The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Carnival Calabar

  • ‘Traces of Time’ as Gov Otu blends history, vision at Carnival Calabar theme unveiling

    ‘Traces of Time’ as Gov Otu blends history, vision at Carnival Calabar theme unveiling

    By Linus Obogo 

    The venue was the plush 5-star Transcorp Hilton Hotels, Abuja. In a spectacle of brilliance, radiance and cultural grandeur, Governor Bassey Edet Otu  last week etched his name in golden ink on the canvas of history by orchestrating a most resplendent unveiling of the 2025 Carnival Calabar theme—“Traces of Time”. 

    With an assemblage of dignitaries whose presence cut across continents and sectors, from eminent past governors and diplomats to global tourism icons and captains of industry, the governor proved that Calabar’s heartbeat resounds far beyond the borders of Cross River State. This was not merely an unveiling—it was an international declaration of purpose, passion, and prestige, brilliantly marketed to the eyes and ears of the world.

    The evening pulsed with emotion as Governor Otu, flanked by two of his illustrious predecessors—Mr. Donald Duke and Senator Liyel Imoke—honoured the bold dreams that first set the Carnival in motion two decades ago. His reverence for continuity was palpable, as he paid sumptuous tribute not just with words, but with actions that affirmed his place in the lineage of visionaries who nurtured Africa’s biggest street party from an idea into a global cultural phenomenon. And there, before a hall radiant with the glow of diplomacy and elegance, the 20th anniversary cake was cut—a symbol of legacy passed down, yet freshly reborn.

    With eloquence worthy of statesmen and poets, Governor Otu declared the Carnival a vessel of identity and ingenuity. “Carnival Calabar,” he intoned, “is not just a parade of colors; it is a bold expression of our collective dreams, cultural heritage, and economic ingenuity.” In those words, echoed a leader’s understanding that culture, when rightly harnessed, is both anchor and engine—holding a people to their roots even as it propels them into the future. Otu’s poetic cadence and visionary appeal found resonance among the diplomatic corps and business leaders in attendance, who recognized in his message the universality of culture as a tool for unity, peace, and prosperity.

    This was not a night of spectacle alone, but one steeped in import. By placing the Carnival’s unveiling on such a prominent international platform, Governor Otu turned a local celebration into a global invitation. He summoned the world to Calabar—not just to witness colour and choreography—but to partake in a spiritual and economic journey through time. With “Traces of Time” as this year’s theme, the 2025 edition promises more than pageantry—it promises reflection, reconnection, and rejuvenation. It will be a pilgrimage through memory and modernity, where each float, each drumbeat, each dance step will narrate the story of a people proud of their past and boldly walking into tomorrow.

    Among those who hailed the Governor’s deft diplomacy and vision was the UN Resident Representative, Elsie Atafuwa, who praised the Carnival as a cultural powerhouse aligning perfectly with global development goals. Her sentiments were echoed by Obi Asika of the National Council for Arts and Culture, who highlighted the festival’s role in promoting Afrobeats and storytelling, and by Aisha Adamu of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization, who pledged to expand the Carnival’s influence across the African diaspora. These endorsements were not mere ceremonial affirmations—they were strategic recognitions of Calabar’s evolving role in the world’s cultural economy.

    Governor Otu’s speech also shone with humility and heart as he acknowledged the invisible hands that make the Carnival thrive: the band leaders, dancers, caterers, tailors, sanitation workers, and artisans who form the festival’s living soul. These unsung heroes, often lost in the dazzle of center stage, were elevated to their rightful place as the true custodians of Cross River’s pride and resilience. With new innovations such as the Junior Carnival, the Night of Kings and Queens, and the regional Ikom and Ogoja Carnivals, Governor Otu’s administration has breathed fresh life into the veins of a legacy already rich in rhythm.

