NIGERIA: Calabar The Tourism Capital Of Nigeria

Calabar is the capital city of Cross River State in Southeast Nigeria. It is a charming and quite peaceful city.

Calabar also referred to as Canaan City is a city in Cross River State, in south southern Nigeria.

The original name for Calabar was Akwa Akpa, from the Efik language. The city is adjacent to the Calabar and Great Kwa rivers and creeks of the Cross River from its inland delta.

Calabar is the capital of Cross River State, and has often been described as the tourism capital of Nigeria.

Administratively, the city is divided into Calabar Municipal and Calabar South LGAs. It has an area of 406 square kilometres (157 sq mi) and had a population of 371,022 at the 2006 census.

Calabar is one of the oldest trading centers in Nigeria. The city is set on a natural hill overlooking the Calabar River.

Calabar was established as a center of slave trade by the British in 17th century. It became the biggest colonial administration in Nigeria in the 18th, 19th and early part of the 20th centuries.

At the end of slave Trade, the city was a major port for Palm Oil trade and commodities exports and imports from the South East of Nigeria.

Calabar became the Capital of Niger Coast Protectorate and later the Southern Protectorate capital of Nigeria.

Currently, Calabar is the Capital of Cross River State of Nigeria. The city is a major center of tourism in Nigeria. The Calabar Carnival is the largest street cultural festival in Africa.

The Carnival holds in December of every year and attracts thousands of visitors and guests from all parts of the world.

The original town was known by the Efik name Akwa Akpa. The neighboring town of Ataba took over the name and its Efik/Qua/Efut/Biase/Akampkpa indigenes became known as Calabar.

Calabar is a large metropolis today, with several towns like Akim, Ikot Ansa, Ikot Ishie, Kasuk, Duke Town, Henshaw Town, Ikot Omin, Obutong, Bakassi, Biase, and Akamkpa.

Since the 16th century, Calabar had been a recognized international seaport, shipping out goods such as palm oil.

During the era of the Atlantic slave trade, it became a major port in the transportation of African slaves and was named Calabar by the Spanish.

By the 18th century, most slave ships that transported slaves from Calabar were English, with around 85% of these ships being owned by Bristol and Liverpool merchants.

Old Calabar (Duke Town) and Creek Town, 10 miles northeast, were crucial towns in the trade of slaves in that era.

The first British warship to sail as far as Duke Town, where she captured seven Spanish and Portuguese slavers, may have been HMS Comus in 1815.

The main ethnic group taken out of Calabar as slaves were the Igbo, from the neighboring Igbo land.

A small mulatto community of merchants was located there that had links to missionary and other merchant colonies in Igboland and Lagos, and across the Atlantic.

The city was the home the first social club in Nigeria, The Africa Club. It hosted the first competitive football, cricket and field hockey games in Nigeria.

Among the city's firsts were the first Roman Catholic Mass held at 19 Bocco Street, Calabar – 1903 and the oldest secondary school the Hope Waddell Training Institution – 1895 in eastern Nigeria.

The school later graduated Nnamdi Azikiwe, who was elected as the first President of Nigeria, .

The city has an international museum, a botanical garden, a Free Trade Zone/Port, an international airport and seaport, an integrated sports stadium complex, a cultural centre, one of the most prominent universities in the country, the University of Calabar, a slave history park and several historical and cultural landmarks.

It also has several standard hotels, resorts and amusement parks.

Former Liberian warlord Charles Taylor lived in the old colonial palace in the city, under an agreement that led to the end of his country's civil war, before fleeing extradition to Liberia in March 2006.

The Tinapa Resort, a development by the Cross River State government, lies to the north of the city beside the Calabar Free Trade Zone.

The Cross River State Annual Christmas Festival held every year attracts thousands from within and beyond Nigeria.

The festival, includes music performance from both local and international artists. Other annual events include the Calabar Carnival, a boat regatta, fashion shows, a Christmas Village, traditional dances and the annual Ekpe Festival.

Calabar features a tropical monsoon climate with a lengthy wet season spanning ten months and a short dry season covering the remaining two months.

