Photo: Carnival Calabar
By Michael Jegede
Carnival Calabar, an annual colourful event in Cross River State, said to have been initiated in 2004 as a float when Donald Duke was the governor of Cross State, has obviously grown over the years to become Nigeria’s biggest tourism brand, the largest cultural festival and street party in Africa. It was said to have been designed as part of the vision to make Cross River State, known as “The People’s Paradise”, the number one tourist destination for Nigerian citizens and visitors from across the globe.
The festival, a brainchild of former Governor Duke, evolved into a full-blast major tourism event in 2005 with the formation of five competing bands – Seagull, Passion 4, Freedom, Masta Blasta and Bayside Carnival Bands. A month-long festival, running through December every year, the Carnival Calabar, under Liyel Imoke, expanded from 2007 with new attractions such as Children Carnival, King and Queen Competition and Miss Carnival Beauty Pageant. Under Benedict Ayade, it got a major glow-up with the launching of Miss Africa Beauty Pageant in 2016 and addition of two competing bands – Diamond and Calas Vegas in 2022.
Upon assumption of office in 2023, the incumbent governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, took further innovative and strategic steps to ensure the long-term sustainability and professional management of the Carnival Calabar, clearly moving it beyond adhoc arrangement.
A news commentary compiled by Cross River State Ministry of Information indicated that “Governor Otu decentralised the Carnival celebration in the State through the introduction of the Ikom and Ogoja Carnivals, to accommodate residents of Local Government Areas in the Central and Northern Senatorial Districts of the State, respectively. In addition, the Governor through the Carnival Commission Law provided a legal framework for the operations of the Carnival as an entity in the State. His tenure has also witnessed the introduction of the Miss Humanity Beauty Pageant, the Diaspora Carnival Band as well as the massive light up of major Streets in the Calabar Metropolis.”
The 2025 Carnival Calabar edition themed “Traces of Times” marked the 20th anniversary of the iconic festival that appeared to have become known as the biggest street party on the African continent. The 20th anniversary celebration organised under the dynamic leadership of Governor Otu, has received widespread acclaim and applause as a resounding success and standout event, defined by high engagement, cultural splash and notable economic gains.
Focusing on celebrating two decades of cultural legacy, featuring elaborate street parades, traditional exhibitions, and scintillating performances by different bands, the 20th edition of the event drew thousands of tourists, investors, and enthusiasts to Calabar. A spectacular celebration of twenty years of cultural expression, creativity and unity, the Carnival Calabar 2025 was described as having massive positive reviews. The 2025 edition was equally hailed for fostering a sense of oneness and pride among Cross Riverians, with the state government, under Otu, being praised for refining the carnival and bringing together past state leaders to celebrate its legacy.
According to a report published by crossriverstate.gov.ng, “The 20th edition of the Carnival Calabar ended on a celebratory note as winners emerged across key categories at the much-anticipated carnival parade, reinforcing the event’s status as Africa’s biggest street party.
“In the Cultural Carnival State category, Rivers State claimed the top prize, impressing judges and spectators with its rich cultural display and choreography.
“At the local government level, Calabar South emerged victorious in the Cultural Carnival LGA category, earning accolades for its creativity and strong representation of local heritage.
“The Children Carnival segment saw Freedom Band take the crown, standing out for its colourful presentation and engaging performance that highlighted the growing role of young participants in sustaining the carnival’s legacy.
“In the highly competitive Main Carnival, Calasvegas was crowned champion with 2,371.8 points, capping off the grand parade with a performance that blended spectacle, music and storytelling, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
“Seagull Band closely followed in the second position with 2,203.9 points putting up a stiff challenge. While Passion 4 Band came third with 2,203.4 points.
“Freedom Band came fourth with 2,167.8 points, Masta Blasta Band garnered 2, 167.3 points, maintaining fifth position, while Diamond Band and Bay Side Band came sixth and seventh positions with 2,145.1 points and 2,110.4 points respectively.”
Governor Otu, at the flag-off of the 20th edition of the festival in Calabar, the state capital, described the carnival as “a symbol of 20 years of resilience, ingenuity and sustainability”. He commended erstwhile Governor Duke for envisioning the carnival that has evolved into a flagship event and key tourism cornerstone for the state. Otu, fondly referred to as Sweet Prince, likewise, lauded ex-Governors Imoke and Ayade for the roles they played in sustaining the carnival’s momentum during their tenures. He said the carnival survived tough times and various challenges because successive governments in the state kept pushing to preserve its cultural and economic value.
At the unveiling of the 2025 theme “Traces of Time”, done in May last year at Transcorp Hilton Hotel in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Otu implored stakeholders to embrace the festival’s renewed vision, noting that “Carnival Calabar is not just a parade of colors; it is a bold expression of our collective dreams, cultural heritage, and economic ingenuity.
“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.”
The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentanwe Yilwatda, was among the many prominent Nigerians who were in Calabar to witness the Carnival Calabar 2025.