    The night’s crescendo came not only in words and ceremony, but in the spirit that lingered—one of hope, unity, and a rediscovery of self. As Sir Gabe Onah reflected on the transformation of a 12-kilometer route into the longest carnival stretch in the world, he reminded all that Carnival Calabar is no longer just a spectacle—it is an economic engine, an artistic laboratory, and a symbol of what Africa can achieve when vision meets resilience. The partnership with AfriExim Bank, Deloitte, and other global players is a testament to that fact, validating Governor Otu’s emphasis on sustainable tourism and creative industry development.

    Thus, under the theme “Traces of Time,” the 2025 Carnival Calabar promises to be more than a festival—it will be a living archive, a museum in motion, and a masterpiece in progress. With the world’s eyes now trained on Cross River State, the task ahead is noble and clear: to deliver a celebration befitting its heritage, worthy of its heroes, and resonant with the times. And at the helm stands Governor Bassey Edet Otu—gracious, visionary, and resolute—guiding this cultural colossus into a future as dazzling as the carnival lights that dance through Calabar every December.

    Obogo is Special Adviser to Gov Bassey Edet Otu on Media and Publicity 

    linusobogo@gmail.com

  • Calabar agog as carnival takes centre stage

    Calabar agog as carnival takes centre stage

    Calabar on Thursday stood still as the parade of the bands took centre stage in the ongoing cultural festival christened “Carnival Calabar”.

    The parade, which saw the various bands in their colourful costumes dance through the 12 kilometres carnival route, also saw a large number of residents, tourists and fun seekers cheering them.

    Declaring the parade open, Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River said they were bringing back the carnival in a bigger platform where it could truly be referred to as an international brand.

    He added that the essence was to ensure that Cross River was really the choice tourism destination in Nigeria.

    Some of the tourists from Lagos, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), said that the Calabar carnival was truly the biggest street party in Nigeria.

    Mr Adebayo Adeyanju, a medical practitioner, who was attending the carnival for the second time with his wife and two kids, said it was really a spectacle to behold, adding that his kids were happy.

    He, however, appealed to the government of Cross River to develop other tourism potentials of the state so that tourism would be an all-year-round activity not just in December – during the carnival.

    “We have Obudu Cattle Ranch that is no longer functional; we have the Agbokim Waterfall and even Tinappa. All these great tourist sites were pushed down due to poor management,” he fumed.

    Miss Clara Frederick, a Canadian, who was visiting Calabar for the first time, said she was having a good time as she had been treated well by the residents and would like to visit again in 2024.

    Read Also: Ghana, Cameroon, 15 states shine at Calabar Cultural Carnival 

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there is massive presence of security officials at different parts of the city, especially along the carnival route, with vehicular movements effectively diverted.

    This is to forestall a reoccurrence of the 2022 incident where some people lost their lives and many were injured by a recklessly driven vehicle which ran into the carnival route.

    The various bands are expected to interprete the theme of the carnival which is: “The season of Sweetness.”

    They are expected to perform at different adjudication points where they will be judged by a panel and the winning band will go home with a cash prize.

    Some of the competing bands in the event include the Master Blaster Band and Seagull Band.

    Others are Diamond Band, Bayside Band, Passion Four Band, Calas Vegas Band among others.

    (NAN)

  • Traces of time spices Carnival Calabar

    Traces of time spices Carnival Calabar

    This year’s Carnival Calabar, Africa’s biggest street party, will be celebrated with a unique package that opens a fresh window of opportunities for artists and enthusiasts to promote visual art. Until this year, organisers of the carnival have always incorporated visual art into the festival at an ambulatory level.

