Ola Akinwunmi
The 20th edition of the Calabar Carnival, a vibrant explosion of color, music, and dance, captivated audiences once again as fun-seekers from all walks of life descended upon the Cross River State capital.
From the UJ Esuene Stadium to Millennium Park, along Mary Slessor Avenue and throughout the city, the streets pulsed with energy as revelers immersed themselves in the festive atmosphere.Calabar, renowned for its natural beauty, showcased its charms with lush green spaces, towering trees, and captivating historical landmarks like the iconic Mary Slessor Roundabout. The city’s warm hospitality and delectable cuisine further enhanced the carnival experience. Overlooking Millennium Park from Moore Road, the majestic Cross River provided a stunning backdrop, separating Nigeria from its neighboring country, Cameroon.
The festivities kicked off on December 28th with an early start. By 5 a.m., eager participants were converging on Millennium Park, the epicenter of “Our Shared Prosperity,” the vibrant theme for this year’s carnival. The air buzzed with excitement as competitive and non-competitive carnival bands meticulously prepared their dazzling displays.
To ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience, organizers conducted three preparatory dry runs. According to Ikechi Ukoh, the carnival’s international consultant, these dry runs empowered participants to choose their preferred band and ultimately contributed to the resounding success of the event.
Governor Bassey Otu, accompanied by his elegantly attired wife, Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu, officially inaugurated the carnival with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting. Emphasizing the global appeal of the Calabar Carnival, Governor Otu highlighted the international engagement fostered by the “Our Shared Prosperity” theme, recognizing the diverse audience that graces this spectacular event.
During the Carnival Gov. Bassey Otu pledged to take the Calabar Carnival global in 2025, to build on the event’s already impressive reputation as Africa’s biggest street party. Otu made the promise while declaring open the carnival’s street party in Calabar.
The governor said: “It is a great day in the calendar history of Calabar. We are indeed very humbled that we are celebrating about two decades of this particular event, and I know that we’ve been building and adding value daily. The buyers have increased, and we know even next year, because the diaspora is pressing very hard, we might be able to add the diaspora band that will come on full strength.
Otu appreciated dignitaries as well as tourists present at the event, as he urged them to take out time to explore the tourism assets in Calabar. He commended the efforts of previous governors of the state for sustaining the carnival over the years. For those that are coming for the first time, please don’t go very quick, try and stay back and enjoy the full hospitality of our people.
Let me salute our forefathers, His Excellency Gov. Duke, His Excellency Gov. Imoke and Prof. Ben Ayade, for building on what was started by Gov. Duke until it got here,” he said.
Dr Gabe Onah, Chairman, Calabar Carnival Commission, appreciated the various sponsors for the carnival. He, however, called on them to take ownership of the tourism and hospitality sectors for sustainability.
We are experiencing a rebirth. We are here to speak to the ignition of community spirit, to speak to the community of Africa, and what we are ready to offer the world.
The dance party on the streets tells the story. The Carnival is allegorical, it is didactic, it is educational, it is theatre for development.
Also, Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi, commended Otu for uniting the people of Cross River through the carnival.
This is a historic event. Here, I can see love, understanding, compassion, and liberty.
Your excellency, Gov. Otu, your leadership style has paid off, and I must commend you for unlocking the potential in the youth. You are actually taking the lead,” he said.
Similarly, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, said, “I am glad to be back here. I am witnessing sustainability and progress here. ‘‘This puts Nigeria on the global map, and it improves the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state. “This is a beautiful day, so let us celebrate.
Calabar Carnival also known as Africa’s Biggest Street Party”, was created as part of the dream of making the Cross River State in Nigeria, the number one tourist place visited for Nigerians and tourist all over the world. The carnival which starts on every 1 December and last till 31 December has boosted the heritage mosaic of Nigeria persons while amusing the millions of spectators inside and outside the State, and increasing industry for all stakeholders.
It all begun 2004, when the Governor of Cross River, Mr. Donald Duke, had a vision of making his state the hub for tourism and hospitality in Nigeria and in Africa. The Carnival presents a perfect stage from emblem visibility for buyer and market awareness. “According to Osima-Dokubo, the carnival directed to encompass more facets of localized heritage and culture and at the same time strengthen the capability of the local people to take part in an economically beneficial way”, lately, Cross River State and Calabar has become the pride of Nigeria or Africa as far as tourism, carnivals and hospitality is concerned.
In December 2009, Carnival Committee organized “Carnival Cup 2009“, a football competition amidst the five competing carnival musicians – Seagull, Passion 4, Masta Blasta, Bayside and Freedom. The carnival which also encompass melodies presentation from both localized and worldwide creative persons, the annual Calabar Carnival, Boat regatta, latest trend shows, Christmas town, traditional promenades and the annual Ekpe carnival is a yearly event that bring in thousands of visitors at the time of the year.
How The Calabar Carnival Can Go Global In 2025
The carnival has hosted top Nigerian musicians, Nollywood Actors, Politicians and worldwide creative persons. Over the last 4 years, creative persons like, the late Lucky Dube, Akon, Fat Joe, juvenile Jeezy, Nelly, Kirk Franklin, and many more has thrilled the large gathering of Nigerians and tourist from outside the homeland.
The Calabar Carnival has the potential to become a truly global phenomenon if the state government maximize the usage of the internet to promote the festival by creating captivating videos and photos showcasing the festival’s energy, costumes, music, and cultural richness. Share these on social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. The festival can also be broadcast live to engage a global audience in real-time.
Like major carnivals around the world, the state could also develop mobile app with information, schedules, interactive maps, and opportunities for virtual participation.
It may also help to collaborate with tourism organizations worldwide to promote the festival as a must-see destination and package Calabar Festival trips, including flights, accommodation, and festival tickets. The State Government may also secure coverage in international newspapers, magazines, and television networks to raise awareness.
It is important to Emphasize the festival’s deep roots in Nigerian culture, showcasing traditional music, dance, and highlight eco-friendly practices and initiatives to attract environmentally conscious travelers.
