Weeks after the Lagos State Government suspended the 2021 Greater Lagos Fiesta due to the resurgent COVID-19 pandemic, the virus has claimed another popular end-of-year activity, the Calabar Carnival.
Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State announced the suspension of the 2021 edition of the Calabar Carnival on Monday, citing the outbreak of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 and insecurity as reasons.
The Governor, who spoke at a meeting with carnival band leaders, members of the State Executive Council and local government chairpersons meant initially to unveil the carnival’s theme, explained that the suspension was in the best interest of all.
Ayade said that the carnival has to be suspended based on the emergence of the Omicron variant and warnings from health experts that it kills faster than other variants.
He added people’s lives are paramount, and he would not compromise the lives and safety of the citizens for the fleeting excitement of the carnival.
“We voted more than three times to arrive at no carnival this year in the best interest of Cross Riverians. I’m sad, of course, as I wanted the carnival for 2021, but the majority carried the day. Dear Cross Riverians, we need to be alive first to enjoy Christmas and carnival. The new COVID-19 variant is dangerous,” the Governor said.
Stakeholders at the meeting unanimously agreed with the Governor’s decision.
The Calabar Carnival is a month-long event featuring a colourful display of culture and beauty held every December. The initial plan was for it to happen inside the Esuene Stadium until the outbreak of the Omicron COVID-19 variant, which has made countries shut their borders.
Recall that preparation for the Greater Lagos fiesta themed ‘Lagos Rocks’ were in top gear until the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture suspended it following a fresh COVID outbreak in Europe.
