By Henry Obetta

The Chief Whip of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Dr Hilary Bisong, has attributed the growing economic relevance of Carnival Calabar to the leadership and strategic vision of Governor Bassey Otu.
He described the 20th anniversary edition as a turning point in the festival’s history.

Bisong, who represents Boki II State Constituency, said the 2025 Carnival Calabar moved beyond entertainment to deliver measurable economic value for residents, small businesses, and the state’s tourism sector.

In a statement on Tuesday titled ‘Celebrating Excellence: Governor Otu’s December of Culture, Unity, and Growth,’ the lawmaker noted that December 2025 marked a period of renewed confidence and purposeful governance in Cross River State.
According to him, “the festival reflected a deliberate effort by the Otu administration to reposition culture as a driver of enterprise and development, reinforcing Cross River’s status as Nigeria’s leading cultural and tourism destination.”
Bisong pointed to visible infrastructure upgrades, enhanced security arrangements, and efficient coordination throughout the celebration as indicators of planning and leadership that prioritised both visitor experience and local participation.

He described the 32-day anniversary celebration as historic, highlighting vibrant performances by carnival bands, expanded cultural showcases, and improved hospitality services that collectively boosted economic activities across the state.

The lawmaker also commended Governor Otu for fostering unity by bringing together former governors to mark two decades of Carnival Calabar, describing the move as symbolic of continuity and shared ownership of the state’s flagship cultural event.

Beyond the festivities, Bisong said: “The economic impact was evident, as micro, small and medium enterprises recorded increased patronage, artisans gained visibility, hotels experienced high occupancy rates, and thousands of temporary and indirect jobs were created.”

He added that Carnival Calabar 2025 demonstrated the potential of culture to serve as “a catalyst for growth, empowerment, and social cohesion,” adding that the festival has evolved into a strategic economic asset under Governor Otu’s leadership.