The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has pledged the support of the tourism stakeholders to take Carnival Calabar 2026 to greater heights.
This commitment was given by the President of FTAN, Dr Aliyu Ajayi Badaki, while speaking at the Unveiling of the Carnival Calabar 2026 theme: Rethinking Our Collective Destiny, at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, by Governor Bassey Edet Otu.
Badaki promised that the Carnival Calabar Festival for this year is going to be greater than the 2025 edition, with the full participation of the tourism body through its member associations.
He commended Otu for inviting the past Governors of the State during last year’s lighting of the Christmas Tree in Calabar.
Badaki also lauded Sir Gabe Onah, Chairman, Carnival Calabar Commission, for organising a very wonderful event last year.
He stated that what the tourism industry witnessed last year was very marvellous.
In his words: “On the side of the tourism industry, from the tour operators, travel agencies, and tourism practitioners, it has to be a very big event than the previous ones.”
He said the locals will benefit hugely from the making of costumes, floats and other materials needed for the carnival.
Speaking at the event, the International Consultant of the Carnival Calabar Festival, Ambassador Ikechi Uko stated that in the rave about Detty December, Cross River State has been there from the beginning.
Uko urged tour operators and travel agencies to package tours to the State and sell to the world.
He emphasised that now Nigeria has a world-class tourism product in the Carnival, the tour operators are expected to double the number of tourists coming into the country.
Uko also commended the Carnival Calabar Commission for giving Nigeria a product to present to the world.
While in his welcome address, Onah stated that Carnival Calabar has been rated as one of the best internationally.
Onah said the Commission has introduced an innovative online voting system for people to make their choices.
The event featured presentations of plaques to winning local governments as a build-up to the carnival, states that performed exceptionally and performing bands at the 2025 event with Cala Vegas Band sweeping most of the awards for the night.
At the event, the former Minister of Culture and Tourism, High Chief Edem Duke and Leader of the Cala Vegas Band presented the awards and other items the band won and received from India for its participation at a tourism event in India.
The event attracted top officials from the Cross River State Government, including the Deputy Governor, Speaker, and other top state officials, stakeholders in the travel and tourism industry among others.
