By: Our Reporter, Calabar
As part of the 2024 Carnival Calabar activities, about 3,000 bikers took over the 12-kilometer carnival routes in Cross River on Sunday evening, performing stunts to the admiration of thousands of spectators who thronged the routes to watch the wheel wonders.
The event, christened “2024 Bikers Parade,” saw the emergence of safety-geared bikers and ride pillions from six motorbike riders’ clubs, which include Maxk Riders, Metallic Knights, Free Wheelers, Diamond Bike Gang, Tinapa Motorbike, and D’Scorpion Motorbike Riders’ Clubs.
Flagging off the event at the Millennium Park in Calabar, the Cross River capital, the governor, Prince Bassey Otu, charged the riders to be safety-conscious as they traverse the carnival routes with their unique experience in bike riding.
Otu, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, stated that in view of the fact that this year’s carnival has not recorded any sad events, it is pertinent for the riders to ensure that all safety precautions are strictly adhered to.
“The carnival has never recorded any sad event, and we believe that today, all safety measures are going to be adhered to while ensuring that the riders and ride pillions remain safe,” the governor said.
Chairman of the Cross River Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, noted that the event is a celebration of partners, including IEI International Insurance, Afrexim Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), First Bank, Zenith, Nigerian Breweries, Arise TV, and MTN, among others, who are on the ground to give the event a special touch.
Onah appealed that, moving forward, the bikers’ event should be a standalone event during the year so that it becomes competitive, as the commission is engaging with Yanga Games that are promoting Carnival Calabar and festival games.
In an interview, a former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, as well as Information in Cross River, Eric Anderson, stressed the need for bikers to observe safety measures while ensuring that their personal protective equipment (PPE) is appropriately worn.
Anderson, who is the leader of Diamond Bike Gang, also advised on the reduction of speed limits as bike riders mark the 2024 Bikers Parade, which is part of the Carnival Calabar festivities.
