By Efe Onodjae

The Edo State Government has unveiled plans for the second edition of the Edo Carnival, with the state targeting increased cultural tourism, creative-sector development and economic growth.

The Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Planning Committee for the carnival, Emmanuel Okoebor, disclosed this on Thursday at a press conference in Lagos, where the plans for the 2026 edition were presented.

Okoebor said the carnival was designed to showcase Edo’s cultural heritage and position Benin City as a major destination for cultural and entertainment events.

He said the vision was to build a carnival that would reflect the identity of the Edo people while creating lasting economic, cultural and social benefits.

According to him, the 2026 edition would also promote the preservation of Edo traditions and strengthen the state’s position as a tourism destination in Nigeria and Africa.

The carnival is scheduled to hold in Benin City from December 13 to 26, with the carnival village to be located at Garrick Memorial on Ekehuan Road.

The maiden edition was held in Benin City from December 21 to 27, 2025.

Okoebor, who is also the state Commissioner for Finance, said more than 10,000 people from Nigeria and the diaspora were expected to participate in the 2026 edition.

He added that the event would create opportunities for musicians, fashion designers, filmmakers, dancers, visual artists and professionals in the culinary industry.

According to him, young people and local talents would benefit through exposure, participation, mentorship and opportunities for economic advancement.

Okoebor said the carnival was also expected to stimulate activities across the tourism, hospitality, transportation, accommodation, food, fashion and retail sectors.

He said the state government was looking to attract visitors, brands, investors and partners from within and outside Nigeria through the event.

The 13-day programme will feature a trade fair and exhibition, medical outreach, orphanage visitation, jean festival, pool party, food festival, bikers’ carnival, talent hunt, cultural carnival, fashion show, music concert, beauty pageant, parade and band competition, as well as an arts and crafts exhibition.

The technical partner for the carnival, Jacqueline Udoh of Peak Rendezvous Entertainment Global Limited, said the 2026 edition would be bigger than the maiden edition, which attracted about 1,000 participants.

The Secretary of the planning committee, Iryn Omorogiuwa, said the carnival would help connect Edo’s past, present and future through culture and creativity.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Chris Okaeben, said the event underscored the state government’s commitment to promoting culture and creativity.

On security, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said the police had conducted a security assessment of the carnival and would collaborate with other security agencies to ensure effective crowd control.

She said a control centre would be established at the carnival venue, while security would also be strengthened at entry points into the state.