Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Henry Owen
The 2025 Carnival Calabar season recorded a historic milestone on Sunday as the Cross River State Government officially unveiled the Carnival Calabar Diaspora Band and the festival’s 20th anniversary mascot during the second dry run at Millennium Park, Calabar.
Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, represented by Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, described the Carnival as a globally celebrated cultural export, saying the integration of the Diaspora Band reflects his administration’s resolve to reconnect Cross Riverians across continents with the State’s evolving cultural narrative.
“The world has embraced Carnival Calabar as a life-changing concept,” he said. “It has become part of our history and legacy, and it will remain with us for the rest of our lives. The inclusion of the Diaspora Band strengthens our bond with Cross Riverians across the world and ensures that they are not just watching from afar but actively represented in the story we tell.”
He added that the unveiling of the 20th anniversary mascot affirms his government’s vision of an inclusive, globally appealing and culturally rooted Carnival.
Chairman of the Carnival Commission, Sir Dr. Gabe Onah, underscored the significance of the recent homecoming of more than 92 Diaspora returnees who participated in reconciliation visits and acted as “organic tourists,” enriching the festival with experiences gathered abroad.
“For 20 years, we have built a cultural brand that has travelled across the world. Now, the world is returning home to take its place in the parade,” Onah said. “The Diaspora Band is one of the most recent and most exciting additions to the Carnival’s history. This aligns with the Governor’s directive to deepen diaspora participation and expand cultural exchange.”
Chairman of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM), Prince Otu Okor, described the band’s integration as a landmark achievement for the State’s cultural diplomacy and diaspora engagement programmes.
“This integration gives our diaspora a real place in the Carnival story,” Okor noted. “It shows that Cross Riverians abroad are not just visitors, but contributors to our cultural identity.”
One of the visiting Diasporans, Dr. Valerie O’Neal from Trinidad and Tobago, expressed delight at the deepening cultural ties between the State and the global community, praising Cross River’s commitment to global cultural inclusion.
Commissioner for Programmes Development and Events at CRIDCOM, Evang. Mrs. Margaret Inde, PhD, emphasized that the initiative reinforces the Commission’s mandate to connect Cross River citizens worldwide.
“This band ensures our diaspora is part of the story,” she said. “We are proud to lead efforts that highlight the richness of Cross River culture on a global stage.”
The 20th anniversary edition of Carnival Calabar, themed “An Epic Journey Through Time,” continues to build momentum ahead of the main parade in December.
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