The harmattan, which significantly influences weather in West Africa, is noticeably less pronounced in the city.

Temperatures are relatively constant throughout the year, with average high temperatures usually ranging from 25 to 28 degrees Celsius.

There is also little variance between daytime and nighttime temperature, as temperatures at night are typically only a few degrees lower than the daytime high temperature.

Calabar averages just under 3,000 millimetres (120 in) of precipitation annually.

Calabar has three principal landlord kingdoms, namely the Qua Kingdom of Ejagham (Ekoi)/Bantu origin, the Efut and the Efik Kingdoms.

The Qua Kingdom has the Ndidem of the Qua nation as the Grand Patriarch, the Efut have the Muri munene as the Grand Patriarch, and the Efik Kingdom patriarch is known as the Obong.

The Efik political authority as it concerns the Obong is hinged on a political tripod: Creek Town, made up of Ambo, Cobham and Eyo; Old Town, made up of Obutong; and Duke Town, or Atakpa, made up of Duke/Archibong, Eyamba, Ntiero, Henshaw and Cobham.

Each leg of this tripod at one time or the other was ruled by a separate Obong.

Within the last 100 years, a gentleman's agreement to merge these three zones into one, with a single titular head as the Obong, and the distribution or opening up of the title to all Efik wards, was reached.

Each of the aspirants to the throne is eminently qualified, none no more so than the other. The title of the Obong of Calabar had been held by Nsa Effiom and Ekpo Nsa in the 17th century.

These two gentlemen were from the Henshaw ward. Attempts by the Henshaw to have an Obong resulted in a war in 1870.

The Henshaws did not attain this title again until within the last 50 years, when David Henshaw became Obong.

Cobham Town, from which Bassey Ekpo Bassey hails, had its first and only Obong recently. All this was made possible because of the contract.

Before the colonial period, Calabar, originally known as Akwa Akpa, was a kingdom with the City of Calabar as the site of government, the Obong of Calabar as the ruler and the Ekpe secret society as the stool on which the Obong of Calabar sat.

Calabar people are mainly people from the Greater Calabar district, Calabar South, Calabar Municipality, Akpabuyo, Bakassi, Biase, Odukpani and Akamkpa, but as commonly used in Nigeria.

The term Calabar people could also refer to the indigenes of Greater Calabar as well as the people of the original South Eastern State of Nigeria who are at present the people of Akwa Ibom State and Cross River State.

Calabar is the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command. The city has a new model school, Nigerian Navy Secondary School, situated in Akpabuyo, about 10 minutes' drive from the airport.

This new school complements the existing Nigerian Navy Primary School and Naval Officers Wives Association Primary School, both situated at Ikot Ansa Calabar.

Like other major cities in Nigeria, power supply could be a major problem. The Federal Government of Nigeria is currently developing a major plant near the city to boost domestic and industrial power supply.

Water is easily available in the city and it is of very good quality.

Other attractions include the Slave Museum, Calabar Free Trade Zone, Tinapa Business and Tourist Resort, Cultural and Civic Center, Calabar Port and University Campuses amongst others.

The city is a few hours drive to the Obudu Ranch Resort which had hosted many Presidential Retreats and conferences in the past. There is an airport which has connecting flights to other major cities in Nigeria.

Calabar is about 1 hour from Lagos by plane. Calabar is about 25 minutes from Port Harcourt and has an International Airport - Margaret Ekpo International Airport.

Calabar is 1 hour flight from Lagos and a 4 hour drive from Port Harcourt. From Lagos you can travel to Calabar by Road with Peace Mass Transit, Akwa Ibom Transport Company Ltd, Cross Lines, and The Young Shall Grow Motors all at Ojuelegba.

Their departure time is between 5.30 am and 7:30 am daily. It takes about 12 to 15 hours drive from Lagos.

With the development of the city by the present administration, the city flight schedules have increased and you can now get a flight in or out of Calabar every day.

Also the major airlines in the country have their presence felt in Calabar and have flights to and from major cities in the country; they include: Virgin Nigeria, Arik Air and Aero Contractors.

