Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu has officially unveiled the Mascot for the 20th anniversary of Calabar Carnival, Africa’s Biggest Street Party scheduled for December 2025.
The Governor also launched a new band called Carnival Calabar Diaspora Band which serves as the official platform for the people of Cross River in the diaspora and friends of the State to participate in the annual event.
During the second dry run ceremony held at the popular Eleven Eleven Roundabout, Calabar Cenotaph, Governor Otu described the moment as “another iconic chapter” in the State’s two-decade journey of building a world-class cultural and tourism brand.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr Peter Odey, the Governor emphasized that the new mascot captures the essence of the 20-year journey of Carnival Calabar, an event that has grown into one of Africa’s most celebrated cultural showcases.
In his word, “With great honour, and on behalf of the Governor of Cross River State, the Sweet Prince of Africa, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, we unveil this landmark design prepared to mark the 20th anniversary of Carnival Calabar. Carnival Calabar has become part of our identity, part of our history, and it will remain with us for generations. To the glory of God and the good people of Cross River State, we unveil this icon in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
“The landmark mascot is “a design symbolizing the pride of Cross River people. lt reflects the beauty, growth, and resilience of the carnival.”
He further explained that the Carnival Calabar Diaspora Band, is a special ensemble designed to reconnect Africans in the diaspora with their ancestral home noting that his administration has continued to deepen engagement with the diaspora community through the State Diaspora Commission, an initiative that has already recorded meaningful progress.
Governor Otu said for two decades, Carnival Calabar has functioned as a global cultural bridge, showcasing the creativity, unity, and tourism potential of Cross River State to the world.
The Chairman of the Cross River Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah described the celebration as a tribute to the state’s enduring cultural identity. “This is our state, the Pearl of the South,” he said. “Today we are witnessing the unveiling of another icon of our collective effort over these 20 years. Though it is a 20-year road march, the heritage belongs to Cross River State. Our culture is the engine of our tourism, and this year’s celebration stands as a testimony.”
He recalled the October homecoming of 92 brothers and sisters from the African diaspora who visited the State on a reconciliation and heritage tour, an experience that further inspired the creation of the Diaspora Band.
Mr Onah said the Governor approved the band to provide a platform for Africans in the diaspora to tell their own story through culture, rhythm, and artistic expression.
“This is the epic journey through time,” he said. “The Diaspora Band speaks to a shared history, to the pain we seek to reconcile, and to the future we are building together. I call on all those in the diaspora around the world, including myself, to join the Diaspora Band and help lead Carnival Calabar into its next phase.”
With the 2025 Carnival theme, “Traces of Time,” the Diaspora Band will join the procession with a sub-theme that reflects shared history, collective memory, and the desire for cultural reconnection.
