The Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, has unveiled the theme for Carnival Calabar 2026. He also announced new innovations designed to increase participation and expand economic gains.
The governor presented the theme, “Rethinking Our Collective Destiny,” on Sunday night in Lagos. The event also marked the 21st anniversary of the carnival.
Tourism stakeholders, diplomats, cultural enthusiasts, and government officials attended the unveiling ceremony.
Otu Calls for Shared Vision and Growth
Governor Otu said the theme reflects a collective effort to reimagine the future of the festival. He stressed the need to strengthen culture, tourism, and creativity.
“We are not just unveiling a theme; we are unveiling a vision,” he said.
He added that the carnival must continue to evolve to deliver greater value to communities.
According to him, the festival has become a strong platform for cultural expression and economic opportunity in Cross River State.
New Innovations to Boost Participation
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Carnival Calabar Commission, Gabe Onah, announced new innovations for the 2026 edition.
He said organisers will introduce online voting to allow audiences to actively participate in the event. This move, he said, will shift the carnival from passive viewing to interactive engagement.
Onah also said the carnival is being repositioned to create jobs and business opportunities for young people.
In addition, organisers have partnered with creative industries to produce films inspired by the carnival. They are also developing digital platforms to stream events globally.
Stakeholders Highlight Tourism Potential
Multichoice Executive Director of General Entertainment, Busola Tejumola, said the carnival has grown significantly over the years.
She noted that future editions should focus more on storytelling behind costumes and cultural heritage.
Similarly, the Portuguese Ambassador to Nigeria, Paulo Santos, described the festival as a world-class cultural platform.
He compared it favourably with major carnivals in Europe, the Americas, and Brazil.
He also praised the carnival’s structure, including its diverse segments such as children and biker displays.
Tourism Experts Call for Global Marketing
Tourism promoter Ikechi Uko urged stakeholders to market Cross River State aggressively ahead of the festive season.
He said the carnival can attract more international visitors if properly packaged and promoted.
Uko added that the festival has become a strong tourism product with global appeal.
Industry Support for Expansion
The President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, Aliyu Badaki, praised the organisers for sustaining the carnival.
He said the event continues to generate income for local businesses, artisans, and service providers.
Badaki also pledged continued support from tourism operators and agencies.
