The governor of Cross River State, Mr Bassey Otu has unveiled ‘Traces of Time’ as the theme for Carnival Calabar 2025 and paid tributes to his predecessors, Mr Donald Duke – governor 199-2007 – who initiated the carnival as well as his successors, Messrs Liyel Imoke – 2007-2015 and Ben Ayade, 2015-2023.
Speaking at a grand ceremony at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja yesterday, Otu commended the trio for their roles in sustaining the event since its inception in 2005.
The event was attended by dignitaries including Duke, Imoke, the national chairman of the APC Mr Abdullahi Ganduje and tourism experts, among others.
The governor described the carnival as more than a colorful spectacle, saying “it is a bold expression of our cultural heritage, collective dreams, and economic ingenuity.”
Highlighting recent innovations, Otu mentioned the reintroduction of the Junior Carnival, Night of Kings and Queens, and new regional carnivals in Ikom and Ogoja.
He also recognised the contributions of dancers, designers, caterers, and sanitation workers, calling them “the true custodians of Cross River’s cultural pride.”
In his remarks, the chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Mr Gabe Onah, recalled the carnival’s evolution from a cultural showcase to an economic driver, attracting partnerships with institutions like AfriExim Bank and Deloitte.
“Our youths now dance not just to entertain but to earn, express, and inspire,” he added.
For tourism expert, Mr Ikechi Ukoh “when Calabar is mentioned, fear fades and excitement rises,” and urged federal government upgrade its support for the event.
