The Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, has said this year’s Carnival Calabar will focus on humanity, economic growth and digital innovation, with a projected socio-economic impact exceeding last year’s N19 billion.

Gabe Onah, who spoke in Calabar on Sunday during the flag-off of the first dry run of the Carnival, said the central theme for the 2026 edition is “Rethinking Our Collective Destiny.”

According to him, the theme reflects Governor Bassey Otu‘s vision of promoting love, equality and unity as the foundation for collective progress.

“From my point of view of working with the Governor, I see him trying to equalize humanity. We are a common people, we are a common race, and nothing beats love. The carnival continues to remain the creative platform for our children to excel,” Onah said.

He noted that global institutions including the United Nations and the European Union have recognized love as the strongest antidote to hatred, quoting Albert Einstein that “the greatest bomb that can destroy hatred is love.”

Tracing the thematic evolution of the carnival under the present administration, Onah said the first edition focused on “Season of Sweetness” representing the return of peace and love, the second on “Our Shared Prosperity,” while the 20th anniversary edition celebrated “Traces of Time.”

“This year, he went back to his Pandora’s box to speak to the equality of mankind and that one humanity is the only way out to what became of the world after COVID. So this is what the bands are playing to achieve,” he said.

Beyond cultural display, Onah said the Commission is deliberate about harnessing heritage and culture as soft power to drive tourism revenue and economic growth.

“Last year, as you are aware, the socio-economic impact was N19 billion. But we realize that we can make more,” he stated.

He unveiled a new digitalization drive that will allow spectators to participate actively in the carnival through online registration and online voting.

“We are dedicating an immersive opportunity for spectators to contribute to who becomes the band of the year. So they are now active participants, not just watching. You and I will vote and register to become band members like we see in the Premiership League,” he explained.

On expected attractions, Onah confirmed that Afrobeats superstar Davido has already signed to perform at this year’s carnival, while several other nations have indicated interest to participate.

He disclosed that between 10,000 and 52,000 revellers are expected to storm Calabar for the festival, adding that the current event was only a test run.

The flag-off ceremony, which coincided with the 67th birthday of Governor Bassey Otu, marks the official countdown to the main Carnival Calabar, Africa’s biggest street party, which is expected to attract thousands of tourists, revellers and international guests to Calabar in December.