By Edem Archibong, Calabar
The Calabar Carnival hit a historic milestone on Sunday as Cross River State Governor, Bassey Edet Otu, unveiled the official mascot for the 20th anniversary edition of Africa’s biggest street party.
The event also marked the emergence of a new competing group — the Diaspora Band — bringing the total number of bands to eight.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Calabar, Governor Otu, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, described the mascot as a “symbolic and historic milestone” that deepens the cultural and tourism heritage of Cross River State. He said the 20th anniversary figure mirrors the Carnival’s transformative journey into one of Africa’s most iconic cultural celebrations.
Dr. Odey said the Calabar Carnival has evolved into an integral part of the state’s identity, a legacy that will outlive generations.
He noted that its influence continues to shape cultural pride, tourism, and global visibility for Cross River.
The Deputy Governor also highlighted the significance of the newly introduced Diaspora Band. According to him, the band represents a bridge between the state and Africans in the diaspora seeking to reconnect with their ancestral roots — a vision that aligns with the government’s establishment of the State Diaspora Commission.
“For twenty years, this carnival has served as a global cultural bridge,” Odey said. “It showcases our creative energy, unity, and tourism potential to the world.”
Earlier, the pioneer Chairman of the Calabar Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, described the mascot unveiling as a tribute to the state’s enduring cultural identity.
He said the 20-year journey of the carnival reflects the “collective efforts” of the people and government of Cross River State.
Onah recalled the recent homecoming of 92 members of the African diaspora who visited the state on a reconciliation and heritage tour. Their emotional return, he said, inspired the creation of the Diaspora Band — a platform through which they can tell their stories through music, dance, and artistic interpretation.
Dr. Odey added that with the 2025 Calabar Carnival theme tagged “Traces of Time,” the Diaspora Band will present a unique sub-theme capturing shared history, collective memory, and the quest for cultural reconnection.
