GOVERNOR Liyel Imoke Set to Privatize Calabar Carnival

GOVERNOR Liyel Imoke of Cross River State, weekend, said that the state government was putting plans in motion to privatize the popular Carnival Calabar, describing the festival as a big boost to the economy of the state.

Imoke at the carnival, urged whoever would success him to ensure that the carnival was sustained in the years ahead.

Speaking at the grand finale of the 10th year anniversary of Carnival Calabar, which was flagged off at the Millennium Park, the governor said that the carnival has grown in leaps and bounds, becoming the biggest street party in Africa.

According to him, for the first time in the history of the carnival, the state government did not advertise the carnival, yet the crowd that thronged Calabar to witness it was unprecedented.

He said, "This year's carnival is my last carnival as the governor of this state. But I believe it will continue in the years ahead. It has truly become the ambassador event for Africa. We are planning to privatize it. There must be continuity in leadership which is very critical for us. Once we can do that, I believe we will continue to deliver great performances and improve on what we have already done over the years."

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