    Holding alongside the carnival, a group exhibition tagged Traces of Time Calabar, (a mix of 16th century, modern, contemporary and young contemporary art), will open at the Old residency Hall, National Museum, Calabar beginning from December 1 to 30. The exhibition is to celebrate the rich history of Calabar, its interface with 16th century history and the life of late Oba Ovonramwen Noigbaisi of Benin who was deported to Calabar in 1847 by the British. It will feature Emmanuel Ekefrey, Ukon Ukpong, Kingsley Ndem Ette, Peju Layiwola, Umana Nnochiri, Okpok Ekong Okon, Erasmus Onyishi, Jerry Unimke, Peter Eneji and Blessy Bassy. It will be curated by France-based Nigerian curator, Bose Fagbemi.

    According to the Chairman, Cross River State Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah the carnival ensemble has always incorporated visual art, but the presentations have been ambulatory over the years. He stated that the exhibition will be a curatorial extraction of what would have been a part of the usual ambulatory performance to a different space with historical relevance. “The exhibition is expected to lure art connoisseurs to a place where art exhumes historical facts and redefines understanding,” he said.

    Onah assured that there is hope to make the exhibition a regular feature in the festival calendar in the belief that museum managers and other art historians will take advantage of the big window for the commodification of art, which is a departure from art for art sake.

    On how the exhibition will raise the bar of the carnival, he said: “This is Africa’s biggest street party as Carnival Calabar is tagged. We are pleased to have created another opportunity for a discerning audience or participant’s class into the carnival that were hitherto passive to become active and take interest in the carnival concept and celebrations.”  This year’s Carnival Calabar has as theme Season of sweetness.

    Art historian Prof Bojor Enamhe who will give a talk at the opening said the exhibition is very timely and coming at a period of high activities. She noted that though the art world is experiencing the emergence of globalised modernism, the artists are storytellers and producers of culture whose intents fall within the history of Calabar and its people.

    Read Also; Cash transfer, best way to fight poverty, says Minister

    “Indigenous art systems influence the development of modern and contemporary art. The artworks are central to Calabar tradition and cosmology, what exists in visual forms as artworks are philosophically tailored reflections of the complexities of the cultural frame of such a community. Art is not separate from life, it is the description of the lives we lead. The artists capture reflections on the creative economy of Calabar, its socio-cultural notions derived from various skills expressed in creative imagination through individual manipulation of media.

    “However, the depth, variety, and sophistication of Calabar modernity can be attributed to the complexity of its great history. As products of culture, visual embodiment of societal value is succinctly interpreted by each artists expressed in lines, colours, textures, shapes, and values. The visual documentation is presented in codified societal philosophies; Ekpe, Nkugho, Nsibidi, Moninkim, Mgbe, leboku, Tinkorikor, etc. Various concepts demonstrate the complexities of diverse historical memories associated with the artworks showcasing the rich culture of Cross River State,” she added.

    For Fagbemi, the exhibition is emancipation and a period of celebration, when people should appreciate the rich history of Calabar from the 16th century and also celebrate the life of late Oba Ovonramwen of Benin in Calabar through antiques and contemporary art.

    As Traces of Time Calabar spices Season of sweetness, the state will have the opportunity to ride on its rich cultural heritage to host the world.  

  • Colour, excitement as African Food Festival holds in Calabar

    It was festival of colours, cultures and excitement as the 2018 African Food Festival, a part of the Cross River Christmas Festival, held at the African Club in Calabar, the state capital.

    Convener of the event and Leader of Seagull Band, one of the five competing bands of the Carnival Calabar, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, said, the state is known for its culinary and the Christmas festivities would not have been complete without showcasing this.

    The foodfest, which featured the exhibition of food from other parts of the country and even dishes from other African countries, Ita-Giwa said, also sought to explore the theme of this year’s Carnival, which is “Africanism.”

    The event also featured a novel dimension, which was the participation of the 25 contestants for the Miss Africa beauty pageant. The beauty queens were groomed in the ways of the Efik maidens at the end of which there was a contest amongst them and the winner went home with $3, 000.

