Calabar Carnival: Ayade Campaigns Against Illegal Migration By Africans
Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River has called on
intending African migrants to America and European countries in search of
greener pasture to be cautious with the risk involved.
Ayade made the call Sunday in Calabar during the
flag-off of the 2017 second carnival dry run with the theme: `Migration’.
According to Ayade, the theme of the carnival was
chosen in recognition of the plights of Africans who are forced to migrate out
of the continent in search of greener pasture and help.
``Not too long ago, we lost about 20 Nigerians who
died in the Mediterranean Sea while crossing to Europe in search of greener
pasture.
``The excessive migration of young people out of
African in search of greener pasture in Europe and America has coursed us the
death of many young people.
``The Calabar carnival uses that opportunity to
expose the risk incident of such migration. Africans must understand that the
carnival is not all about the street dance, but the interpretation of the
theme.
``This theme is very critical. I wonder why the
world will not focus on Calabar this year.
`` We are trying to tell the world that Africa is
rich enough to be independent and our young men and women will not have to
cross to foreign countries at the peril of their own life in search of alternative
sources of income,” he said.
The governor said the activities of the various
carnival bands will be focused on the interpretation of the theme by way of
creating awareness for the intending migrants.
The governor said: “Africa will learn a lesson from
this dry run that indeed we are not playing, but telling the true story of
Africa, our heritage, culture and values.
“I use this opportunity to invite everyone around the
globe to be in the Calabar Carnival which is now the second most popular
carnival in the world.’’
Earlier, Chairman of Calabar Carnival Commission, Mr.
Gabe Onah, said the carnival was an annual robust event with diverse
activities.
Participants were beautifully dressed in different attires
while security was mounted in all the carnival routes.
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