Their flight schedules can easily be found at their respective websites.

There is also a regular boat service from various parts of Cameroon's coastline which will transport vehicles and people. You can actually get Cameroonian visas on the boat which can save you a lot of time.

However, you can use Calabar as a base before transferring into Cameroon by road slightly further north.

There are several Car Transportation services into Calabar from all parts of Nigeria including the Major Cities of Lagos,Port Harcourt, Abuja,Yola.They include ABC Tranport,The Young Shall Grow, Elim Tours Etc

The local authorities have made a great effort to make the streets safe by enlarging them, removing potholes, and adding stripes between lanes.

Local taxis are not advisable as the cars are very old and quite often the drivers are not particularly experienced. As long as you are careful Calabar is quite safe.

There is a lot of Colonial Architecture in the older parts of Calabar that are around Henshaw Town, Duke Town and the waterfront areas.

Duke Town church One of the oldest churches in Nigeria. It was established by the Presbyterian church missionaries.

If you go to Eyamba Street just past the church there is a cemetery with stunning views over the town and river.

Inside the cemetrey is the tomb of Mary Slessor, a missionary from Dundee in Scotland UK. She was very influential in this part of Nigeria.

Calabar Museum, on the hill overlooking the waterfront, in the Old Government House, the former residence of the colonial governor. The building was designed and built in Glasgow and shipped over in pieces.

The museum concentrates on the history of Calabar, the region and slavery. It has a larger quantity of original documents relating to Nigeria.

Since it is not heavily frequented by tourists you can easily get a guided tour from one of the staff. Interested persons could spend 3 hours there and barely touch the surface of the material.

There are a lot of artifacts relating to the production of palm oil in the back which are fascinating too.

Drill Monkey Rehab Centre, Ndidem Nsang Iso Road hidden behind the Jahas Guest House.

It was set up by two overlanders from the USA, Peter Jenkins and Liza Gadsby who were biologists back home but who were persuaded by the Nigerian Government to stay in Nigeria and look after the endangered Drill Monkeys.

These were traditionally hunted and eaten in the Afi Mountain range that borders Cameroon.

The couple now have staff in Calabar where they care for recently rescued monkeys e.g. those they capture from people trying to smuggle and export them and they also then return them to the wild at the Drill Ranch in Afi Mountains which is not too far from Calabar.

You need a decent vehicle and map to get you to the ranch. The Afi Mountain Ranch near Katabang has cabins for guest accommodation and a forest canopy walkway (25m high!) for people to experience the environment more closely.

You are able to visit both after prior arrangement with the team. Go, meet Mickey the chimp and experience having him sit in your lap and fiddle with your hair.

The Marina Resort is one of the most fascinating tourist destinations in Calabar.

The resort is home to buildings dating back to the colonial era as well as modern facilities like the slave museum, speed boat ride, the carrousel horse ride, film/movie theatre, and night clubs.

The resort affords visitors a rare view of the beautiful Calabar River in a relaxed atmosphere.

The Cross River State Annual Christmas Festival held every year attracts thousands within and beyond Nigeria.

The Festival which include music performance from both local and international artists, the annual Calabar carnival, Boat regatta, Fashion shows, Christmas Village.

Traditional dances and the annual Ekpe Festival is a yearly events that bring in thousands of tourists at the time of the year.

You can also visit Tinapa. Simalar to Universal studios, provides international standard wholesale emporiums, integrated shopping complexes and product distribution elements supported by business tourism and entertainment facilities.

The old town is remarkable for its great variety of small shops where you can get just about anything but expect to bargain.

There are two great markets, Watt Market and Marian market. Watt market is large, bustling, vibrant and full of beautiful materials etc.

One can buy anything from live chickens to the most stunning wax materials, jeans at knock down prices and anything from car parts to the latest trainers.

Marian market is much smaller but is where the vegetables arrive once weekly from the north of Nigeria and the atmosphere on market day is fantastic, preachers are singing, women are joining in, traders are very vocal and one just bargains for everything.

Seriously, materials in Calabar are second to none. Beautiful waxes from Ghana, stunning materials from all over Africa can be found in Calabar all at prices that will amaze.

