The Cross River State government has officially introduced a new annual event into its tourism calendar, titled ‘Carnival Parade of Thanksgiving and Festival of Praise,’ also known as the ‘Jesus Carnival’ to be held every Easter season.

The maiden edition took place on Easter Monday in the state capital, Calabar, and was flagged off by the governor, Senator Bassey Otu.

Speaking at the event, Governor Otu stated that the colorful and spiritually charged event, marked by splendor and cultural flair, is a spiritual offshoot of the globally celebrated Carnival Calabar, traditionally held every December.

He noted that Jesus Christ had taken Cross River State to unimaginable heights within two years of his administration.

He said, “From inception, I declared this a Godly state, and Jesus the true governor. Easter Monday has now been set aside to celebrate Jesus and to say, ‘Father, thank You for how far You have brought us.’ The story of Cross River State is changing for the better. I am grateful to all the men and women of God who have continually kept the state in their prayers.”

He called on more Christians to join the effort to pray for Cross River, emphasizing that “no investment in the things of God is ever wasted.”

The governor also thanked the large contingent of clergy who led their congregations to participate in the event.

The parade route covered several strategic locations across Calabar Municipality and Calabar South local government areas, including Millennium Park, Watt Market, Nelson Mandela Street, Target Street, and the Mary Slessor Roundabout, before returning to the main carnival corridor.

Prayers were offered at various roundabouts along the way, adding a spiritual dimension to the march.

The Special Adviser to the governor on Event Management, Effiong Ekpenyong described the Jesus Carnival as the brainchild of the First Lady, crediting her prayerful support for much of the administration’s successes.

He coordinated the parade’s logistics and highlighted its significance as a new attraction in the state’s growing tourism offerings.

He explained that the ‘Jesus Carnival’ is designed as a moment of collective gratitude to God for the success of Carnival Calabar and the continued progress of the state.

It blends faith, culture, and thanksgiving into a unique Christian celebration during the Easter season.



https://punchng.com/criver-introduces-jesus-carnival-into-state-tourism-calendar/