For over a decade, one name has become synonymous with the heartbeat of the Calabar Christmas Village — OrokFestival. Officially known as Archibong Orok Edem, he has served as event manager, vendor coordinator, and de facto custodian of the village’s unique festive rhythm NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
Since 2012, Orok has worked quietly behind the scenes to ensure that thousands of visitors, traders, and entertainers experience a seamless Christmas Festival in the Cross River capital. From stage logistics to vendor allocations and security liaison, his fingerprints are on nearly every operational layer of the village.
“This is my twelfth year in the village,” he said proudly. “I started as a vendor and have grown through the ranks to become a manager. I’ve worked with several administrations, and I’ve learned that honesty and accountability are what keep you relevant.”
Known for his deep understanding of festival logistics, Orok supervises more than 300 vendors every December, ensuring fair stall distribution and enforcing safety standards. His relationship with the State Ministry of Tourism and the Office of the Special Adviser on Events to the Cross River State Government has helped stabilize vendor management amid administrative changes.
Despite the glamour of lights, music, and crowds, Orok describes his job as “a 32-day marathon of sleepless nights.”
“People see the celebration, but they don’t see the work,” he said. “Man body no be firewood. We stay up all night managing electricity, vendors, and visitors. But it’s worth it because Calabar’s name is on the map.”
For many traders and artisans, OrokFestival has become both a name and a brand — a symbol of order, trust, and continuity in the festival ecosystem.
