CALABAR, ABUJA – Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, on Thursday night unveiled the theme “Traces of Time” for the 2025 Carnival Calabar.
The unveiling ceremony, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, marked the 20th anniversary of Africa’s largest street party.
“This carnival is a reflection of our soul, our heritage, and the resilience of our people,” Governor Otu said.
The event featured dignitaries including former Governors Donald Duke and Senator Liyel Imoke, who pioneered and nurtured the carnival.
Otu praised his predecessors and credited them with sustaining a vision that began in 2005 under Duke’s leadership.
“Carnival Calabar is not just a parade of colors; it is a bold expression of our collective dreams,” the governor stated.
He emphasized the contributions of band leaders, dancers, tailors, and sanitation workers, calling them the carnival’s “true custodians.”
Under Otu’s administration, new features have been reintroduced, including the Junior Carnival, the Ikom and Ogoja Carnivals, and the Night of Kings and Queens.
The Governor urged guests—including diplomats, business leaders, and culture enthusiasts—to attend the December event in Calabar.
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Sir Gabe Onah, Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, traced the festival’s origin to a vision of transforming a 12-kilometer route into an economic corridor.
“Carnival Calabar is a living legacy of purpose-driven culture,” Onah said, citing support from AfriExim Bank and Deloitte.
Tourism expert Ikechi Ukoh described the festival as a rare cultural asset that counters Nigeria’s global image challenges.
“When Calabar is mentioned, fear fades and excitement rises,” Ukoh told attendees.
He encouraged continued involvement of cultural figures like Duke, Imoke, and Senator Gershom Bassey.
UN Resident Representative Elsie Atafuwa praised the carnival’s alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
“Culture is not a luxury. It is power, identity, and peace,” Atafuwa said, urging international cooperation to achieve UNESCO heritage status.
Obi Asika, Executive Secretary of the National Council for Arts and Culture, called the carnival a driving force behind Afrobeats and urged investment in cultural storytelling.
Aisha Adamu, Director-General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization, reaffirmed plans to extend the carnival’s reach to the Caribbean and global diasporas.
With preparations underway, competing bands will reflect this year’s theme through performances that explore history, identity, and future aspirations.
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