By Odeh Favour Adiya
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has unveiled “Rethinking Our Collective Destiny” as the theme for the 2026 edition of Carnival Calabar, signalling a new phase for Africa’s biggest street carnival.
Speaking at a colourful unveiling ceremony held in Lagos on Sunday, the governor said the 2026 edition, which marks the 21st anniversary of the annual tourism event, will introduce major innovations aimed at increasing public participation, creating economic opportunities and expanding the carnival’s global reach.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the event attracted tourism stakeholders, diplomats, cultural enthusiasts and top government officials from across the country.
Governor Otu explained that the theme reflects a collective determination to challenge existing realities, think beyond the present and explore what can be achieved through culture, tourism and creativity.
He added that the state government is repositioning the carnival as a platform for job creation and economic empowerment, particularly for young people and local communities.
Chairman of the Carnival Calabar Commission, Gabe Onah, disclosed that the 2026 edition will introduce online voting, allowing communities and audiences around the world to participate more actively in the festival.
According to him, the initiative will transform spectators into stakeholders by giving them a direct voice in aspects of the carnival. He also revealed that organisers have partnered with creative industry players to produce movies inspired by the festival, while deploying real-time digital streaming platforms to connect with global audiences.
The unveiling received strong endorsements from both local and international tourism stakeholders.
The Portuguese Ambassador to Nigeria, Paulo Santos, commended the carnival’s organisation and scale, noting that segments such as the children’s parade and bikers’ parade compare favourably with major festivals in Europe, Brazil and the Americas.
Also speaking, Busola Tejumola, Executive Director of General Entertainment at MultiChoice, said the carnival’s evolution over the past 15 years has positioned it as a strong platform for telling authentic African cultural stories beyond the colourful costumes and performances.
Tourism promoter and Convener of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko, urged travel operators, tourism agencies and media organisations to intensify efforts to market Cross River as a leading destination for the 2026 “Detty December” holiday season, with the goal of significantly increasing visitor arrivals.
Similarly, Aliyu Badaki, President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), pledged the support of tourism operators and travel agencies toward sustaining Carnival Calabar as a model for cultural tourism and economic development in Nigeria.
