Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has affirmed that the annual Carnival Calabar festival has become a defining element of the state’s identity. Otu, represented by his deputy Peter Odey, made the remark during the flag-off of the second dry run for the 2024 edition of the festival, held on Sunday in Calabar.
At the event, the governor also unveiled the official mascot and introduced a new Diasporan Band, describing the occasion as “another iconic chapter” in the state’s two-decade effort to build a world-class cultural and tourism brand.
He added, “This design symbolises the pride and identity of the Cross River people. Africa’s biggest street party, Carnival Calabar has become part of our identity, part of our history, and will stay with us for the rest of our lives.”
Otu explained that this year’s carnival theme, “Traces of Time,” reflects the historical and cultural evolution of the Cross River people and forms the guiding narrative for the celebration.
Chairman of the State Carnival Commission, Gabriel Onah, also addressed attendees, urging people of African descent around the world to rally behind the newly launched Diasporan Band.
He said, “We are unveiling the Carnival Calabar Diasporan Band with their unique theme that ties directly to ‘Traces of Time.”
Continuing, he added, “They are speaking to the pains of history and the desire to reconcile. I call on all Diasporans around the world, including myself to join the Diasporan Band and help chart a new direction for Carnival Calabar.”
Nicki Minaj Set to Speak at UN on Reported Attacks Against Nigerian Christians
Nicki Minaj is set to speak at a United Nations event in New York on Tuesday, where she is expected to discuss claims of jihadist violence targeting Christians in Nigeria. The American rapper, whose full name is Onika Maraj-Petty, will appear alongside Michael Waltz, the United States ambassador to the UN, as well as Alex Bruesewitz, an adviser to US President Donald Trump and the event’s organizer.
News of Minaj’s participation first surfaced on Sunday evening, shared on X by Eric Cortellessa, a senior political correspondent for Time magazine.
Responding to the report, Amb. Waltz praised Minaj, calling her “not only arguably the greatest female recording artist, but also a principled individual who refuses to remain silent in the face of injustice.” He thanked her for using her influence to draw attention to what he described as “atrocities against Christians in Nigeria.”
Minaj, for her part, emphasized that she would “never stand down in the face of injustice,” adding that her platform carried a meaningful responsibility.
The upcoming event follows recent remarks by Trump, who alleged that a “Christian genocide” is taking place in Nigeria and announced plans to designate the nation as a “Country of Particular Concern,” while urging Congress to act swiftly. Minaj later publicly praised Trump for addressing the issue.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government of Nigeria has firmly rejected claims of faith-based violence, insisting that the country’s security challenges arise from criminal activity rather than religious persecution. Despite Nigeria’s rebuttal, officials in the United States have continued to raise alarms over the situation.
