by Lovely Onohwakpor
Cross River Sets Ambitious Tourism Agenda Ahead of Carnival Calabar @ 20
Cross River State is preparing for a landmark celebration as it hosts the 20th edition of the Carnival Calabar and Festival, with Governor Bassey Otu announcing plans to use the milestone event to relaunch the state’s tourism appeal.
Read also:
Cross River Plans Longer Service Years for Doctors to Boost Health Sector
From TVC to DG: Ola Awakan Appointed Head of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation
US Lawmakers Fault Nigeria on Rising Attacks on Christians
Speaking at the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Millennium Park on Sunday, Otu appeared alongside former governors Clement Ebiri, Donald Duke, Liyel Imoke and Ben Ayade — a rare gathering that signaled a united front for rejuvenating the state’s tourism industry. His remarks were later shared in an official statement on Wednesday.
Otu described tourism as a cornerstone of his administration’s economic strategy, noting that the government is pushing forward with programmes focused on human capital development, rural transformation and enhanced global visibility.
“My team and I will continue to grow Cross River through human capital development, industrialisation, rural transformation, and tourism,” he said.
With the festival now regarded as Africa’s biggest street party, cultural analysts believe the 2025 edition presents a major opportunity to reposition both the event and the state’s economy. Culture and entertainment consultant Joseph Nneji said preparations are already in top gear to ensure the anniversary celebration “meets world-class standards.”
“Twenty years of the Carnival Calabar and Festival is not just a celebration for Cross River State, but for Africa and the world,” Nneji said. “We invite governments, tourists, creatives, brands and cultural institutions to join us in commemorating two decades of excellence.”
What started as a local tourism initiative has evolved into a global attraction, drawing millions of participants in-person and online. The festival now reaches audiences in Brazil, Colombia, France, Germany, South Africa, Ghana and several other countries.
Today’s Carnival Calabar features much more than cultural parades. It has grown to include international concerts, elaborate street performances by bands like Seagull, Passion 4, Bayside and Freedom, bikers’ displays, heritage showcases, fashion runways, film screenings and beauty competitions.
The 20th anniversary edition is expected to welcome performers from at least 10 countries while spotlighting indigenous culture and drawing global creatives, influencers, filmmakers and tourism promoters.
To complement the celebrations, the state government is also organising an investment summit aimed at creating fresh opportunities for local businesses, artisans and investors, and strengthening the broader creative and hospitality sectors.
