Carnival Calabar Has Gained Global Visibility-Bangladesh High Commissioner
Oru Leonard
The Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Md Shameem Ahsan, has said that Carnival Calabar has given global visibility to Calabar and the Cross River State in general.
Mr Shameem said this in Calabar during a brunch with some official of Cross River State on Sunday, December 29, 2019.
Speaking, Md Shameem who noted that the theme of the Carnival “Humanity” is very apt, said that it is a great achievement to the state and Nigeria as a whole, added that culture can play an important role in connecting countries, nationalities, communities and similar nations.
According to him, “The Carnival has given Calabar the visibility, not regional but international visibility and this will go a long way in raising the profile of Nigeria as the largest economy of Africa”.
Speaking on the theme of the Carnival “Humanity”, he congratulated Governor Ben Ayade for selecting the theme, said that the Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is a mother of humanity due to her generosity in hosting 1.2 million Rohingyas.
“We all Nigerians and Bangladesh and are here to uphold humanity which is a unifying force. We are together for humanity, regardless of the continent, that brings us closer.
“Bangladesh and Nigeria can immensely benefit by having close relation between the two countries especially in the areas of trade and commerce”, he concluded
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Responding, the Governor of Cross River State, Prof, Ben Ayade represented by Secretary to the Government of Cross River State, Barr. Tina Banku Agbor, thanked the High Commissioner for the meeting and for selling Carnival Calabar to Bangladesh to the extent of sending a team to participate in the Carnival.
She noted that Cross River State is known for cleanliness, hospitality, acceptability and international show, and the idea is to sell the state to the world.
In her words, “The world is beginning to sell us, in fact, we are beginning to be the gate way to Nigeria. We are asking more International countries to come into Calabar and show us their own culture
“You come here, show us what you can do and see what we are capable of, we are telling our stories as Africans. We have everything, human resources, minerals and land in abundance and you are welcome.
“In business we are ready to work with you and the Governor is an industrialist, we are industrialising
Also speaking, Mr. Fahimul Islam, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Bangladesh, expressed delight to have led the team to attend the Carnival Calabar, adding that it is a moment to showcase Bangladesh rich culture in Nigeria.
He appreciated the High Commissioner for bringing the team to Nigeria, and also expressed hopes that the relationship between Nigeria and Bangladesh in the area of culture will be steady in the days ahead.
Dignitaries present at the event were the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Turkish Ambassador to Ghana, Commissioner for Information, Commissioner for Industry, and Bangladesh delegation.
Bangladeshi dance troupe made a debut later at the international Carnival that took place later in the night.