Thrilled with what he saw from the various activities at the carnival and having had a total feel of the season of sweetness in Cross River State, Professor Yilwatda, took to his Facebook page and wrote:
“I took some moments to enjoy a well-deserved holiday here in Calabar, Cross River State, and I must say that Nigeria offers some of the richest and most exciting tourism experiences anywhere in the world. From the colour, rhythm, and creativity of the Calabar Carnival to the warmth of the people and the depth of our cultural heritage, this is Nigeria at its very best.
“This experience is a powerful reminder that our country is not only blessed with resilient people, but with world-class destinations, festivals, food, and history waiting to be explored.
“I encourage Nigerians to travel within our great nation to support local economies, celebrate our diversity, and rediscover the beauty that unites us.”
The Ambassador of Portugal to Nigeria, Paulo Martins Santos, one of the many international dignitaries at the event, hailed the quality and cultural richness of the Carnival Calabar. Attending the event for the first time, he described the carnival as impressive and observed that it has lots of potential for greater international recognition, while recommending a more global campaign for the festival.
Sharing his thoughts on the 20th edition of the Carnival Calabar, Santos, according to a BusinessDay report, said: “Very good, because I already had the opportunity even if I just arrived yesterday, I had the opportunity to go straight to the Children’s Carnival.
“So, the first lady was there and it was a beautiful parade. I thought it was more for children, but it was a very serious event.
“I was impressed by the quality of what we saw yesterday and I was told that was just the tip of the iceberg and that many other things would be coming.”
Describing the 20th anniversary of Carnival Calabar as a turning point in the history of Cross River, the Chief Whip of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, in a statement captioned, “Celebrating Excellence: Governor Otu’s December of Culture, Unity, and Growth,” remarked:
“As we begin the new year, it is only right to celebrate the remarkable leadership of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu. December 2025 was more than a festive season—it was a period of transformation and renewed pride for Cross River State. From the upgraded streets and dazzling Christmas lights to visible security and meticulous planning, Governor Otu showed what it means to lead with vision, care, and purpose. Our people felt seen, valued, and proud of their state.
“The 20th Anniversary of Carnival Calabar was historic in every sense. For 32 days, Cross River pulsed with music, color, and culture. Carnival bands performed with energy, hospitality services excelled, and cultural displays reflected the Governor’s unwavering support. The festival was a world-class celebration that showcased the very best of our state and reaffirmed Cross River’s position as Nigeria’s premier destination for culture and tourism.
“Governor Otu also demonstrated the power of unity. By bringing past governors together to celebrate two decades of Carnival Calabar, he reminded us that progress grows strongest when history is respected. This act of collaboration reinforced that Carnival Calabar is more than a festival—it is a symbol of our heritage, pride, and shared identity.”
Continuing, the parliamentarian who represents Boki II State Constituency, further stated: “Beyond the celebrations, the economic impact was evident. MSMEs flourished, artisans found opportunities, hotels overflowed, and thousands of jobs were created. Carnival Calabar 2025 proved that culture is not just joy—it is enterprise, empowerment, and a catalyst for growth. Cross River State rose as a beacon of opportunity, creativity, and excellence.
“As Chief Whip and a proud son of this soil, I say thank you, Your Excellency, Senator Apostle Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for your vision, courage, and unwavering commitment to the people of Cross River. December 2025 reminded us of our strength, unity, and limitless potential. Cross River has not only celebrated—it has risen.”
The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Otu on Communication, Mr. Nathaniel Otaba, while expressing his view on the Carnival Calabar 2025, noted in a Facebook post that “The glitz, fanfare, and glamour that swept through the Cross River State capital during the recently concluded Calabar Carnival will linger long after the last drumbeat faded. For 32 days, Calabar was transformed into a living canvas of colour, culture, and celebration, reaffirming its reputation as Nigeria’s foremost tourism and cultural destination.
“The delivery of the 20th anniversary of the Calabar Carnival and its accompanying festivals was nothing short of a masterpiece. From planning to execution, every detail reflected years of institutional experience, creative excellence, and a deep sense of dedication to preserving culture while embracing modern spectacle. It was a celebration of identity, history, and resilience.
“From the Christmas tree lighting that signalled the commencement of the 32 days of festivities, including the thoughtful celebration and honouring the legacies of former governors in an award ceremony to the electrifying performances by A-list music artists and the colourful carnivals, every aspect of the programme was exceptionally well delivered.”
The SSA on Communication added that “The city itself became part of the performance. Decorative lightings adorning major streets and public spaces, particularly the Millennium Park, had a magical glow across Calabar, giving the city an almost surreal ambience. At night, the capital glowed with such brilliance that it drew comparisons to a miniature Las Vegas, vibrant, alive, and irresistibly captivating.
“This year’s carnival, themed ‘Traces of Time’, was a beauty to behold. The theme was creatively interpreted through elaborate costumes, choreography, music, and storytelling that traced Cross River’s journey across ages past, present, and future. Each carnival band brought history to life in its own unique way, blending traditional motifs with contemporary flair, and reminding spectators that culture is not static, but evolving.”
Michael Jegede, a journalist, writes from Abuja
