For decades, the streets of Calabar have served as the pulse of African tourism. But after the unprecedented global shutdown of 2020, the rhythm was momentarily interrupted.
Now, as the city gears up for the landmark 20th anniversary of its flagship event, Gabe Onah, the Executive Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, has declared that Carnival Calabar 2025 will be the “epitome” of the state’s socio-economic recovery.
Traces of time: The 20-year evolution
The theme for the 2025 edition, “Traces of Time,” is more than a poetic reflection; it is a strategic re-establishment of the state’s dominance in the creative arts.
“In 2019, Carnival Calabar was at its height until COVID-19 shut down the world. The creative arts and tourism sector suffered the most,” Onah explained.
“The 2025 edition re-establishes our firm position. We are re-strategizing to maintain its role as a socio-economic penetrator of the state fabrics.”
The ‘People First’ reawakening
Under the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu and his “People First” mantra, Onah describes a palpable shift in the city’s atmosphere.
The ‘atmospheric euphoria’ has returned, evidenced by a massive population explosion during the Christmas Tree lighting at Millennium Park on November 30th.
This reawakening is not just emotional; it is institutional. The Spirit of Carnival Calabar is being strengthened within the carnival bands, with a renewed realization that culture and creative arts are the most significant tools for the socio-economic development of Cross River State.
A legacy of five governors
A unique highlight of the 20th anniversary is the political unification behind the brand. Onah credits five successive governors for building the “movement” that Carnival Calabar has become today:
Governor Clement Ebri: The curator who renovated the Cultural Center with state-of-the-art systems.
Governor Donald Duke: The visionary who identified tourism as a viable economic pillar.
Governor Liyel Imoke: This governor created thematic, scripted content.
Governor Ben Ayade: The globalizer who introduced the International and Bikers’ carnivals.
Governor Bassey Otu: The current leader, described as the “Joseph of our time,” who has united all former governors to position the carnival as a movement for peace and growth.
The search for peace
In a world characterized by volatility, Onah emphasizes that the core message of “Traces of Time” is Peace. By aggregating the wisdom and support of all former state leaders, Governor Otu has positioned the 2025 edition as an instrument for unification and effective progress.
“How can a people be so blessed?” Onah asks. As Calabar prepares for the “unstrained fun” of December, the economic ripples are expected to place Cross River State back on the international tourists’ beaten tracks, proving that for this ancient city, the best days are yet to come.
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