    Ita-Giwa said, “This is the African Food Festival and as you know this year we are interpreting the theme Africanism during the Carnival. We are showcasing to the world what Africa means, what it was yesterday, what it is today and what it would be in the future. And through the display of our traditional food, we are trying to showcase our cultural heritage and try to encourage tourism. Hopefully Nigerian would gradually move away from dependence on oil and embrace tourism. So this is part of what we are trying to present. We are talking about seamless Africa, because it is not only Nigerian food that is on display here. We have Togolese, Senegalese, Ivorian and Ghanaians. So through culinary aspect we are going to bring Africa together.

    “When African move around, the first thing you do is taste food. If for instance you go to Ghana today, the first thing you will want to do is taste their food. Food in every aspect of life plays tremendous role in uniting people and friendships.

    “The beauty queens are the girls that have come to contest for Miss Africa and we have written this into the Miss Africa script so they can also showcase how to imbibe our culture.

    “This year’s foodfest has taken a totally different dimension. Currently in this state, we are preparing for the Miss Africa contest. In view of the fact that we never lose any opportunity to showcase the African heritage, to show what effort the state is making in actualizing a seamless Africa. One of the things that would help us achieve seamless Africa is this Miss Africa contest, that the governor despite everything has not stopped hosting it religiously every year.

    “Since we are doing this Africanism and the African food contest, we thought we should also marry it in. As we are sitting here, we have the 25 contestants here with us and we have written them into our script this year. So they would also be a cultural contest. The girls are now being transformed to Efik maidens, so they would come out as Efik maidens. They are going to come out and dance with the traditional performance, we have an improvised fattening room. So we are going make them sit on the floor like the maidens do, and they will eat culturally on the floor from the earthenware pots.

    We have appointed judges that would judge tem from when they come out. How much they have quickly imbibed our culture because we are trying to project our cultural heritage. It would be a keen contest. The winner would be given a cash prize of $3, 000 from me as the convener. This festival would keep getting bigger and bigger. This is our third outing and it will keep growing.”

    Wife of the Cross River State governor, Dr (Mrs) Linda Ayade, expressed delight at the event, which she said would help the younger ones to foster culture and heritage.

    ”I am very delighted by the event and on the improvements as well. I have to commend the convener once again for being very thoughtful and being untiring with this work. She singlehandedly started this. It was her vision and here we are today celebrating it even in a bigger way. I am very delighted.

    “It is helping our younger ones to foster our culture and heritage. Without this s a lot of people would not know that some of these things exist or existed in the past and now they have seen it, it has spurred them to go and dig more and know more about what it is and they will sustain this culture and heritage of ours. Africa has been known with culture, we don’t want to lose it.

    This is something that helps people to know that it is not just saying Africa has a rich culture and heritage. This is the practicality of it. Especially for the younger ones, who these days get swallowed by the western culture. They need to get back to their roots and hold what they have dear to their hearts,” Ayade said.

    At the end of the day Miss Nnaemeka Goodness, who will be representing Nigeria in the Miss Africa contest, emerged winner of the contest between the 25 contestants.

  • Carnival Calabar to host presidential candidates

    The Cross River Government has invited all the Presidential candidates of political parties contesting in the 2019 general elections to take a week-long vacation from campaigns and participate in the annual event scheduled for Dec. 28.

    The state governor, Professor Ben Ayade, disclosed this on Sunday in Calabar while flagging off the third and last dry run of the 2018 Calabar carnival which has the theme `Africanism’.

    Represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ivara Esu, Ayade said that the carnival has no political or religious affiliation, adding the show was open to all.

    “This is the final dry-run and the event is looking as if today is the grand finale,” Prof. Esu said.

    “This shows that our first and second dry run was successful.

    “I want to use this opportunity, on behalf of the state governor to invite all the candidates of various political parties to come for this year’s carnival.

    “We want them to take off one week rest from their campaigns and come and enjoy themselves. Carnival Calabar does not know any political party or religion.

    “When you come to Calabar for the carnival, you are as free as air. I will like to invite them to come here and relax and as the people see them, maybe those who are able to dance better may attract more votes.

