Full List: Aisha Buhari, Govs, Other Top Dignitaries That Attend 2024 Calabar Carnival

Nigeria’s immediate former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, made a remarkable appearance at the 2024 Calabar Carnival Street Party on Saturday, exuding style and elegance.

Henzodaily reports that the former First Lady’s presence contributed a layer of sophistication to the carnival, which is celebrated for its vibrant costumes, captivating performances, and lively atmosphere.

Buhari’s fashion at the event was impeccable, as she wore a pink ensemble that reflected her refined taste.

Seated in the VIP section alongside other dignitaries, she enjoyed the enchanting sights and sounds as seven competitive and seven non-competitive bands entertained attendees with a series of performances.

Her participation in the carnival underscored her dedication to promoting Nigerian culture.

Also at the 2024 Calabar Carnival were Mrs Buhari’s children, the governors of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, and his Kogi State counterpart, Ahmed Usman Ododo.

Aisha Buhari [Right wing] at 2024 Calabar Festival

A former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, and Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representative of the Cross River South Senatorial District, were present to enhance the carnival’s vibrancy and appeal.

Additionally, the event was graced by several international diplomats from organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union, among others.

During the flag-off ceremony held at Millennium Park in Calabar, the state capital, Cross River State Governor Prince Bassey Otu remarked that this year’s theme, “Our Shared Prosperity,” is particularly relevant on an international scale, given the diverse global audience in attendance.

“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.

“There is a need to build economic, social, and cultural prosperity into what we are doing for our people to share,” Otu said.

The governor commended the founders of the Carnival Calabar, including former governors Duke, Liyel Imoke, and Prof. Ben Ayade, acknowledging their efforts in taking over and maintaining the event. They have successfully incorporated additional participating and non-participating bands into the carnival, which is now in its second decade, having originated in 2004.

Governor Otu expressed his commitment to further enhancing and adding value to the event during his administration. He mentioned the potential introduction of a Diaspora band in the upcoming year.

Additionally, the Kwara State Governor praised Governor Otu for his dedication to sustaining the carnival while infusing it with greater creativity and style.

AbdulRasaq said that the event puts Nigeria on the map as it is a global event and improves the state’s internally generated revenue.

“This programme 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.

“Hopefully, next year, people will need to spend some days in Calabar before going back to Lagos; that is the joy of it all,” AbdulRasaq said.

 

The governor of Kogi State also commended the leadership of Governor Otu, highlighting the enthusiasm and dedication demonstrated by both participants and residents of the state.