AS the people and government of Cross River State warm up for the yearly Calabar Carnival, a glimpse of what awaits tourists during the 32-day event, was unveiled last weekend in Abuja.The event witnessed a huge turnout of Cross River indigenes from within and outside the Federal Capital Territory. Also present were Governor Liyel Imoke and his wife, Obioma, Senators Ita Giwa and Victor Ndoma-Egba, Minister, Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, friends and tourists, who have come to have a glimpse of Destination Cross River. The forum was used to create awareness for the Pneumonia scourge, which accounts for over 177,000 deaths in children yearly. Tagged the Breath of Life, the initiative of the First Lady, Obioma Liyel Imoke, goes beyond awareness campaign to deliver medical intervention for the prevention and treatment of Pneumonia victims. There were also lots of cultural and musical performances by various troupes and artists. Most glamorous were the stunning presentations of various carnival bands including Freedom, Bayside, Masta Blasta, Passion 4 as well as Seagull. The groups, which stormed the International Conference Centre, venue of the event with their full costumes, said it was just a tip of the iceberg. The 2011 Calabar Festival is scheduled to open on November 30 with tree lighting ceremony. Other events lined up for the one-month outing include city walk against HIV/AIDS, opening of arts gallery, essay competition, youth development programmes and musical shows. Others are cultural night, food fair, Golf tournament, theatre productions, beauty pageant and fashion shows. These will culminate into the Carnival Calabar procession on December 28. As usual, the Carnival train takes off from Millennium Park and terminates at UJ Esuene Stadium. Governor Imoke in his address said the night was a prelude to the annual event, which has developed into the most anticipated festival of entertainment and culture in the country.He added that the evening was an integral part of the state's tourism offering and a peep into the excitement and fun that Africa's biggest street party has to offer. 'The 32-day festival is a celebration of our people and the beauty of our culture. It is unique to the People's Paradise, Cross River State', he stated. With Calabar Festival, Senator Imoke said the State has become a flagship tourism destination, not only in Nigeria but also in the whole of West Africa. As the state celebrates the richness of its culture however, the governor said the society is mindful of the less privileged. Thus, the proceeds from sales of tickets for the evening event would be channeled to the treatment of Pneumonia. His words: ''we do not forget those in our society, who do not have the opportunities we enjoy. This is why we hold charity-focused events as part of our festival activities. Thus, the proceeds from the sales of tickets for this event will fund a community-directed approach to the prevention and treatment of Pneumonia as part of the Breath of Life in Cross River State.
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