February 26, (THEWILL) – The Cross River State government has inaugurated a 13-member committee to assess the impact of Calabar Carnival and the Annual Festival, following two decades of hosting the event.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Nsa Gill, on Tuesday, said the committee, chaired by High Chief Edem Duke, will conduct a comprehensive review to enhance the carnival’s structure, sustainability, and global competitiveness.
The review aims to align the event with international tourism trends while preserving its cultural significance.
The committee is tasked with evaluating the carnival’s successes and challenges over the past 20 years, restructuring the participating bands, and exploring ways to deepen its cultural expression.
It will also propose the establishment of a carnival museum, recommend regulatory improvements, and develop marketing strategies to attract more funding and global recognition.
Additionally, the committee will draft a roadmap for the next 20 years to guide the event’s evolution and engage relevant stakeholders in shaping its future.
The members of the committee include High Chief Edem Duke (Chairman), Barr. Mrs. Onari Duke, Senator Florence Ita Giwa, Senator Gershom Bassey, Hon. Chris Agibe, Dr. Uyam Ugot, Hon. Eric Anderson, Sir Gabe Onah, Barr. Ededem Ani (AG), Pastor Johnnie Akpanke, Ambassador Ikechi Uko, Professor Esekong Andrew Essien, and Professor A. Owan-Eno (Secretary).
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
