Photo caption :Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu (Left) with Mr. Ojoi Ekpenyong, Managing Director, Cross River State Tourism Bureau (Middle)
Introduction : Mr. Ojoi Ekpenyong is the Managing Director of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau. In this brief and straight to the point interview,he spoke about the Carnival Calabar, security in the state, Detty December and others. Excerpt..
Carnival Calabar is the main draw of events in Nigeria and Cross River State but how ready is the State to host the huge crowd that usually descends on Calabar and Obudu Resort in December?
Note that the government and people of CRS are celebrating 20 years of sustaining an international brand – Carnival Calabar and festival. So the govt is ready and the people are ready. You can see the evidence in the acquisition of two additional aircraft.
What about the Tallest Christmas Tower in Nigeria?
The amazing lighting of the streets one month to Christmas, crowned with one of the tallest Christmas light tower in Nigeria. Our roads are wearing new looks with asphalt, the introduction of VVIP seats for our visitors during the biggest street party and the opening of the cinema this month @ the Calabar Marina Resort. Infact this year shall be a blast.
The 4,000 Hotel Rooms?
We have approximately four thousand rooms including B&B apartments. As we speak, His Excellency has approved another grant of Money for owners of hospitality facilities in CRS to assist them clean up the Hotels.
How is the government planning to make the state safe?
By God’s grace, CRS is one of the safest state in Nigeria. And His Excellency has declared zero tolerance on security in CRS.
What about Detty December?
Detty December for us in Calabar will happen in all locations in the street of Calabar. It started happening from the 1st of Nov. 2025 @ the Christmas Village and will continue for 31 days. It is already happening at 11/11 which is our signature venue with one of the most beautiful xmas lighting experience.it is happening in all night clubs as we speak.
How prepared for Carnival Calabar
The grand finale will be on the 29th during the Africa’s biggest street party, where the entire city of Calabar will be shutdown while the masterpiece of beautiful spectacles of flamboyant display of colors, rich culture and history in a dedicated 12km stretch of the street of Calabar will become the melting point. Nigeria, Africa, and the global community will find it difficult to recover from what is about to happen Calabar. Our hospitable people, our food, our clean and green, our most secured environment and our Africa’s biggest street party is waiting for you. Welcome home!
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