    “So, we want to see the candidates who can come here and rock it better, in such a way some people may be encouraged to vote for them.”

    Earlier, the Chairman of the Calabar Carnival Commission, Mr Gabe Onah, said that the carnival has become the melting pot of Africa’s hospitality.

    Onah said that the `wonders on wheels’ had earlier had their dry-run where over 200 bikers participated.

    He said that the state had sustained the hosting of the largest street party in Africa for a record 14 years, adding that it has promoted the talents of budding artists and has equally united the people of Cross River and Nigeria at large.

    The Chairman said that the five competing carnival bands and others were designed to tell the African story from the African perspective.

    He commended DSTV and MTN Nigeria for their partnership and support for the carnival over the years.

    The President of Federation of Tourism Association, Alhaji Sabo Saleh, said that the association was in the state to underscore and study the carnival with a view to find areas of partnership and support.

    Saleh said that tourism plays an important role in the economy of any nation or state, adding that the association under his leadership would continue to support Calabar carnival because Cross River has placed Nigeria’s tourism on the world global map.

    “This is one of the biggest events that is coming out of Africa and it is sponsored by the Cross River Government.

    “They are doing this to support the local people because tourism is multi-faceted and this helps the local economy to grow.

     

  • Carnival Calabar to host presidential candidates

    The Cross River Government has invited all the Presidential candidates of political parties contesting in the 2019 general elections to take a week-long vacation from campaigns and participate in the annual event scheduled for Dec. 28.

    The state governor, Professor Ben Ayade, disclosed this on Sunday in Calabar while flagging off the third and last dry run of the 2018 Calabar carnival which has the theme `Africanism’.

    Represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ivara Esu, Ayade said that the carnival has no political or religious affiliation, adding the show was open to all.

    “This is the final dry-run and the event is looking as if today is the grand finale,” Prof. Esu said.

    “This shows that our first and second dry run was successful.

    “I want to use this opportunity, on behalf of the state governor to invite all the candidates of various political parties to come for this year’s carnival.

    “We want them to take off one week rest from their campaigns and come and enjoy themselves. Carnival Calabar does not know any political party or religion.

    “When you come to Calabar for the carnival, you are as free as air. I will like to invite them to come here and relax and as the people see them, maybe those who are able to dance better may attract more votes.

    “So, we want to see the candidates who can come here and rock it better, in such a way some people may be encouraged to vote for them.”

    Earlier, the Chairman of the Calabar Carnival Commission, Mr Gabe Onah, said that the carnival has become the melting pot of Africa’s hospitality.

    Onah said that the `wonders on wheels’ had earlier had their dry-run where over 200 bikers participated.

    He said that the state had sustained the hosting of the largest street party in Africa for a record 14 years, adding that it has promoted the talents of budding artists and has equally united the people of Cross River and Nigeria at large.

    The Chairman said that the five competing carnival bands and others were designed to tell the African story from the African perspective.

    He commended DSTV and MTN Nigeria for their partnership and support for the carnival over the years.

    The President of Federation of Tourism Association, Alhaji Sabo Saleh, said that the association was in the state to underscore and study the carnival with a view to find areas of partnership and support.

    Saleh said that tourism plays an important role in the economy of any nation or state, adding that the association under his leadership would continue to support Calabar carnival because Cross River has placed Nigeria’s tourism on the world global map.

    “This is one of the biggest events that is coming out of Africa and it is sponsored by the Cross River Government.

    “They are doing this to support the local people because tourism is multi-faceted and this helps the local economy to grow.

  • Carnival Calabar: State unveils theme, launches dry run

    Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has called on Africans to be united in other to help the continent win back her rightful position in the world.

    Speaking during the flag off the first dry run of the 2018 Carnival Calabar on Sunday, Ayade who was represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ivara Esu, said that this year’s celebration marks the 14th anniversary of the carnival.

