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Global Dignitaries, Governors, UN, EU Representatives Grace Calabar Carnival 2024
By Divine Perezide
Hajia Aisha Buhari, wife of Nigeria’s former president, alongside her children, joined other dignitaries, including the governors of Kwara and Kogi States, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq and Ahmed Usman Ododo, as well as representatives from the United Nations and European Union, to attend the 2024 Carnival Calabar in Cross River State.
The event, flagged off at Millennium Park in Calabar by Cross River State Governor Prince Bassey Otu, celebrated the theme “Our Shared Prosperity.” Speaking at the ceremony, Otu emphasized the theme’s global relevance, highlighting the diverse international presence at the carnival.
“The theme of this year is ‘Our Shared Prosperity.’ That shared prosperity is actually internationally engaging because we have the global audience right here; we have people from all continents of the world right here,” Governor Otu said. “There is a need to build economic, social, and cultural prosperity into what we are doing for our people to share.”
Governor Otu expressed gratitude to the visionaries behind the carnival, including former Governor Donald Duke, who initiated the event in 2004, and his successors, Liyel Imoke and Prof. Ben Ayade, for sustaining and expanding it. He pledged to continue enhancing the carnival and announced plans to introduce a Diaspora band in 2025.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq praised the Otu administration for adding creativity and innovation to the festival. He remarked on the economic benefits of the event, describing it as a global showcase that boosts the state’s revenue.
“This program puts Nigeria on the map because it is a global event. What we don’t realize is the improved internally generated revenue of the state. If I look at it from the economic angle, not just the cultural angle, you see people talking about spending December in Lagos, but this is here to stay,” AbdulRasaq stated. “Hopefully, next year, people will need to spend some days in Calabar before going back to Lagos; that is the joy of it all.”
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State commended Governor Otu’s leadership, which he said was reflected in the vibrant participation and enthusiasm displayed by residents and performers.
Following the flag-off, both competing and non-competing bands embarked on the 12-kilometer carnival route, delighting onlookers and interpreting the theme at designated adjudication points.
Carnival Commission Chairman, Mr. Gab Onah, extended appreciation to sponsors, including Afrexim Bank, MTN, Zenith Bank, Arise, International Energy Insurance Company, DSTV, and First Bank, for their contributions to the event’s success.
The Calabar Carnival, now in its second decade, continues to attract global recognition as a premier cultural and economic event in Nigeria.
IduwiniVoice Social
The Indorowei family of Liomoni Quarters, Okunwei family of Ewodeware Quarters, Donye of Azina-ware Quarters, all of Ofougbene Community, Iduwini Kingdom, Burutu LGA announce the burial ceremony of their illustrious son and father, Late Capt. Edward Olayerinmene Forcados, who passed at the age of 84.
Service of Songs:
4pm, Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, at his residence, Efosa Street, Off Jakpa Road, Effurun
Funeral Rites:
10am, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, body leaves Ame Specialist Hospital Mortuary for his hometown, Ofougbene via MillarJetty, for funeral rites and Interment.
An All-night Social Wake-keeping follows from 7pm till dawn.
(c) IduwiniVoiceTv
By: Daire Perez
As the third phase national chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), I, General Godstime Ogidigba, would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the PAP administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro. The launch of the second phase of laptop distribution to amnesty scholarship beneficiaries is a testament to his dedication to enhancing the learning and research capabilities of our students. I am proud of the strides his administration has taken to prioritize the welfare of our students, marking a significant shift in the narrative of the PAP program.
Under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, the PAP has witnessed a positive transformation. For the first time in almost a decade, we are seeing tangible results that reflect the program’s true potential. His commitment to the welfare of our students is commendable, and I am confident that his administration will continue to yield positive outcomes.
As the third phase national chairman, I am delighted to give Dr. Otuaro my full support and backing. His leadership style, which prioritizes listening to the people and addressing their needs, is a breath of fresh air. I believe he is the right person to take the PAP program to greater heights, and I look forward to seeing more positive developments under his administration.
Dr. Otuaro’s efforts have brought the PAP program into the limelight, and for that, I am eternally grateful. His dedication to improving the lives of our students is a testament to his character, and I have no doubt that he will continue to make a lasting impact. I wish him all the best in his endeavors and assure him of my unwavering support.
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate my appreciation to Dr. Dennis Otuaro for his outstanding leadership and commitment to the PAP program. I am confident that under his guidance, the program will continue to thrive and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students. Thank you, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, and may God bless you for your service.
IduwiniVoice
Commrade Solomon Gbegha, former chairman of Odimodi Community, has extended warm felicitations to His Royal Majesty, Elder (Capt.) King Joseph Timiyan (JP), Torububou 1, Agbonu, the revered king of Ogulagha kingdom, on the occasion of his 20th Coronation Anniversary.
In his goodwill message, Comrade Gbegha congratulated the monarch for his peaceful leadership, wisdom, and commitment to the unity and progress of the Ogulagha kingdom and the Niger Delta region of large.
He further wished the royal father a long, peaceful, and prosperous reign, praying that God continue to grant him wisdom, strength, and good health to leader his people to greater heights.