Cross River Government Inaugurates Committee to Review, Strengthen Carnival Calabar
The Cross River State Government has taken a significant step towards enhancing the global prominence and sustainability of the Carnival Calabar, Africa’s biggest street party, with the inauguration of a 13-member review committee.
The committee, which held its inaugural meeting at Diamond Hall, Metropolitan Hotel, on Thursday, is tasked with evaluating the impact of the carnival over the past two decades and proposing strategic measures to strengthen its socio-economic contributions to the state.
The week-long deliberation aligns with the visionary goals of His Excellency, Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu, to expand the carnival’s influence and offerings in the cultural and economic landscape of Cross River State.
In his keynote address, the Chairman of the Review Committee, High Chief Edem Duke, a former Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, highlighted the significance of the carnival and the governor’s commitment to ensuring its continued relevance.
“His Excellency, being a seasoned administrator with experience in virtually all areas of governance, recognises the value of Carnival Calabar at twenty. He sees the need to define proper attributes that will guarantee its sustainability even through potentially difficult times,” Chief Duke stated.
He further noted that the committee’s core objective is to critically review the evolution of the carnival over the last 20 years and generate concrete strategies to sustain its visibility and relevance on the global cultural calendar, particularly among the African diaspora.
“For us, the carnival represents a Renaissance of cultural identity, soft power, creativity, and community spirit. It is a platform that showcases our rich diversity, fosters economic growth, and positions Cross River State as the Jewel in the Crown of Nigeria,” he remarked.
Sir Gabe Onah, Chairman of the Carnival Commission, also commended the efforts of the band leaders and members for their unwavering commitment to the carnival’s success.
He described them as the “organic custodians” of the creative content and vibrant displays that have defined the carnival over the years.
Onah proposed several strategic recommendations, including finalising government structures, strengthening private sector participation, establishing a carnival village and museum, expanding international collaborations, and engaging industry experts to oversee strategic implementation.
The event featured insightful presentations from different band leaders and other committee members, followed by a summary of the discussions by the committee’s secretariat.
It will be recalled that in February, Governor Bassey Otu appointed the 13-member review committee to assess and improve the Carnival Calabar.
The committee includes notable figures such as Onari Duke, former First Lady of Cross River State; Florence Ita Giwa, a senator and carnival band leader; Gershom Bassey, a senator; and Chris Agibe.
Other members are Uyam Ugot; Eric Anderson; Gabe Onah, Chairman of the Cross River Carnival Commission; Ededem Ani; Johnnie Akpanke; Ikechi Uko, CEO of Akwaaba African Travel Market and an international consultant to the carnival; Professor Esekong Andrew Essien; and Professor Owan-Eno, who serves as the committee’s secretary.
The review committee’s work is expected to set a strategic course for the future of Carnival Calabar, reinforcing its status as a global showcase of African culture and creativity.
