Calabar — As Calabar Festival,which lasts 32 days, begins with the tree lighting ceremony, the Cross River State Government has organized a training workshop for over 1,000 security operatives to make the programme success.

Speaking at a workshop attended by the police, the army, the navy, Civil Defence, State Security Service, among others, the Security Adviser to Governor Liyel Imoke, Mr. Rekpene Bassey, said the workshop was necessary in view of the number of visitors expected in the state for the programme.

Bassey said the state had remained the most peaceful throughout the country and many governors, ambassadors and High Commissioners, the business class from all parts of the world and very important persons are expected to attend the festival and there is the need for the security personnel to be civil and ensure there is no story of violence recorded anywhere.

He advised the security operatives that will be on duty during the period to display professionalism.

The State Security Adviser told the participants not to use long arms during the carnival.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Special Adviser, Governor's Office, Mr. Nzan Ogbe, said the state is regarded as the safest as a result of the collaboration and commitment amongst security agencies in the state.

He disclosed that the festival started with the tree lighting ceremony and then the HIV/AIDS walk, saying since 12 years ago when the state started the celebration, it has grown in size and had become a global event.