By Abasi Ita
The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has commended the Cross River State Government for the successful staging of the 2025 Calabar Carnival, describing the festival as a priceless cultural brand that deserves sustained protection and promotion.
Senator Jarigbe made the remarks at the grand finale of the 2025 Calabar Carnival, themed Traces of Time, held in Calabar, where he joined thousands of revelers at the colourful celebration widely acclaimed as Africa’s Biggest Street Party.
The 20th edition of the carnival featured vibrant street parades, elaborate costumes, energetic performances and rich cultural expressions by competing bands, reaffirming its reputation as one of Africa’s most significant tourism events.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the senator praised Governor Bassey Otu for what he described as purposeful leadership and renewed commitment to reviving the carnival after years of decline.
According to him, the scale, organisation and quality of the 2025 edition signal the administration’s determination to restore the festival’s global relevance and maximise its economic potential.
Jarigbe noted that the Calabar Carnival transcends entertainment, stressing that it remains a strategic platform for showcasing Nigeria’s cultural heritage, stimulating local businesses and attracting both domestic and international tourists.
He called for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to deepen investment in funding, branding and international promotion of the carnival, noting that such synergy is critical to sustaining the festival as a world class tourism product.
The lawmaker also applauded the consistency of the state government in sustaining the annual event, adding that the initiative aligns with broader efforts to position Cross River State as a leading tourism and hospitality destination in Nigeria and across Africa.
The 2025 Calabar Carnival once again transformed Calabar into a hub of colour, culture and creativity, reinforcing its status as a symbol of unity, pride and cultural excellence for Cross River State and the nation at large.