The first dry run for the 2022 Carnival Calabar was started on Sunday by Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade. This is the carnival’s return after the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020.

The subject of this year’s Carnival is “Agro-Industrialization.”

Governor Ayade opened the festivities by stating that the carnival’s theme was thoughtfully selected to convey to the world community that Africans are self-sufficient in terms of food.

Despite the large amount of arable land that God has given Africa with, he bemoaned the great dependency of African countries on western nations for food, declaring that “agro-industrialization was indeed the way to go.”

We have many reasons to rejoice today, as Cross River has come together once more to create the allure that typifies innovation.

“This year’s subject is agro-industrialization, and it makes sense to move in that direction.

That is the best course of action for any serious and dedicated nation. Hunger is the biggest insecurity. Hunger is the greatest source of insecurity that threatens humankind.

“The lack of grains as a result of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine indicates that by the end of 2023, the country will be in serious trouble.”

“Thus, I perceive an omen of scarcity, starvation, and agony, driving individuals to the pinnacle of criminality and animalism,” he declared.

He took the opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to and support for the state’s southern senatorial district’s return to power in 2023.

Because of the extra bands in the carnival, Mr. Austin Cobham, Executive Secretary of the Calabar Carnival Commission, had earlier referred to the dry run as the mother of all dry runs.

Cobham revealed that Cross River was prepared to host the world because the service commanders were present in the state.

He applauded Governor Ayade for increasing the number of carnival bands from five to seven, claiming this would allow for greater participation.

He praised the governor even more for the topic, stating that it could not have come at a better moment given the current state of affairs, which is one of war and escalating insecurity following the devastation caused by COVID-19.

“Agro-industrialization has actually proven to be the only way that the world would survive,” he declared.

Hundreds of people watched the 12-kilometer courses, which featured almost 4,000 revelers.

Among those present during the flag-off were Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa, Mr. Edem Duke, a former minister of culture and tourism, and members of the Cross River House of Assembly.

Seagull, Passion 4, Masta Blasta, Bayside, Freedom, Diamond, and Calas Vegas are the seven bands that are in competition.