with a prize of N3m, Golden Band of Ogoja took Second position with N3m and Excellence Band, which came third with N1m.
In attendance were Mr. James Ekpe Bullem, Head of PRS, Mr. Effiom Bassey, Head of Marketing, and Mr. Mark Asaba, among others.