    The governor disclosed that the theme of the 2018 Carnival is ‘Africanism‘, described the carnival as ‘the largest street party in Africa.’

    He said that the time has come for Africans to show unity among themselves and the commitment to be respected by other nations of the world.

    The carnival, according to him, has over the years promoted talent and creativity, while at the same time uniting the people of Cross River and Nigeria in general.

    “Today, we are flagging off the 14th annual Carnival Calabar, the largest street party ever; the greatest show in Africa.

    “So much has been done to showcase what the theme is all about. The time has come for Africa to be of age where the black man is seen as a symbol of integrity.

    “If Africans can get themselves together and shun fraud, drug peddling and other forms of heinous crimes and vices, we will win back our position and compete favourably with other colours in the world.

    “All we need to do is to change our attitude and believe in ourselves. We hope that the bands will take time to espouse the theme and tell the story of Africa and the need to respect our continent,’’ he said.

    The governor disclosed that his administration has done a lot in bringing understanding to the carnival through the interpretation of the Carnival themes.

    Mr. Gabe Onah, Chairman, Calabar Carnival Commission lauded the efforts of the people of Cross River and the participants for coming out en mass for the dry run

    “We are here to make a difference in this year’s carnival with the theme `Africanism’. The dry run signifies the commencement of the carnival.

    “It tracks the system on the 12 kilometres routes and engages the community positively,’’ he said.

  • Carnival Calabar: Local flavour mixed with foreign hue

    Carnival Calabar: Local flavour mixed with foreign hue

    For lovers of fun, music and dance, Calabar has become an every year’s place-to-go for almost 15 years. The carnival, initiated by the former governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke, is a legacy that the people of Cross River State have embraced wholeheartedly  and subsequent regimes have also upheld with improvement.

    The idea of the Carnival Calabar was first conceptualized in 2004, and the first edition was in 2005. Former Governor Donald Duke held two editions of the festival in 2005 and 2006. Senator Liyel Imoke, who ruled the state from 2007 to 2015 built the carnival to become and an international event and created the buzz and hype that made every body want to pack their bags in December and head for Calabar. Imoke’s desire to grow the carnival and attention to every aspect of the festival coupled with his wife, Mrs. Obioma Imoke’s passion and participation helped in pushing the carnival culture to the next level.

    Governor Ben Ayade’s desire to also push the frontiers of the festival beyond the shores of Nigeria and permanently plant it as a global tourist event happening in Nigeria every December has made it an international carnival.

    The international carnival has succeeded in putting Calabar on the global map as a kind of hub for culture and entertainment.

    The 2017 edition had about 18 countries from Africa, America, Europe and Asia in attendance. Among these countries included the United States of America, Brazil, South Africa, Ukraine, France, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Senegal, France and many others. The artistes had opportunity to perform in a different culture.

    The advantage of this new development is that visitors not only have the best of the carnival revelry in Africa, they also have the opportunity of having a spectrum of performances from  and outside Africa. To see one of the best acrobatic displays from East Africa, one needed not go to Kenya; they were there live in Calabar holding the crowd spellbound with their display.

    The Baikoko Dancers from Tanzania were also on display. Tweaking dance is said to be a fallout of the Baikoko dance. One of the Baikoko dancers told this reporter it was a new and pleasant experience being in Nigeria for the first time. She talked about the warmness of the people and the experience of tasting the Nigerian cuisines.

    Last Carnival Calabar had huge participation with the number of visitors and crowd that came out to watch the carnival. It lived up to its reputation as Africa’s biggest street party. Calabar was shut down and there was revelry in nooks and crannies of the city. It continued till the next morning.

    The next day was taken over by the international artistes who had a highly exciting performance in the J.T. Esuene Stadium, Calabar. The large crowd was treated to a variety of music and dance.

