Ukorebi Esien | April 9, 2026
CALABAR – The Archbishop of Calabar and Spiritual Leader of God’s Heritage Global Mission, His Eminence Josef Bassey, has commended the Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, and his wife, Bishop Mrs Eyoanwan Otu, for what he described as their visionary leadership in initiating the Easter Parade of Thanksgiving and advancing development in the state.
Speaking in Calabar shortly after the 2026 edition of the parade, the Archbishop noted that the initiative has not only enriched the state’s tourism calendar but has also positioned Cross River on a path of spiritual and purposeful alignment.
The Easter Parade of Thanksgiving, popularly known as the “Jesus Carnival,” an initiative of the first lady, now part of the state's tourism calendar, drew thousands of worshippers to the streets of Calabar, turning major parts of the city into a moving procession of praise, prayer, and thanksgiving. Christian groups across denominations participated, with prayer stops held at key points along major routes.
Representing the Governor, the Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, described the event as a collective expression of gratitude to God for His faithfulness over the state.
“This gathering is a demonstration of our appreciation to God for what He has done for Cross River State and a reminder of the need to continue seeking His guidance,” he said.
In his speech, Archbishop Bassey described the parade as a divine, timely and spiritually potent initiative, noting that it reflects governance that is genuinely submitted to God.
“This is a visionary idea that is critical in our collective responsibility of actualizing the prophetic destiny of our state,” he said.
He further appreciated the Governor and the First Lady for their commitment to people-centred development, adding that ongoing projects across sectors show a deliberate effort to reposition the state.
Speaking with newsmen, the State Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Apostle Trinity Ogar, described the carnival as a unifying platform that brings believers together in gratitude and strengthens social cohesion across the state.
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