Cross River State governor, Bassey Otu, has described as sad, the deaths of former House of Reps member, Chris Agibe as well as former CRS Health Commissioner, Iyam Ugot, two remarkable individuals who he said, dedicated themselves and discharged their functions effectively as members of the CRS Executive Council, at one time, and band leaders of Passion 4 and Freedom Band, two prominent bands in the Carnival Calabar.
Otu who spoke through his deputy, Peter Odey, as he flagged off the farewell carnival parade of the two deceased band leaders, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of the state, stressing that “the legacies of Agibe and Ugot will not be forgotten.”
“On behalf of the Governor of Cross River State, I want to thank them for their immense services, and assure them that their commitment to the growth and success of Carnival Calabar will never be forgotten. We assure you that the government of Cross River State will do everything within its power to ensure that these illustrious sons are immortalized, their names and legacies etched into the fabric of our carnival history.”
To the wives, children, and family members, assurance was given of government’s continued support, noting that Carnival Calabar bears the imprint of this two individuals. “They will forever be remembered in green and in our hearts,” he said.
Tributes from the Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Gab Onah, and Florence Ita-Giwa, Chairman, Governing Board, Federal Polytechnic Ugep, extolled the late band leaders for their significant contributions to the growth and transformation of Carnival Calabar.