Eric Anderson, the leader of the Diamond Band and a former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, has been unanimously selected as the new Chairman of the Carnival Calabar Bands Association (CCBA). Anderson was chosen unanimously by all band leaders at a carnival appraisal meeting, following the conclusion of the previous chairman’s tenure. He takes over from Mrs. Onari Duke, the leader of the Bayside Band, who served for the past two years.
According to Calabar Gist, in declaring the winner after the selection process, Mrs. Duke expressed optimism that Anderson would utilize his “youthful energy” to revitalize the association and meet current challenges. She noted that as Carnival Calabar marks its 20th year, renewed passion and energy are required to drive the “Africa’s Biggest Street Party” to an enviable height.
While thanking her colleagues for the opportunity to serve, the Bayside Band Leader called on them to provide the new Chairman with the necessary support. Earlier, High Chief Edem Duke, Leader of the Calas Vegas Band and a three-time Carnival winner, applauded Mrs. Onari Duke for her exemplary two-year leadership. He expressed hope that the choice of Anderson would usher in a new and more vibrant era for the Association.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Anderson, who is also a former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism as well as, Information and Orientation in the State, promised to leverage the gains of past leaders for more improved Carnival outings and solicited their supports. He also used the occasion to congratulate Band leaders and lauded Governor Bassey Otu for releasing the necessary funds for the 20th edition of Carnival Calabar, which he noted was a huge success.
The selection was witnessed by the Chairman of the Carnival Commission, Sir Gabe Onah, Executive Secretary, Evang Austin Cobham, Commissioner Marketing, Mr Effiom Bassey and the Commissioner for Band Liaison, Ms. Shirley Effiom, and other key functionaries of the Commission.
All Band leaders were present, namely:
Mrs. Onari Duke (Bayside Band), Dame Florence Ita-Giwa (Seagul Band), Sen Geshom Bassey (Masta Blasta Band)Ntufam Ekanem Ekpenyong (Freedom Band), Dr. Umana Umoren (Passion 4 Band), and the host, High Chief Edem Duke (Calas Vegas Band) and Eric Anderson (Diamond Band).
