The Governor of Cross River State, Senator, Bassey Out has assured sponsors of the 2026 Carnival Calabar and Festival of Return on Investments (RoI), richer and wider visibility of their products.
This is just as he also solicited for the continuous support of both existing and potential sponsors, urging them not to relent in their efforts as the state strive to maintain its enviable position in the national and international tourism landscape as the proud organisers of the “Africa’s Biggest Street Party”, the Carnival Calabar.
Otu gave the assurance in his address at the official unveiling of 2026 Carnival Calabar theme, ” Rethinking Our Collective Destiny” held in Lagos at the weekend.
He noted that to
have a robust outing in this year’s Carnival Calabar and Festivals, the state is galvanising the efforts of Cross Riverians in the diaspora in terms of participation; propagation of the Carnival brand abroad as well as securing material support.
The Governor informed the well attended gathering that a framework for the streaming of the carnival and the monetisation of its contents have also been worked out.
“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. These will immensely have a pull on repeat and new tourists to the State,”the Governor said.
Otu ,who welcomed guest to the event, noted that the unveiling of the theme, “Rethinking Our Collective Destiny” is the beginning of the 2026 Carnival Calabar activities.
He said that the 2026 edition is the 21st in the series but that irrespective of the fleeting times, the pleasant memories of last year’s event of uninterrupted 32 days display of creativity in all art forms, remain etched in our hearts.
According to Otu, “We owe a debt of boundless gratitude to our sponsors who believed in our brand and invested either as an act of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or a business investment decision. We are also appreciative of the untiring efforts of all the participating Carnival Bands. And for increasing our tourists arrival during our 20th anniversary, we thank all tourists, visitors and corporate organisations for their esteemed presence.”
He said that in line with international best practices, every year’s carnival starts with a theme unveiling and this informed the gathering, adding that 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 that for the Cross River State people, the Carnival theme unveiling goes beyond the symbolic ceremonial commencement of carnival activities, stressing that it is 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.
“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,” he said.
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