The Cross River State Government has set its sights on expanding the economic benefits of Carnival Calabar, with plans to deepen digital participation, attract more visitors and increase tourism revenue as the first dry run of the 2026 edition got underway in Calabar.
Governor Bassey Edet Otu, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, flagged off the dry run, marking another step in preparations for the annual festival, which remains one of Cross River State’s major cultural and tourism events.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Gab Onah, said this year’s carnival was anchored on the theme, “Rethinking Our Collective Destiny,” which he described as a call for unity, equality and renewed commitment to the shared humanity of all people.
Onah explained that the theme reflected Governor Otu’s vision of promoting peace, love and inclusiveness through culture, stressing that the carnival should serve not only as a celebration but also as a platform for young people to showcase their creativity and talent.
He noted that previous editions had explored themes such as the return of peace and love, shared prosperity and the historical journey of the carnival at its 20th anniversary. According to him, the 2026 edition seeks to reinforce the message that humanity’s common interests must take precedence over divisions.
The carnival commission chairman, however, stressed that beyond its cultural significance, the festival must deliver greater economic value to Cross River State through increased tourism receipts, business opportunities and wider participation.
He disclosed that the socioeconomic impact of last year’s carnival was estimated at ₦19 billion, adding that the commission was exploring ways to surpass that figure by strengthening the festival’s economic ecosystem.
Onah identified digitalisation as a major strategy for achieving this objective, revealing that the commission had introduced online registration and voting to give spectators a more active role in the carnival.
Under the initiative, members of the public would be able to register as band members and participate in voting for the Band of the Year, a development he said would expand engagement beyond the traditional experience of watching carnival performances.
He explained that the digital approach was designed to transform spectators into active participants while creating new opportunities to connect the carnival with a wider audience.
On the entertainment front, Onah disclosed that Nigerian music star Davido had indicated his readiness to participate in this year's festivities, while discussions with some international participants were still ongoing.
He also noted that the number of revelers expected to participate in the carnival typically varied according to the strength and preparedness of the competing bands, adding that the first dry run was an opportunity to assess readiness ahead of the main event.
The chairman expressed optimism about the festival's prospects, describing the carnival as a cultural platform capable of promoting unity while strengthening the state's tourism economy.
With preparations underway, the Cross River State Government is looking to position Carnival Calabar not merely as an annual celebration but as a stronger economic asset capable of attracting visitors, supporting businesses and showcasing the state's cultural heritage to national and international audiences.
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