Gov. Otu Unveils ‘Traces Of Time’ As 2025 Calabar Carnival Theme

BY: EDEM ARCHIBONG, CALABAR

The Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu has recently unveiled the theme for 2025 annual Calabar Carnival tagged “Traces Of Time” to mark the 20th anniversary of Calabar Carnival festivities otherwise known as the “largest Street Party in Africa”.

The splendid event was witnessed and joined by the visionary initiator of Calabar Carnival, former Governor Donald Duke and his successor in office, Senator Liyel Imoke, Leaders of the today’s seven competing bands and tourism experts.

Other important dignitaries in attendance at Abuja Megga Hilton include the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Dr. Abullahi Ganduje and many others.

Speaking during the event, Governor Otu realize the importance of paying tribute to the pioneer visionary of the Carnival, Mr. Donald Duke, his successor in office, Senator Liyel Imoke and his predecessor, Professor Ben Ayade who also saw the need to sustain and grow what Mr. Donald Duke started in 2005.

He also explained that “Calabar Carnival is no longer about just a parade of colours, it is a bold expression of our collective dreams, cultural heritage and economic ingenuity which call for all the stakeholders to embrace the festival renewed hope and vision.

The Governor also used the opportunity to celebrate the unsung heroes of the Carnival every year and this includes; the dancers, band leaders, designers, caterers, tailors and sanitation workers are the true custodians of Cross River’s cultural pride and resilience.

In his own administration, Governor Otu recounted that innovations were introduced Such as reintroductions of the Junior Carnival, the Ikom and Ogoja Carnival because “we are not just celebrating carnival, we are celebrating the soul of our people and the heartbeat of Cross River tourism and creative economy.