There are many very professional tailors who can make wonderful clothing from linens etc.

For those that haven't tasted fresh live fish, you can get it direct from the sea.

A and A Farms, Ikot nakanda, akpabuyo. Poultry, fishery, Piggery, Feedmill.

Go to Bogobiri Corner and enjoy suya from the many vendors.

Freddies Restaurant is the local eaterie. Run by Ellie and a very professional staff, Freddies is a successful and well run restaurant.

Main menu is lebanese foods but Ellie will try to please everyone. Good salads, fish and best of all huge prawns are the best. Local beers, wines and all drinks are available and all at good prices.

Chinese restaurant at the Mirage Hotel is well run and although fairly limited menu, food is good - not cheap though.

Adrians Place, Plot 171 Asari Eso Layout ayoola jafojo.

Adrian's Place MCC, 58 MCC Road ayoola jafojo. This is an annex of Adrian's Place at Asari Eso Layout, where 24 hours fun is available.

Le Chateau Hotel, Plot 56 MCC road. Satellite TV, air-con, restaurant. It's possible to make online reservation at the hotel's website

The Channel View, 14 MCC Road. One of the best hotels in Calabar

Cytaro Hotel, 20 Bishop Moynagh Avenue.

G Guest House, 12 Otop Abasi Street.

Jacaranda Suites, Plots C2-C6, Off Atimbo Road. Unique ambience and furnishing with luxury hospitality services.

Montana Villa, 7 MCC Road, Calabar, Cross River State.

Exquisite architecture. The beauty once you drive in, is mind-blowing.

Marian Hotel, 125 Old Ikang Road, Off 65 Ndidem Iso Road. checkin: 11am. Holistic environment, Alcohol and Smoke free Environment! Home away from Home, Five Mins from the Airport! Authentic African dishes. #7000.

Mega Hilton Hotel, 13 Duke Town Closes.

Mirage Hotels, Plot 230 Unit D, Block B, MCC Road. Mirage is clean with basic amenities. Staff are friendly and well trained, particularly the porters.

Pyramid Hotels and Conference Center, Plot 160 Muritala Mohammed Highway.

Scholet Suites, 3 Etim Edet Close, Off Old Parliamentary Road Extension, Calabar. Luxury rooms, wireless internet (high speed broadband), reliable 24hr security,jaccuzi,cubicle ,electronic doors and excellent services await you at Scholet Hotel & Suites.



Tourism Observer

NIGERIA: Obudu Mountain Resort

Obudu Mountain Resort is one of the Africa’s finest and most magnificent tourist destinations. It is a tourist heaven with its inviting natural endowment to be explored.

Obudu Mountain Resort is located in the highlands of Cross River State, only 45 miles from the border with Cameroon, and it possesses a temperate climate due to its high altitude.

Obudu is one of the finest and most magnificent tourist destinations in the world today. Deep in the tropical rain forest of Cross River State, presents an area of idyllic tranquility and an enchanting scenery.

Obudu has increasingly become popular amongst tourists, adventurers and event planners from all around Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

Although Obudu welcomes visitors all year round; the much best time to visit is October to February, when the flowers are in bloom, the sky is clear and the air is cool. This is ideal weather for trekking over the high ground and enjoy the extensive views that stretch out across the plateau.

This may be tropical Nigeria, but remember you are at the top of a mountain!

NIGERIA: Tourism Is All About Service

Akpan Itoro, General Manager of Success Villa Luxury Hotel in Calabar,the Cross River State capital, has come a long way in the hospitality industry. Akpan, who started out at Nanet Hotels Limited in Kaduna, has worked at Benue Hotel, Makurdi, Serengeti Hotel and Hotel El–Sasso. He speaks with Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME on the relevance of tourism to the economy, the impact of Calabar Carnival on the state, tourism and security challenges.

How relevant is tourism to the growth of the nation’s economy?

Tourism generally is all about the provision of required services to tourists. These services may include but not limited to accommodation, transportation, information and entertainment.