    In a recent thank-you post written by Mr Ikechi Uko, Chief Consultant of Jedidah Promotions and the brains behind the logistics and planning of the Calabar Festival, we’ve read through many foreign nationals’ comments and expressions of what the Calabar Festival has unlurked in the way they saw and envisioned Africa.

    Sharon Palacio, one of the Mexican contingents, had a pleasant story to also say:  “This was a dream come true for the Mexican delegation along with my husband and I. It was quite an experience and adventure of a lifetime to set foot on the soil of the continent from which we originated. It remains an overwhelming life changing experience. The warm welcome at the airport by Paul touched our hearts.

    “In Calabar, we were met at the airport by our outstanding and caring Chairman Gabe Onah and team. We cannot forget to mention the warm welcome by a team of tour guards to mention a few: Bassey, Joy, Samuel and Comfort along with dedicated and pleasant drivers. I spoke to the friendly media about our impressions every step on the way. We were escorted to our hotel VIP style. Our esteemed and distinguished Tourism Consultant Ikechi Uko and team went all out to make our trip comfortable and memorable. Coordinating such a mega event can only be done by giants. Again, I say congratulations to the Calabar Commission.

    “The cultural presentations were very impressive and educational to say the least. We now know the rich cultures and history of our people. Our continent is wealthy in natural resources, beauty, talent, intelligence cultural and family values. It was imperative that we missed nothing and we didn’t! The tour of the slave museum wasn’t a pleasant experience for most of us, even with what knowledge we had about slavery and the slave trade, but it was something we had to see because we carry the ( DNA) of our people who endured that horrific ordeal; for that we must all be very grateful. That however seems to be the general consensus within our group.

    “Words cannot accurately describe how humbled we are by your warm reception and kind hospitality we received from you and your team. We certainly left the homeland with a wealth of knowledge that we will now pass on to our people here in Belize and Mexico. In the Americas, lamentably the media has done injustice to Africa. We are eternally grateful to the Calabar Commission for erasing our erroneous perceptions.

    “I cannot express how happy I was with my African cultural immersion: the cuisine: yams, ripe plantains, fish, chicken and the way it was cooked. So delicious for the stomach of a Garifuna woman. How I love the African cotoure. The music remains with a beating sensation in my entire being deeply rooted in the seat of my soul that keeps me swaying my hips. What joy to embrace our very own black people.

    “We are hoping to do this again in 2018. We definitely anticipate to lead a mixed Belizean, Mexican and Guatemalan team. We love our continent and our people. Thank you very very much.

    “On a closing note, kindly convey our profound gratitude to Governor Ben Ayade and Chairman Gabe for such a priceless gift given to the Mexican-Belizean delegation. Both gentlemen understand the power of people connectivity. Indeed we are one people and as Chairman Gabe said when we first met at Calabar Airport: ‘Welcome home..welcome too the Motherland!’ Africa is our root and our mother earth indeed! We remain eternally grateful for the best gift ever!

    “We applaud Ikechi Uko’s team, Cross River Tourism Board and all those who have made these events possible from the local organizing committee to those who stood at borders and airports to bring in everything.”

    Despite the excitement and enthusiasm of the international artistes, it was a nightmare getting to Calabar due to the bad weather. Most international artistes had to get to Calabar via Uyo, but at the end, it was another very successful outing for the Carnival Calabar.

  • Cross River assures on security for 2017 Carnival Calabar 

    Cross River assures on security for 2017 Carnival Calabar 

    Cross River State Government has assured of its preparedness and commitment to provide adequate security before, during and after the 2017 Carnival Calabar as well as other festivities to celebrate the yuletide.

    Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. Rosemary Archibong, at a press briefing in Calabar, said the State Government has made tremendous efforts in combating crimes tackling of other security challenges through effective collaboration with security agencies as well as the provision of patrol vehicles to ease their operation in the state.

