The Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission for Carnival Calabar, Gabe Onah, has emphasized the need for more private sector funding to make the 2026 festival a success. Onah made this statement in Lagos, highlighting that funding from both the public sector and individuals is crucial. He also mentioned that the state government is working to reintroduce the international segment of Carnival Calabar, which has garnered significant interest globally.
Onah expressed his gratitude to the media for their continued support and promotion of the festival. He described Carnival Calabar as the state's most tangible product and a low-hanging fruit in the tourism sector, now referred to as the orange economy. Onah stressed that collaborations with the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy are essential to make the sector thrive. He also acknowledged the support of four successive governors of Cross River State, including the incumbent Governor Bassey Otu.
This year's Carnival Calabar will feature deliberate digital streaming and online voting, Onah revealed. The public will have a say in the artistic scoring, similar to the Big Brother framework. Onah explained that the ambulatory float on the road has mechanical production, but the spectacle's artistic elements will be judged by adjudicators from the artistic field, including architects and engineers. The public's vote will add a new dimension to the festival.
Onah encouraged Nigerians in Africa to register as members of Carnival bands organically, similar to registering for premiership clubs. He emphasized that the bottom line is the internally generated revenue (IGR) receipt. As the public votes, they will be contributing to the festival's revenue, which will help plan for the future. Onah noted that the festival has been blessed with the support of four governors and expressed hope that future administrations will continue to prioritize the sector.
The reintroduction of the international segment of Carnival Calabar is a significant development, according to Onah. He stated that the global community has taken notice of the festival, and several offerings have been received. Onah hinted that a headline artist will soon be unveiled, and the festival's backdrop will be formed. The international segment is expected to further boost the festival's reputation and attract more visitors.
Onah's call for more private funding is a recognition of the limitations of government funding. He emphasized that the state government is working hard to support the festival, but more resources are needed to make it a success. Onah's statement has sparked discussions about the role of private funding in supporting cultural events and the potential for Carnival Calabar to become a major tourist attraction.
As the 2026 Carnival Calabar approaches, stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the festival's plans. With the reintroduction of the international segment and the emphasis on private funding, Onah's statement has set the stage for a more robust and engaging festival. The success of Carnival Calabar will depend on the collaboration of various stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and individuals.
Key points
- Carnival Calabar Chairman Gabe Onah seeks more private funding for 2026 festival
- Reintroduction of international segment to boost festival's global reputation
- Online voting and digital streaming to be featured in this year's festival
