When the former Governor of Cross Rivers State, Donald Duke introduced Calabar Carnival, many did not give it a chance in terms of economic importance. It was rather viewed from the perspective of projecting culture and an entertainment jamboree by some school of thoughts. However, 10 years after the first procession took place on the street of Calabar, the economic significance of the carnival became obvious.
Many say that its contributions span creating job opportunities, boosting economic activities and foreign exchange generation. It has been also argued to have potentials of becoming next to Agriculture in terms of growing the Nigerian Gross Domestic Product if properly harnessed.
Started in 2004, as a vision of the former governor in making his state the hub for tourism and hospitality in Nigeria and Africa, the Carnival can be said to have fulfilled the expectations of the founding fathers. Apart from economic empowerment it brings to the state, it has been said that Carnival Calabar has been a Mecca of sort for thousands who throng Cross River to catch a glimpse of 32 Days of non-stop excitement every year.
According Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Carnival Calabar Chris Agibe, bands from Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago and others came with their own kind of culture to last year carnival, thereby attracting huge foreign exchange earning to the country.
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