The Cross River State Government has formally added a new spiritual celebration to its tourism calendar, unveiling the “Carnival Parade of Thanksgiving and Festival of Praise,” popularly known as the Jesus Carnival.
The event is scheduled to take place every Easter season, with the inaugural edition held on Easter Monday in Calabar.
Governor Senator Bassey Otu, joined by his wife, Bishop Eyoawan Bassey Otu, officially flagged off the maiden edition.
The carnival, characterized by vibrant colours, cultural expressions, and deep spirituality, is envisioned as a Christian counterpart to the internationally recognized Carnival Calabar, typically celebrated in December.
Organizers emphasized that the Jesus Carnival serves as a platform for collective thanksgiving to God for the continued peace and progress of the state, as well as the success of Carnival Calabar.
It merges faith, culture, and gratitude into a uniquely Christian celebration.
Speaking during the event, Governor Otu declared, “Jesus Christ has taken Cross River State to unimaginable heights within two years of this administration. From inception, I declared this a Godly state, and Jesus the true governor.”
He announced that Easter Monday would now be reserved for this purpose annually: “Easter Monday has now been set aside to celebrate Jesus and to say, ‘Father, thank You for how far You’ve brought us.’ The story of Cross River State is changing for the better. I’m grateful to all the men and women of God who have continually kept the state in their prayers.”
Calling for continued spiritual support from Christian communities, he stated, “No investment in the things of God is ever wasted.”
The governor also extended gratitude to the multitude of clergy who mobilized their congregations for the event.
The celebratory procession covered key parts of Calabar Municipality and Calabar South, including stops at Millennium Park, Watt Market, Nelson Mandela Street, Target Street, and the Mary Slessor Roundabout.
Prayers were offered at various locations along the route, lending spiritual weight to the parade.
Governor Otu and his wife sang and danced with thousands of Christians, with powerful gospel music reverberating through the streets.
Before the flag-off, First Lady Bishop Eyoawan Otu shared the inspiration behind the event: “While Carnival Calabar is a secular celebration, this is a spiritual festival — one created to honor Christ for His sacrifice and celebrate our faith as a people.”
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Event Management, Mr. Effiong Ekpenyong, attributed the vision behind the Jesus Carnival to the First Lady’s influence and spiritual commitment.
“With this spiritually uplifting addition to its tourism calendar, Cross River State has reaffirmed its identity as a place where culture and faith intersect, making Easter not just a religious observance, but a state-wide celebration of divine gratitude and praise,” he remarked.
The event concluded with live performances from top gospel artists, headlined by celebrated musician Cobhams Asuquo, who delivered a moving performance that captivated the crowd.
Leading the prayers during the celebration were notable Christian leaders, including Rev. (Dr.) Takis Etim Caiafas, State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); Bishop Josef Bassey; Bishop Emma Isong; Bishop Bassey E. Edem; Apostle Frank Umoh, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Religious Affairs; and other ministers from various denominations.
