Residents of Calabar and environs who attended this year’s edition of City of Friends, held on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 July, 2018, have commended the Nigerian Breweries Plc, brewers of the “33” Export Lager Beer, for their thoughtfulness in promoting friendship around the country. City of Friends, a two-day funfair and merriment for friends, was created by “33” Export Lager Beer as part of a series of events to celebrate the 2018 World Friendship Day.
Aniekan Ukpo, a final year student at the University of Calabar, praised the organisers of the show for bringing friends in the city together in a convivial atmosphere that only the city of Calabar could offer.
“We are grateful to them for bringing this year’s City of Friends to Calabar. Beyond the name, Calabar as we residents here know it also stands Come And Live And Be At Rest. This explains the love and friendship that live here, both of which I believe make the city a no-brainer to host the “33” Export Lager Beer City of Friends which is entirely about celebrating friendship”, he said as he enjoyed the shindig.
He also called on the brand to continue in its friendship promotion as the world today, more than ever before, needs the peace and harmony that only friendship can bring about if it is to avoid the catastrophe of wars and bring about healing to the victims of wars and other forms of violence.
Another attendee at the event, Bassey Usanga gave the organisers kudos for the excitement the show brought to the city. “The show was great and the camp feeling even made it more exciting than every other show we’ve had in this city lately. You can see the city especially these two days has been different and bubbly. I am particularly glad that this gave me an opportunity to actively participate in this year’s World Friendship Day with my loved ones.”
Usanga, who came to the event with his recently-wedded wife, also thanked the “33” Export Lager Beer brand for spicing up their new life together. “For us, it is like going on another honeymoon, with plenty music, dance, food and drinks, all for free. We have had so much fun this evening and I really look forward to the next World Friendship Day .”
Nigeria’s award-winning music sensations, Phyno, Harrysongz and the homeboy, Mc Galaxy thrilled the audience and ensured that they danced all through.. Also, on hand to entertain the guests were MC Shakara and De Don who put up wonderful comedy performances that cracked the ribs of the audience.
Other side attractions at the event included the 33 giant sized games which the attendees participated in, with winners going home with several gift items including LCD Television, Refrigerators, Rechargeable Fans, Generators and other gift items.
Portfolio Manager – Mainstream, Lager and Stout Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Emmanuel Agu explained that the City of Friends is created out of the brand’s desire to promote friendship among the people of Nigeria.
According to him, “Whatever we do as a brand, we are always driven by the essence of friendship and always strengthened by the recognition that the bond people share needs to be acknowledged and celebrated. It is important to note that Nigeria is fortunate in its diversity, and a lot of our consumers are here today to celebrate one another and to recognise the indispensable quality of friendship and unforgettable experiences.”
While expressing satisfaction with the outcome of the event, he thanked the guests for the value they place on friendship “which we believe is what brought you here in the first place. I can only enjoin you not to let the celebration of friendship end with this party but allow it to continue so, together, we can build the harmonious world of our dream.”
He further informed that the City of Friends will move to the Eagles’ Club in Surulere, Lagos for another exciting experience on the 3rd and 4th August, 2018.