Tourists as we all know are those who engage in traveling for pleasure, researches, recreation etc. Thus, it would be right to state here that tourism plays a paramount role in the nation’s economy. Why do I say so? At any angle one may like to look at nation’s economy, tourism is there. Consider the fact that for tourism to boom convergence of tourists from one place to another is a must. Hence transporters benefit from tourism. It is a known fact that a reasonable number of the nation manpower is found in the transport sector of the economy. More-so tourists feed on information, hence in dissemination of information the Mass Media Practitioners are not left out in the business of tourism. Come to think of the number of hotels eateries, recreational spots, ancient or historic edifices; all these places are maintained or run by people and they earn their living from there. For instance in Cross River State there are about three hundred hotels and these hotel are man by a substantial working population of the indigenes and non indigenes alike. Mention should also be made concerning the middle men in the sector; the contractors, suppliers, tour guides, translators etc. Apart from the sector helping to reduce the rate of unemployment, the taxes, levies etc paid by these establishments go a long way to impact positively on the nation’s economy. To add to the above tourism also play a role in attracting foreign exchange to the economy. The foreigners that visit our shore come with hard currency and this goes a long way to strengthen our economy. In summary, it is on record that tourism employs over 1 per cent of the world labour force.

Considering the state of security in the country, how best can tourism blossom especially in Cross River State?

Well we all know this is challenging period in the country security wise. But it is never an excuse for us in the sector to allow tourism die. It is on this note that I wish to thank security establishments in particular and the government in general for always organizing workshops and seminars on the developments in the security situations in the state. By so doing we are kept abreast of the right ways to keep the sector blossoming. In my personal opinion let it be known that that security is every body’s responsibility, in other word all hands should be on desk to ensure the safety of our working environment. Having said thus, it would be myopic of tourism employees to leave the entire job of security to only security agencies. One comes to this submission knowing full well that human being not spirit works in these establishments. Hence since they are humans just like us they depend on the information at their disposal as directed to them to discharge their duties. Of late, terrorists, armed robbers, etc, activities have become worrisome and have even threatened the peace of the country almost on daily bases. Observations and studies have proved that the insurgents are majorly found in hotels, eateries, transport sectors posing as tourists. Hence we in the industry must at all times be alert to thwart their evil mission. It is on this note that I wish to suggest that employees of this sector should look for under listed tools or materials used in manufacturing explosives (bomb) in tourism environment, these are empty metal containers, batteries, wires, carbide, players, match boxes or lighters. Also be on the watch over possible places explosives or ammunition could be kept. These places include Public toilets, waste bins etc also one should be apprehensive of abandoned bags and vehicles. For staff working in the service areas, they should watch out for customers who stays for too long over a bottle of drink or taking nothing at all, unfamiliar guests, do everything possible to discourage two same sex guests occupying one room, guests or customers who patronise service areas at odd hours of the day and guests who stay longer than necessary.

More so, employees should be advised to be observant at all times. Secondly, the golden role of service should be observed while every suspicious move or object should be reported to appropriate quarters. In conclusion, staff should be encouraged to know security agencies emergency phone numbers and to feel free to call them as at when due. It is my belief that with the above suggestions tourism shall blossom in Cross River State despite the state of security in the country.

Calabar Carnival is a yearly feast. How has this advanced tourism promotion in the state?

First of all permit me to use this medium to thank the government of Mr Donald Duke for taking the initiative to launch the carnival into existence and the subsequent governments for retaining the festival. It is worthy of mentioning here that the festival has been able to place Cross River State in the global tourism map. Apart from that it has also brought to lime light various tourism areas scattered across the state that were hitherto unknown. This bold step has gone a long way in awaking the subconscioussness of investors both within and without the state to invest their resources in the industry. At the backdrop of this, infrastructural development has been in the increase. For instance, the historic sites or monuments are being visited by tourists periodically and other festivals like new yam festivals, age groups festivals are assuming a higher standard in organising and display thereby attracting the attention of so many interest groups in the sector. The carnival has also made the government to construct new roads, motivate investors to embark in the building of world class hotels, conference centers etc. The carnival has also advance tourism development in the area of manpower training and development, because of high demand of good standard and excellence in the industry, both the government and private sector are into training of personnel in the industry. For instance the monitoring body of tourism in the state (Cross River State Tourism Bureau) has been doing its possible best to ensure that many hotels in the state operate at world level standard. The body is also in the business of organizing workshops and trainings, these help to reposition personnel in the industry professionally and the end result is for the advancement of tourism in the state.

