Obubra Cultural Troupes.
By Ita Williams, Calabar
The 2025 Calabar Cultural Carnival witnessed a rich display of culture, history and economic potential as local government chairmen across Cross River State, and 22 out of 30 states that indicated interest showcased their unique heritage during the official flag-off of this year’s cultural Carnival at Millennium Park, Calabar recently.
Speaking at the event, the Acting Chairman of Bekwara Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Egbung Odama, described Bekwara as a people deeply rooted in agriculture and rural farming.
“Bekwara is very unique. We are predominantly agriculturists, and what we are bringing to the table is our groundnuts,” he said, noting that the produce supports oil extraction, groundnut cake production and other agro-based businesses attractive to investors.
The Chairman of Calabar South LGA, Hon. Patrick Archibong, said his council was presenting the theme “Traces of Time” by highlighting the historical foundations of Calabar South.
He explained that the arrival of missionaries and their interaction with traditional institutions such as Ekpe and Nsibidi shaped the area’s cultural evolution.
“We are confident that Calabar South will showcase the true foundation of ‘Traces of Time’ and emerge as winners,” he said, while also calling on investors to take advantage of the peace and opportunities in the state.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Boki LGA, Hon. Beatrice Nyiam, said Boki’s presentation focused on its rich forest heritage and agricultural strength.
She revealed that over 90 per cent of the state’s forest revenue comes from Boki, adding that the council is encouraging investors to establish furniture factories, cocoa processing plants and agro-allied industries.
Nyiam highlighted cocoa, bananas, palm produce, yams and cassava as key resources. “Boki is rich and open for investors. We grow what we eat and have raw materials in abundance,” she said.
Representing Bekwara State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Omang Charles Omang, described the carnival as a vital tourism platform.
He said the 20th anniversary edition, themed; “Traces of Time,” offered an opportunity for communities to showcase their culture and farm produce, which could help boost the state and national economy.
Etung Cultural Troupes.
The Executive Chairman of Etung Local Government Area, Hon. Henry Anom, said Etung participated fully to exhibit its cocoa production and cultural dances.
“We are the highest producer of cocoa in Cross River State and the second largest in Nigeria,” he said, adding that the council also has solid minerals such as tin and gold awaiting investment.
Former Commissioner and current Special Adviser to the Governor, Dr Edet Effiom, stated that the carnival has successfully brought people from rural communities into the urban centre to experience unity and cultural pride.
He praised the colourful displays, energy and synergy among participants, while urging investors to consider the Bakassi Deep Seaport and Akpabuyo shoreline for investment.
Effiom described the deep seaport as a highly bankable project, noting that Akpabuyo has vast coastal advantages and a peaceful population suitable for large-scale development.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Barr. Ekpeyong Akiba, commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu for repositioning Carnival Calabar within two years.
He said the governor’s foresight, planning and inclusive governance restored confidence among stakeholders and elevated the carnival’s global appeal.
Akiba concluded that Carnival Calabar is more than a festival, describing it as a cultural heritage and economic driver.
He affirmed that under Governor Otu’s leadership, the carnival has reclaimed its status as Africa’s foremost street party and a symbol of Cross River State’s rich cultural identity.
22 of the 30 states that earlier indicated interest participated in the cultural carnival, showcasing their rich heritage and unique potentials as thousands of spectators lined the streets to witness the colourful spectacle of the event.
The event attracted massive public attention, with cultural troupes, dancers and performers thrilling residents and visitors who turned out in large numbers.
Meanwhile, organisers have officially confirmed that the results of the cultural carnival will be announced after the main Calabar Carnival, scheduled to hold today, December 29.
