As part of preparation for 2025 Carnival Calabar fiesta, Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu has unveiled the theme for the 20th edition of the renowned street party.
Unveiling the 2025 carnival’s theme as “Traces of Time”, Governor Otu assured that the festival will be big and stronger with different socialites in attendance, calling on the people of Cross River at home and in diaspora to support in making the festival a success.
Governor Otu made the call during the unveiling of the theme at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja on Thursday night where he lauded formers Governor Donald Duke and Liyel Imoke who accompanied him at the event for the conceiving the festival.
The governor was also joined by the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje; leaders of the seven competing bands in the carnival, tourism sector experts and other dignitaries.
He pledged to sustain and grow the popular festival which was launched by the administration of former Governor Duke in 2005 and has been sustained by his predecessors up to his administration.
Otu commended the duo of Duke and Senator Imoke for the annual festival which now attracts tourists across different continents of the world into Cross River State.
“Carnival Calabar is not just a parade of colours; it is a bold expression of our collective dreams, cultural heritage, and economic ingenuity,“ Otu noted.
While celebrating the unsung heroes of the Carnival who include, the dancers, band leaders, designers, caterers, tailors, and sanitation workers, he described them as the “true custodians of Cross River’s cultural pride and resilience.”
The governor also highlighted innovations introduced into the mega event by his administration to include reintroduction of the Junior Carnival, Night of Kings and Queens, the Ikom Carnival, and the Ogoja Carnival.
“We are not just celebrating a carnival; we are celebrating the soul of our people and the heartbeat of Cross River’s tourism and creative economy,” Otu declared.
The Chairman, Cross River State Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Noah recalled the bold vision that birthed the festival at the turn of the millennium and transformed a 12-kilometre stretch road network into the world’s longest carnival route.
He noted that the festival had evolved from a spectacle to an economic platform, attracting support from AfriExim Bank and Deloitte, among other renowned partners.
“Our young people now dance not just to entertain, but to earn, to express, and to inspire. Carnival Calabar is a living legacy of purpose-driven culture,” Onah said.
Tourism expert and Africa’s cultural ambassador, Ikechi Ukoh, also described the carnival as a rare African tourism product with enduring global appeal.
According to Ukoh, Calabar stands out as one of the few Nigerian cities that transcend negative global perceptions. “When Calabar is mentioned, fear fades and excitement rises. December in Calabar is not a suggestion; it is a destination.”
Also at the event, the UN Resident Representative, Elsie Atafuwa, praised the carnival as a cultural powerhouse aligned with global development goals.
She urged collaboration to promote SDGs, UNESCO heritage status, and youth-focused cultural exchanges.
“Culture is not a luxury. It is power, identity, and peace,” Atafuwa said, adding that Calabar modeled how heritage could drive unity and progress.
Similarly, Obi Asika, Executive Secretary of the National Council for Arts and Culture, highlighted the role of Carnival Calabar in advancing Afrobeats and called it potentially the world’s biggest music event.
He urged investment in storytelling to reclaim Cross River’s place on the global cultural stage and pledged continued support.
Also, Aisha Adamu, Director-General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation, reaffirmed her agency’s commitment to expanding the carnival’s reach to the Caribbean and beyond.
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