Governor Otu Unveils “Traces of Time” as Theme for Calabar Carnival’s 20th Anniversary

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has officially announced “Traces of Time” as the theme for the 20th edition of Carnival Calabar.

The unveiling took place during a high-profile ceremony on Thursday night at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. The event drew an array of dignitaries, including former Cross River governors Donald Duke and Liyel Imoke, APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, tourism professionals, and carnival band leaders. It also marked the official countdown to the December festival, widely celebrated as Africa’s biggest street party.

In his address, Governor Otu paid homage to the carnival’s founding visionaries—Donald Duke, Liyel Imoke, and Ben Ayade—acknowledging their pivotal roles in sustaining the event since its inception in 2005. He described Carnival Calabar as more than a vibrant parade, calling it “a bold expression of our cultural heritage, collective dreams, and economic ingenuity.”

Highlighting innovations under his administration, Otu announced the revival of the Junior Carnival and the Night of Kings and Queens, alongside the introduction of regional carnivals in Ikom and Ogoja. He also applauded the vital roles of dancers, designers, caterers, and sanitation workers, referring to them as “the true custodians of Cross River’s cultural pride.”

Sir Gabe Onah, Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, reflected on the festival’s growth from a cultural celebration into a major economic driver, citing partnerships with organizations such as AfriExim Bank and Deloitte. “Our youths now dance not just to entertain but to earn, express, and inspire,” he noted.

Tourism expert Ikechi Ukoh praised the carnival’s global recognition and its impact on Nigeria’s image. “When Calabar is mentioned, fear gives way to excitement,” he said, urging increased federal support for the event.

The United Nations Resident Representative, Elsie Atafuwa, commended the carnival’s alignment with global development goals, emphasizing the power of culture to foster peace and progress.

Obi Asika, Executive Secretary of the National Council for Arts and Culture, described Carnival Calabar as a potential “world-class music event,” stressing the importance of storytelling and strategic investment to expand Nigeria’s cultural influence.

With the theme “Traces of Time,” the 2025 edition promises a powerful blend of reflection, celebration, and forward-looking cultural expression. Governor Otu extended a warm invitation to Nigerians and international visitors alike to join the festivities in Calabar this December.

Aisha Adamu, the Director-General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization, reiterated her organization’s dedication to broadening the carnival’s influence to the Caribbean and other regions.

This year’s theme, “Traces of Time,” will prompt the competing bands to begin their preparations right away for the December event, which is set to offer an exciting and contemplative presentation of history, identity, and future hopes.