The Cross River State Government has announced that the 2025 edition of the Carnival Calabar and Festival, marking its 20th anniversary, will serve as a strategic initiative to reinforce the state’s status as a leading tourism destination in West Africa.
Governor Bassey Otu made the declaration on Sunday during the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Millennium Park. He was joined by four former governors—Clement Ebiri, Donald Duke, Liyel Imoke, and Ben Ayade—in a symbolic demonstration of unity in support of the state’s tourism development agenda. The governor reiterated this commitment in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Governor Otu emphasized tourism as a cornerstone of his administration’s economic strategy, affirming the government’s dedication to revitalizing the sector through human capital development, rural transformation, and enhanced global visibility. He stated: “My team and I will continue to grow Cross River through human capital development, industrialization, rural transformation, and tourism.”
Cultural experts have highlighted that the 2025 carnival represents not only a celebratory milestone but also an opportunity for economic repositioning. Joseph Nneji, a culture and entertainment consultant, noted that preparations have been intensified to ensure that this year’s festival meets global standards. He observed: “Twenty years of the Carnival Calabar and Festival is not just a celebration for Cross River State, but for Africa and the world. We invite governments, tourists, creatives, brands, and cultural institutions to join us in commemorating two decades of excellence.”
Originally conceived as a modest tourism initiative, the Carnival Calabar and Festival has evolved into an internationally recognized event, attracting participants and audiences from multiple continents, including Brazil, Colombia, France, Germany, South Africa, Ghana, and other countries. The festival’s programming now encompasses international concerts, street parades by popular bands such as Seagull, Passion 4, Bayside, and Freedom, bikers’ exhibitions, heritage presentations, fashion showcases, film screenings, and beauty pageants.
The 2025 anniversary edition is expected to host performers from at least ten countries, promote indigenous culture through curated heritage presentations, and attract global influencers, filmmakers, and tourism ambassadors. In furtherance of the state’s tourism objectives, the government will convene an investment summit in conjunction with the festival to facilitate business opportunities for local entrepreneurs, artisans, performers, and investors, while strengthening Nigeria’s creative and hospitality sectors.#newsafro_
