To the spectators home and abroad constantly wondering how the biggest cultural and tourism showcase in Africa, Carnival Calabar And Festival, made it to the global carnival rankings undisputed, attracting over a hundred thousand visits yearly? It is 24/7 strategic planning, year in and out, through 20 editions, a clear definition of  ‘no leave, no transfer’, as the state government and the entire organising committee and band of the carnival clearly put in the work round the clock just to make Nigeria stay great.

This fact was again made clear last Sunday when the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and the carnival committee and band unveiled the 21st edition theme of the Africa’s Biggest Street party, Carnival Calabar and Festival tagged ‘Rethinking Our Collective Destiny’ at the Eko Hotels And Suites Victoria Island Lagos.

Without mincing words, the governor who delved into the business of the day said: “This unveiling of Carnival Calabar theme marks the beginning of the 2026 activities, an important event in the Tourism calendar of Cross River State. It was barely a few months ago that we concluded the activities of the 20th Anniversary of the Carnival Calabar And Festivals and here we are, gathered to kick-start those of the 2026 edition; the 21st in the series. However, irrespective of the fleeting times, the pleasant memories of last year’s event of uninterrupted 32 days display of creativity in all art forms remain etched in our hearts.

“Carnival Calabar and Festival theme unveiling goes beyond the symbolic ceremonial commencement of carnival activities, it is rather the opening of a vista of opportunity for the development and expansion of businesses, especially the informal sector; the creation of an enabling environment for home-coming and family bonding.” So for us, as we unveil the carnival theme, we are simultaneously presenting both leisure and business offerings to everyone; which are too inviting and compelling to ignore,” Otu said.

He continued: “In order to have a robust outing in this year’s Carnival Calabar and Festivals, we are galvanising the efforts of Cross Riverians in the diaspora in terms of participation; propagation of the Carnival brand abroad as well as securing material support. A framework for the streaming of the carnival and the monetisation of its contents has also been worked out.

In order to remain competitive in the tourism ecosystem the Creative Economy of Cross River State is currently undergoing a comprehensive overhaul, by creating more tourism assets which in turn will facilitate employment opportunities and generate revenue.”

Remarking, the Chairman of Cross River State Carnival Commission, Dr Gabe Onah who noted that what makes Carnival Calabar And Festival so great beyond being Africa’s biggest street party is the fact that it represents culture tourism, commerce and opportunities.

Onah who revealed plans to digitise major components of Carnival Calabar as part of efforts to transform the festival into a sustainable creative economy capable of generating opportunities for future generations, said: “the state government is repositioning Carnival Calabar to become more commercially viable through technology, digital engagement, and broader community participation.

“Our young boys and girls must earn a living from this through soft entry. We have decided to digitise all the products and articles of Carnival Calabar, an online voting system – a feature already adopted by leading carnivals around the world – to allow audiences to participate more actively in the festival beyond physical attendance.”

Onah further revealed that the Commission had also resolved to digitise carnival products and merchandise through its technical partner, Nugi Technologies, a London-based firm engaged to support the carnival’s modernisation efforts. According to him, the digital transformation initiative is designed to empower young people economically while creating long-term commercial value around the carnival brand.

The chairman however called on band leaders to embrace transparency as the new digital systems are introduced, revealing that the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service and financial institutions would be integrated into the process to ensure accountability.

While describing Carnival Calabar and Festival as an intellectual property owned collectively by the band leaders and the people behind its success over the years, Onah also commended Governor Otu for bringing fresh ideas and renewed energy into the carnival since assuming office in 2023, noting that the governor has remained deeply involved in the planning and execution process.

He revealed that the state government had already begun restructuring the carnival route and expanding VIP viewing infrastructure to enhance the overall experience for visitors and investors. “When the governor came on board, he said we must change the narrative. This business must create an ecosystem for itself. We have seen how the route itself has been re-strategised, up to a point where the first layered VIP stand could sit 500 people.”

Onah further disclosed that international partnerships were being explored to adapt Carnival Calabar into movies and other creative productions capable of projecting the event globally.

The theme unveiling event was attended by people from all walks of life including tourism stakeholders, band leaders, travel operators, members of the media, and high profile personalities from the continent and across the globe.