Comedian, Effiong Bassey, popularly known as `De Senator’ has commended the Cross River Government over the success of the 15th edition of Carnival Calabar.

Bassey told the newsmen in Lagos that the carnival had, over the years, boosted the Cross River’s internally generated revenue (IGR).

He said that this was because the state had used its culture to drive its economy.

He described the project as a huge achievement, and urged other state governments to improve on their internally generated revenues by engaging in ventures such as festivals and carnivals.

He said that the carnival had created opportunities for talent discovery, grooming and promoted economic growth in the state.

 

“Cross River has really tried having organised the carnival for 15 consecutive years; other states should try and emulate such ventures.

“Each state is blessed with some tourism assets that can be translated into financial gains.

“The country will be liberated from unemployment and poverty if state governors can create activities around tourism and culture.

“States should try to create avenues to attract local and international tourists to boost their revenues,” he said.

 

 

 

NAN