The Calabar Carnival has been postponed till 2021, according to Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade.
The Governor indicated that the suspension is due to health concerns emerging from the breakout of the Omicron strain of COVID-19, as well as the current security situation.
He made the announcement Monday in the State Executive Council Chamber, which was packed with carnival band leaders, State Executive Council members, and local government chairman from the state’s 18 council districts.
He explained that the purpose of the gathering was to reveal the theme for the carnival’s 2021 edition, but that due to the development of a new variety known as Omicron and health experts’ advice that it kills faster than other varieties, the carnival had to be postponed.
The stakeholders in the meeting agreed on the resolution.
Governor Ayade stated that people’s lives are vital, and that he would not jeopardize citizens’ lives and safety for the carnival’s transitory joy.
The well-known Calabar Carnival is an annual showcase of culture and beauty held to commemorate Christmas. Cross-River is Nigeria’s and Africa’s tourism and hospitality capital, with the slogan “The People’s Paradise.”
