The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu has unveiled the theme for the 2026 Carnival Calabar activities: ‘Rethinking Our Collective Destiny’ with planned monetisation of the event.
Speaking during the official unveilling of the Carnival Calabar theme at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, Gov Otu disclosed that a framework for the streaming of the carnival and the monetization of its contents have been worked out.
The Governor noted that the Carnival theme unveiling goes beyond the symbolic ceremonial commencement of carnival activities, but rather the opening of a vista of opportunity for the development and expansion of businesses, especially the informal sector; the creation of an enabling environment for home-coming and family bonding.
Otu emphasised that in order to have a robust outing in this year’s Carnival Calabar and Festivals, the state is galvanizing the efforts of Cross Riverians in the diaspora in terms of participation; propagation of the Carnival brand abroad as well as securing material support.
He expresssed boundless gratitude to their sponsors who believed in their brand and invested either as an act of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or a business investment decision including the untiring efforts of all the participating Carnival Bands.
The Governor lauded all tourists, visitors and corporate organizations for increasing state’s tourists arrival during its 20th Anniversary .
According to him, international best practices, every year’s carnival starts with a theme unveiling; and this informed our gathering here today. Each year’s Carnival Calabar theme is therefore a code to be cracked by all the participating Bands through props, costumes, choreography and aesthetics interpretations.
He stated further that: “So for us, as we unveil the Carnival Theme, we are simultaneously presenting both leisure and business offerings to everyone; which are too inviting and compelling to ignore”.
The Governor disclosed that In order to remain competitive in the tourism ecosystem, the Creative Economy of Cross River State is currently undergoing a comprehensive overhaul, by creating more tourism assets which in turn will facilitate employment opportunities and generate revenue.
According him, these will immensely have a pull on repeat and new tourists to the State.
Governor maintained that while the state strive to maintain its enviable position in the National and International Tourism landscape as the proud organizers of the “Africa’s Biggest Street Party” – the Carnival Calabar, need the continuous support of everybody both existing and potential sponsors to give their products a richer and wider visibility with assured returns on their investments”.