What are the major hindrances to hospitality business in the state?

As I did say earlier, the state and the private sector have tried in taking tourism to a new frontier but much still left to be done. There are so many hindrances to hospitality development in the state but the major one is epileptic power supply. This particular challenge has sent many an establishment grumbling. One of the essential services that customers need while patronizing hospitality outfit is constant power supply but unfortunately in the country we have been experiencing incessant power outage. This acts as a great impediment to the growth of the industry having considered the cost of running generator for a greater period of time just to satisfy customers. Another factor that hinders hospitality business in the state is poor road network. It will interest the public to know that some high class hospitality outfits are located in areas that are not motor-able, hence they investors in such businesses find it difficult to make ends meet as a result of poor patronage. Another issue that acts as obstacle to hospitality business is the mind set of some about working in hospitality industry. A lot of people in Nigeria still have this belief that hospitality job is for school drop-outs, prostitutes, less qualified people of the society and as such many do not want to make carrier of it. Such that the industry lack highly qualified manpower to man top posts in the business, secondly the few qualified ones are not well paid. More so lack of training materials in some of the establishments couple with lack of exposure to modern equipments in the sector.

Another hindrance in the business is poor funding. Many investors who have the interest of the industry at heart are incapacitated as result of lack of enough funds to actualize their dreams. Finally, excessive levies and what I may call double taxation on hospitality businesses.

If you were made the commissioner of tourism in the state, what would be your priority?

My priority would be very simple and clear. First of all I would identify genuine stake holders in the business of tourism then collaborate with relevant authorities to enable them actualise their dreams in the industry. Why would I wish to identify the genuine stake holders first? The reason is that the business of tourism is all about service, hence it is service first before every other thing but on the contrary some investors in the industry aspire to get every other thing before service. As a commissioner, I would do my very best to convince the state government to open tourism based financial institution that is empowered to to assist both government agencies, private bodies and even individuals to get loans to fund their tourism projects. If Agriculture has a similar institution why not tourism after all statistics show that tourism is competing very well with Agriculture in employment of labour. Secondly, during my tenure I would do everything possible to erase the erroneous belief that tourism is for school drop-outs or for those who are not well sound educationally. These I will do by encouraging proper orientation both in schools and offices. Thus encouraging many to make career in the sector just as what is obtainable in many countries of the world. For instance countries like Brazil, Jamaica, Kenya etc are building their economies around tourism. I would also place as my priority putting square pegs in a square hole to show case professionalism. Apart from that accountability would be my watchword because every fund coming the way of my ministry must be judiciously used to proof a point. In a nutshell there are still much to be done with regards to tourism in the state even though the past administrations have achieved much but the industry is in a state of dynamism hence i would embark on research in-order to bring much dividend to government in particular and the society in general.

What are the unique selling points of Success Villa Luxury Hotel? I mean what separates it from other competitors?

In one sentence, I would say rendering satisfactory services before monetary rewards has been our watch-word and recognizes God in all our endeavours.

What are your lessons in the industry?

I wish to state here that the factor that plays a very prominent role in the survival of the business is the human factor. What I mean is that beautiful edifices, state – of- the- art furnishing etc do play part in business patronage but service is the ultimate. Yes it is the service rendered that do attract a lot of patronages to a business concern. Hence, much attention should be paid on how we train our staff and how we take care of their welfare. Secondly experience has also taught me that it is not advisable to nurse sentiment while recruiting or employing staff both in the managerial and lower cadre. In summary, ours is service oriented business, from experience I have discovered that one must strive to satisfy clients first before looking for monetary rewards.

