By Mbah Monday
Cross River State government has launched a new annual event — the Carnival Parade of Thanksgiving and Festival of Praise, popularly known as the “Jesus Carnival.”
The maiden edition which held on Easter Monday in Calabar, brought together thousands of worshippers and visitors to the streets in a colourful display of gratitude, praise, and unity.
The spiritually charged celebration will take place every Easter season, becoming a permanent feature in the vibrant tourism calendar of the State.
Adorned with radiant colours, Governor Otu and his wife, Bishop Eyoawan Otu joined thousands of Christian faithful in dancing, singing, and lifting their voices in worship as gospel music filled the atmosphere — creating a powerful and joyous declaration of faith.
While Flagging off the event, Senator Bassey Otu, said the Jesus Carnival was envisioned as a divine counterpart to the internationally acclaimed Carnival Calabar, which holds every December.
According to him, it is born out of a desire to collectively thank God for the success of Carnival Calabar and to recognize divine favour over the progress of the State.
“Jesus Christ has taken Cross River State to unimaginable heights within two years of this administration. From the onset, I proclaimed this a Godly state, with Jesus as the Governor.
Today, we gather to say, ‘Father, thank You for how far You’ve brought us.’ The story of Cross River State is changing for the better, and I remain grateful to all the men and women of God who continue to lift this State in prayer.”
The Governor urged Christians across the State and beyond to continue to intercede for Cross River, emphasizing that “no investment in the things of God is ever wasted.” He also expressed appreciation to the numerous clergy members who led their congregations to participate in the inaugural event.
Also speaking at the event, Wife of the Governor, Bishop Eyoawan Otu, who first conceived the idea, said the Jesus Carnival was a spiritual response to a calendar traditionally dominated by secular celebrations.
“While Carnival Calabar celebrates our culture and entertainment, this is our moment to honour Jesus Christ, His sacrifice, and our shared faith as a people. It is time we publicly acknowledge His place in the destiny of our State,”
For his part, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Event Management, Mr. Effiong Ekpenyong, described the Jesus Carnival as the First Lady’s vision brought to life, crediting her unwavering spiritual leadership as instrumental to many of the administration’s successes.
“This is a historic move to blend faith with culture and tourism. It is not just an event. It is a statement — that Cross River is a land where faith, culture, and community converge,”
The carnival procession spanned key areas of Calabar Municipality and Calabar South, including Millennium Park, Watt Market, Nelson Mandela Street, Target Street, and Mary Slessor Roundabout, before returning to the main carnival corridor. At strategic points, prayers were offered — transforming public spaces into altars of worship and thanksgiving.
The event was marked by a strong ecumenical presence with prayers and blessings led by distinguished Christian leaders, including the State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. (Dr.) Takis Etim Caiafas; Bishop Josef Bassey, Bishop Emma Isong, Bishop Bassey E. Edem, and Apostle Frank Umoh, Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Affairs, among many others across denominations.
