….a focus on sustainability and global relevance
Cross River State, Governor Bassey Edet Otu has initiated a comprehensive review of the Carnival Calabar and the Annual Festival, commissioning a 13-member committee to evaluate the event’s impact over the past two decades.
The move, aimed at revitalizing the cultural showcase, seeks to align the festival with contemporary global tourism trends.
According to a statement released by Chief Press Secretary Nsa Gill, the committee will conduct a thorough assessment to identify both successes and shortcomings of the past 20 years, focusing on refining the event’s concept and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
Key objectives include restructuring carnival bands as creative entities, exploring authentic cultural expressions within the festival, and establishing a carnival museum to preserve the event’s heritage.
The committee is also tasked with enhancing organizational regulations, maximizing marketing opportunities for improved funding, and positioning Carnival Calabar on the international stage.
Ultimately, the review aims to develop a strategic roadmap for the next 20 years, guiding future festival operations and ensuring the event remains a cornerstone of Cross River State’s cultural identity.
The committee will engage with relevant stakeholders throughout the review process to produce its recommendations.
The Committee is composed as follows:
1 High Chief Edem Duke Chairman
2 HE. Barr. Mrs. Onari Duke Member
3 Sen. Florence Ita Giwa Member
4 Sen. Gershom Bassey Member
5 Hon. Chris Agibe Member
6 Dr. Uyam Ugot Member
7 Hon. Eric Anderson Member
8 Sir Gabe Onah, PhD Member
9 Barr. Ededem Ani (AG) Member
10 Pst. Johnnie Akpanke Member
11 Amb. Ikechi Uko Member
12 Prof. Esekong Andrew Essien Member
13 Prof. A. Owan-Eno Secretary