NIGERIA: Calabar Carnival Festival Is Comming

Calabar Carnival festival in Nigeria, also tagged " Africa's Biggest Street Party", was created as part of the vision of making the Cross River State in Nigeria, the number one tourist destination for Nigerians and tourist all over the world. The carnival which begin on every 1 December and last till 31 December has boosted the cultural mosaic of Nigeria people while entertaining the millions of spectators within and outside the State, and boosting industry for all stakeholders.

The Calabar Carnival has come a long way it all started 2004, when the governor of Cross River State,Mr Donald Duke, had a vision of making his state the hub for tourism and hospitality in Nigeria and in Africa.The Carnival presents a perfect platform from brand visibility for consumer and market awareness. "According to Osima-Dokubo, the carnival aimed to include more aspects of local heritage and culture and at the same time strengthen the capacity of the locals to participate in an economically beneficial way". Recently, Cross River State and Calabar has become the pride of Nigeria or Africa as far as tourism, carnivals and hospitality is concerned.

The programme of the event at the carnival are drafted each year by the committee in charge of tourism and cultural activities and new initiatives are introduced every year. In December 2009, Carnival Committee organized "Carnival Cup 2009", a football competition amongst the five competing carnival bands - Seagull, Passion 4, Masta Blasta, Bayside and Freedom. The Festival which also include music performance from both local and international artists, the annual Calabar Carnival, Boat regatta, Fashion shows, Christmas Village, traditional dances and the annual Ekpe Festival is a yearly events that bring in thousands of tourists at the time of the year.

Other activities lined up for the year according to their work plan, include the second edition of Essay Writing Competition which will involve both secondary school and tertiary students, and this will commence in few weeks. These competitions are aimed at resuscitating the reading culture amongst the youths of the State as well as inculcating the carnival culture.

2013 Edition of the Carnival Calabar Festival which is themed "Aint no stopping Us" which was unveiled by the Governor of the State Sen. Liyel Imoke of Cross River State says it will hit an all-time high level. Please don't miss out of this opportnity. Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, has restated that even though the annual Calabar Festival has been growing bigger every year, the 2013 edition will hit an all-time high level. a Nigerian artist rather than a foreign star, would headline this year’s event. This decision was taken following the observation by the Festival Planning Committee that Nigerian headliners consistently pull larger crowds than their international counterparts. This is a huge success and growth to the State. With Tinapa as the backdrop, and supported by Nollywood stars and major corporate sponsors, Governor Imoke made this declaration in a in world press conference in where he invited Nigeria and the rest of the world to Africa’s Biggest Street Party. Governor Imoke declared that the beauty of Nigeria is wholly expressed in the Calabar Festival and the unique brand should be jealously protected and promoted by all. He therefore used the occasion to call on the Federal Government and private sector to invest more in the creative industry, as it holds a lot for the country as regards revenue earnings.

About the Festival

The Calabar Festival is indisputably the biggest and longest multi-dimensional, multi-faceted tourism leisure and entertainment programme in West Africa. Thirty-two days of exciting events, colorful activities and unprecedented yearly participation by close to a million people from all over the world. A festive season that started at the turn of the Millennium has grown in popularity, scope and participation year in year out. Today, it is arguably Nigeria’s strongest tourism brand.

The Cross River State Government has employed this Festival/Carnival over the past years to drive its tourism efforts and provide exposure for its vast tourism sites and infrastructures such as the Obudu Ranch Resort, the Tinapa Business Resort, Marina Resort, etc.

The Festival starts with the Tree-Lighting ceremony on the 30th of November at the Millennium Parkcalabar festival, Calabar and culminates in the Thanksgiving Ceremony on 1st January of the succeeding year.

In between, there are musical concerts which have featured renowned national and international artistes like Lucky Dube (of blessed memory), Joe, Alpha Blondy, Hugh Masekela, Oliver Mtukudzi, Akon, Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Chevelle Franklyn, Fat Joe, NeYo, Asa, Dabanj etc have all at one time or the other graced the Festival with their rhythms and lyrics.

There are also awareness campaigns and seminars on contemporary issues of global concerns, children Christmas Camp, Theatre performances, vocational trainings for youth, Fashion and Food Fairs, a weekend at the Obudu Ranch Resort to celebrate Africa, and so many other side attractions. Of course there is a two-day Carnival Calabar to spice up the season.

