ABUJA– Stakeholders in Nigeria’s tourism and cultural industries converged at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on Tuesday for the official unveiling of the 2025 Carnival Calabar theme titled “Traces of Time” NEGROIDHAVEN has learned.
The grand event, which marked the 20th anniversary of Africa’s biggest street party, was graced by a host of dignitaries including the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, former Governors Mr. Donald Duke and Senator Liyel Imoke, and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. The absence of immediate former governor, Ben Ayade, was glaring.
The occasion served as both a reflective moment and a forward-looking declaration of the festival’s enduring legacy and cultural relevance.
In a statement on his official social media handle, Senator John Owan-Enoh, Minister of Sports Development, described the moment as historic and deeply inspiring. “Yesterday, at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Abuja, I had the honour of joining Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the APC National Chairman Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, alongside former Governors Mr. Donald Duke and Senator Liyel Imoke, as well as distinguished members of the National Assembly, for the grand unveiling of the 2025 Calabar Carnival theme—‘The Traces of Time,’” he wrote.
“For two decades, Cross River State has stood as a beacon of tourism and culture, proudly hosting the legendary Calabar Carnival. This year’s theme promises to take us on a breathtaking journey through history, heritage, and the future,” he added.
The event also witnessed a touching moment of unity as all three governors—past and present—exchanged pleasantries on stage, symbolizing the continuity of the Carnival Calabar vision across political eras within the fourth republic.
The 2025 theme, “Traces of Time,” is expected to inspire elaborate float designs, artistic performances, and cultural exhibitions that chronicle the history of civilization, African heritage, and futuristic expressions.
Carnival Calabar has, over the years, evolved into a global brand, drawing tourists from across continents and injecting life into Nigeria’s cultural calendar each December. With its blend of music, dance, fashion, and dramatic storytelling, the event has become more than just a festival, it is a celebration of identity, unity, and creative excellence.
This year’s edition promises even more thrills, as Cross River state doubles down on positioning itself as the cultural heartbeat of Nigeria.