    The Commissioner disclosed that plans are underway to organize a sensitization seminar to enlighten the people on the theme of the 2017 Carnival Calabar edition which is “Migration” and enjoined Cross Riverians to maximize the gains of Governor Ben Ayade’s administration.

    Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Eric Anderson, said to make the festival more colourful innovations have been introduced such as the dance and theatre initiative.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Event Management, Mr. Kenneth Aklah, said all the activities outlined for the celebrations are geared towards showcasing the state’s cultural heritage, economic growth, investment opportunities and entrepreneurship development.

    “The State Government has partnered with the security agencies to provide security, ensured the sanitary and hygienic condition of the Xmas village, introduced initiatives like black African festival, bikers parade, food exhibition and so on,” he said.

    Chairman of the Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah expressed the commission’s commitment to ensure a fun-filled and crime free celebration.

    He said artistes have been drawn locally, nationally and internationally for musical performances and entertainment during the period.

  • Carnival Calabar: Melting pot of African culture

    If there was a year Carnival Calabar stamped its mark as Nigeria’s foremost tourist destination, it was 2016 during the last carnival. In the process, the city has also established itself as the number melting point for all cultures in Africa.

    For many who are used to the carnival, the high point was usually the carnival parade by the different bands. It is a fact that when the bands are out on the streets, Calabar bursts into colours. Every part of the town is lightened up by the parade of beautiful youths and elderly bedecked in wonderful, catchy costumes.

    While the revellers engaged in dancing and partying on the streets of Calabar kilometres of onlookers lined up the streets to watch, economic activities are also very active catering for thousands of tourists that descended on the city in search of fun.

    It is to the credit of the current administration of the state that the innovation which first introduced as a side kick of the main carnival, is now taking a life of its own. The international carnival, in its second year, was almost rivaling the main carnival both in content and  the competition that goes with the performance.

    Thirteen countries from Africa, Europe and America participated in the second edition of the carnival. For those who may not be in the know, it was not just the participation of these countries that  shows the significance now attached to the festival internationally, but the efforts and sacrifice that these performers passed through to perform before Africa and the world on the Calabar Carnival platform.

    The weather was bad. There was also the uncertainty of whether to fly or not to fly. These performers endured having to fly and land in nearby states of Rivers and Akwa Ibom and travel by road to to Calabar.  They had to put up a spectacle  a few hours after arriving Calabar after long road journey. The zeal and passion in their performance was not dampened.  Among the countries in attendance were Braziil, South Africa, Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Egypt, South Korea, Croatia, Ethiopia and many other countries.

    The performance by both Brazilian and South Africa troupes were exceptional.  At the end of the day, the Vai Vai troupe from Brazil carried the day. One needs not  to be a prophet to know that the international carnival in Calabar in their next few years will see more countries and more competitive.

    Meanwhile, Seagull Band led by Senator Florence Ita-Giwa emerged the 2016 winner of Carnival Calabar. The band dethroned the seven times winner of the carnival float procession, the Passion Four Band.  Passion Four Band came second, while the Masta Blasta Band came third.

    The competing bands had worked under the 2016 theme of Climate Change. Organisers said they chose this year’s theme to reflect current global realities, with a view to drawing the attention of government and  individuals to the need to take necessary action against climate change.

    Seagull Band’s interpretation of the theme was educative and the band delivered it with entertainment.

    Thousands from within and outside the country had converged on the ancient city of Calabar to be part of the festival. This is the second edition of the festival under the current governor of the state, Professor Ben Ayade.

    This year’s festival had much colour and variety with the participation of more than 12 countries.

    Governor Ben Ayade, during the flagging of the grand finale,  described Carnival Calabar as the melting pot of Africa’s hospitality. He said that the carnival, which had gained international recognition over the years, had continued to grow bigger, better and bolder.

    “The flag off of the grand finale of the 2016 Calabar Carnival represents the true beginning of African enjoyment. As we have started today, this is the beginning of a new dawn in Africa. Calabar Carnival remains the largest street party in Africa.