Every December, all roads lead to the beautiful city of Calabar, for the Calabar Festival, the biggest and longest multi-faceted entertainment calabar festival programme in West Africa. For thirty two days, the serene, tree-lined streets of Calabar come alive with visitors from all over the world, in an exhilarating celebration of culture, dance, music and theatre. Nigeria strongest tourism brand, the Festival features the HIV/AIDS walk, musical concerts featuring top national and international artistes, a colorful cultural parade, traditional boat regatta, Christmas village, Christmas camp for children, Food Fair, fashion shows and the Childrens Carnival.

The highlight of the Festival is the exciting and colorful Carnival Calabar. Attracting over 100,000 costumed revelers and well over a million local and international spectators, the Carnival, tagged Africa Biggest Street Party, is a unique visual display of innovation and creativity, featuring cultural influences and traditions from the past and the present in its costumes, drama, dance and music.

The seductive ambiance in the city is truly special, full of joy, camaraderie and friendship.

Festivals are an irresistible part of Cross River. They are a celebration of tradition and the ways of life of the many different communities.

Celebrations and dances are an integral part of our customs and traditions—nowhere else in Nigeria will you find such rich diversity.
Every ritual and dance communicates and teaches something important. These festivals help to reinforce the values that keep our communities together and proudly celebrate their identity.

Calabar Festival
Held from the end of November to the end of December, the Calabar Festival is undisputedly the biggest and longest multi-dimensional, multi-faceted tourism leisure and entertainment programme in West Africa. Thirty-two days of exciting events, colourful activities and unprecedented participation by over one million people from all over the world. This event has rightfully become Nigeria’s strongest tourism brand.

The 32-day event incorporates the Carnival Calabar; the Calabar Carnival Queen Pageant; the HIV/Aids Walk/Conference; an African Weekend away at the Obudu Mountain Resort; musical concerts featuring local, national and international artistes; a Cultural Fiesta; Boat Regatta; Christmas Camp for children; Children’s Carnival; Christmas Village; African Food Expo; fashion shows; film festival; Carol Night; golf and soccer tournaments; fireworks and much, much more.

The Carnival attracts thousands of costumed revellers and many more spectators, both local and international, including Nigerians who have moved abroad. It is viewed across the world via various media platforms that are partners in this awesome event, including NTA, HiTV, DStv, DaarSat and CRBC.

Destiny Child Charity Fashion Show

All proceeds go to the Destiny Child Centre:
Taking children from the streets to glory! Join the fun: at the glamorous fashion show in aid of destiny's child center (DCC), a resettlement facility for former street children, you can bid for designer pieces and change lives at the same time.

Calabar Rocked

The Calabar Rocks show was a hit! featuring stars like: Tuface, Iyanya, M.I, MC Galaxy, and many other with Julius agwu as the host of the show. If you were else where on such a night you totally missed.

Carnival Calabar makes waves once again with Psquare in town

ShoutOut to MastaBlasta band! winners of 2014 Carnival Calabar
Once again the streets were filled with Colour and dancing as the Carnival Calabar proved to be (proudly) Africas Largest street party.

Childrens Carnival in Calabar SimplyAwesome

Childrens Carnival 2014 rocked the town in full colours! Children of Cross River have done it again to prove to the world that they can dance in wonderful unison. From #Shoki to #Skelewu every year there is a dance that is famous in Nigeria, and every year our young ones rock it in colourful costumes. Filling the streets of Calabar with fun and dancing all the way.

Carnival Kings and Queens Contest!
The Carnival Calabar bands come in all their colours and creativity to compete for the winner of 2014 carnival King or Queen (Senior and Junior Category). So many beautiful costumes on display today to prepare us for what to expect on the main Carnival day on December 27th!

Enter the Christmas singing heavenly carols

Carol night with Calabar Festival is always a night to remember as Choirs and an orchestra guide us into the Christmas.
Winner for of the event were : THE STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CHOIR!