Calabar carnival set for Global Transformation

The Cross River State Government is embarking on a comprehensive overhaul of the Calabar Carnival, aiming to elevate it to international standards after two decades of celebration.

Governor Bassey Otu has appointed a 13-member committee, led by former Minister of Culture, Chief Edem Duke, to conduct a thorough review of the carnival’s structure, impact, and future direction.

According to Nsa Gill, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, the committee has been tasked with a 10-point mandate and is expected to submit its recommendations within two weeks. The review will focus on aligning the carnival with global tourism trends, improving its organisational framework, and enhancing its appeal as a world-class cultural spectacle.

“The objective is to refine the carnival into a globally recognised showcase of arts, culture, and tradition,” Gill stated. “The committee will assess its successes and challenges over the past 20 years while exploring strategies to enhance its reach and sustainability.”

In addition to evaluating event regulations and logistics, the committee will propose measures to boost sponsorship, funding, and international visibility, ensuring the carnival remains a premier attraction on the global tourism calendar.

The Calabar Carnival, launched in 2005 under former Governor Donald Duke, has long been celebrated as Nigeria’s most iconic cultural festival. This latest initiative seeks to cement its status as a top-tier international event.