The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Hon Peter Odey, has expressed his appreciation for Mrs. Onari Duke's significant contribution to the development of Carnival Calabar. Hon. Odey, emphasizing the importance of giving credit where it is due, conveyed this sentiment on the 17th of December, 2023, during the flag-off of the dry run for the children's carnival in Calabar.
Rt. Hon. Odey also extended an invitation to the former First Lady to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Prior to the ribbon-cutting, Mrs. Onari Duke urged parents to encourage their children's participation in the children's carnival on the 27th of December, assuring them that the event would not promote negative habits. She expressed her delight in the revival of the children's carnival after a pause of several years and highlighted the economic advantages that awaited Cross Riverians, with an influx of visitors to the city during the carnival.
During the event, the Chairman of the Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, conveyed his invitation for everyone to witness the pure joy and innocence reflected in the children, stating "This is what Carnival Calabar is offering to the world, as the entire botanic garden has been taken over by this great colors, the color of warmth and the color of love. What is the color of love? Childhood."
He also welcomed the Deputy Governor to join the children for a walk, mentioning that the 6-kilometer dry run was conducted to test the system.
Pst Bill Francis Bill Spokesperson to Governor Prince Otu and Senior Chief Advocate to Rt Hon Peter Odey LEKWEL E'MBE 1 OF C'RIVER NORTH.