Truth is, words and/or photos will never truly 'cut it' when it comes to trying to explain what the Carnival Calabar experience really is! Which is why it's best you see/feel things LIVE for full appreciation of the talents our dear nation is laden with.

Even though my experience on the outside was a bit different, but like all others who experienced the 2017 Carnival Calabar, it was beautiful on the inside.

I was invited as an Adjudicator (Judge if you like) for this prestigious annual event, and with all the humility and excitement my heart could muster all at once, I accepted the offer to serve.

The only 'downside' to my role as Adjudicator was the 'inability' to laugh, clap, acknowledge greetings, use phones, reveal any expression (in admiration or otherwise) for any Band, whether in the competing or non-competing categories etc.

There were 5 competing Bands (Bayside, Freedom, Passion 4, Masta Blasta, Seagull) and many other non-competing Bands. The Bands did their best in depicting the theme of the Carnival which was MIGRATION!

Declaring the event open was the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator Professor Ben Ayade, his gorgeous wife, Senator Princess Florence Ita-Giwa, as well as other VVIPs. Performances by the Bands commenced at Adjudication Point 1 (Botanical Garden) and terminated at the U.J. Esuene Stadium (last Adjudication Point).

The Carnival Judges were a fine selection of Professors, Academic Doctors, Lawyers, a Court Judge, an ex-Tourism Beauty Queen/Carnival Calabar Influencer and professionals from other areas.

At about 8am, after over 12hours of high-powered performances, results from all the Judges at all Adjudication points were collated by the amazing Chief Judge, Dr. Arnold Udoka and presented to the Executive Governor of the State through the Chairman, Carnival Calabar Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah .

RESULTS: 5th Place: Masta Blasta Band

4th Place: Bayside Band

3rd Place: Seagull Band

2nd Place: Freedom Band 2017 OVERALL WINNER: PASSION 4 BAND.

EbeleEze-Enemchukwu is the immediate past Mrs Tourism United Nations, she wrote in from Lagos, Nigeria. Follow her on Facebook.