Lifestyle
Feel the Rhythm Of Africa: Why Calabar Carnival Is A Must-Experience
The Calabar Carnival, also known as Africa’s Biggest Street Party, has been a highlight of Nigeria’s cultural calendar since its inception in 2004. The annual event, held in Cross River State, has grown in quality and size, attracting thousands of tourists and locals alike.
The brainchild of former governor Donald Duke, the carnival was designed to promote tourism and improve the local economy. Duke’s vision was to make Cross River State a hub of tourism and hospitality in Nigeria and Africa. He wanted to create an event that would showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage and provide a platform for local artists, musicians, and performers to shine.
The carnival showcases Africa’s rich cultural heritage, with a focus on local traditions and customs. The event features music performances, boat regattas, fashion shows, beauty pageants, and traditional dances. The annual Ekpe Festival, which brings in thousands of tourists, is also part of the carnival. The festival celebrates the Ekpe masquerade, a traditional dance that is unique to the Cross River region.
The carnival features various competitions, including essay writing, football, and dancing. The five competing carnival bands – Seagull, Passion 4, Masta Blasta, Bayside, and Freedom – vie for huge cash prizes and the coveted title of champion. The bands are distinguished by their colors, with Seagull being the Red band, Passion 4 being the Green band, Masta Blasta being the Orange band, Bayside being the Blue band, and Freedom being the Yellow band.
The Calabar Carnival has gained international recognition, attracting visitors from over 15 countries. The event has hosted top artists, including Lucky Dube, Akon, and Kirk Franklin. In 2013, the carnival focused on Nigerian artists, with performances by top musicians like Davido and Tiwa Savage.
Each year, the carnival has a unique theme, aimed at promoting a specific message. Recent themes have included “Africanism,” “Humanity,” and “Agro-Industrialization.” The 2024 theme, “Our Shared Prosperity,” promises to be just as impactful. The theme is aimed at promoting unity and cooperation among Nigerians, and highlighting the importance of working together to achieve prosperity.
Despite its success, the carnival has faced challenges including a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2022 event was marred by a tragic accident, which led to the discontinuation of the Biker’s Parade. The accident, which occurred on December 28, 2022, resulted in the deaths of 14 people and injured 24 others.
Under the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu, the Calabar Carnival is set to enter a new era. With a focus on “Our Shared Prosperity,” the 2024 event promises to be bigger and better than ever. The governor has announced plans to increase the number of competing bands from five to seven, and to introduce new events and activities to the carnival.
Preparations for the 2024 carnival are already underway, with the state government working tirelessly to ensure a successful event. The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Eric Anderson, has promised that the event will be
“reloaded and participatory,” with a focus on engaging both skilled and unskilled labor
Preparations for the 2024 carnival are already underway, with the state government working tirelessly to ensure a successful event. The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Eric Anderson, has promised that the event will be “reloaded and participatory,” with a focus on engaging both skilled and unskilled labor. The Director General of Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong, has assured that measures are in place to prevent the breakdown of diseases during the event.
The Calabar Carnival is a celebration of culture, tourism, and unity. It is an event that showcases the best of Nigeria
and Africa, and provides a platform for local artists, musicians, and performers to shine. With its rich cultural heritage, exciting competitions, and impactful themes, the carnival is an event that should not be missed. As the 2024 event approaches, Nigerians and tourists alike are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an unforgettable
experience.
Annette Nneka Echikunwoke was born on July 29, 1996, in Ohio, United States. She is a Nigerian-American hammer thrower who has made a name for herself in the world of athletics. Annette’s athletic career began in school, where she won the shot put and discus throw at a sports day event. She later attended the University of Cincinnati, where she was a member of the track and field team.
In 2017, she won the NCAA Division I Women’s Indoor Track and Field Championships in the weight throw event. In 2020, Annette elected to represent Nigeria at the Olympic Games. However, she was disqualified due to the negligence of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria. The federation failed to conduct the required out-of-competition drug tests, which led to the disqualification of Annette and nine other Nigerian athletes. Despite this setback, Annette continued to pursue her athletic career.
In 2021, she set four successive Nigerian and African records in the hammer throw event, with a personal best of 75.49m. She is currently ranked seventh in the world in the women’s hammer throw. Annette switched allegiance to the United States and represented the country at the 2024 Summer Olympics. She won a silver medal in the women’s hammer throw event, with a throw of 75.48m. This was the first Olympic medal for the United States in the women’s hammer throw event.
On behalf of Diaspora Watch and Excel Magazine International, we proudly celebrate Lady Gladys Afam, a distinguished executive of Excel DMV and Excel Global Media Group USA, on her special day!
May this birthday mark the beginning of an extraordinary year filled with unbridled joy, untamed adventures, and unforgettable memories. May your life be a testament to the power of laughter, love, and wonder.
As a remarkable teacher, master of ceremony, and inspiration to many, we salute your tireless dedication, passion, and impact. Your selflessness and commitment to empowering others have made a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.
The marraige ceremony between Olanrewaju and Mary happened between February 7 and 8, 2025 at Kwankwashe in Suleja axis of Niger State. The event which witnessed the presence of many dignitaries also saw in presence different cultural groups that came to join in the celebrations of love.
The traditional wedding event kicked off the celebrations on February 7th, with both families present. The event had songs, dancing and showcase of love. The couples dorned their Edo and Yoruba at-tires. While the bride Mary Omonokhua is from Edo State, Olanrewaju Oyedeji hails from Osun state. There were sharing of tradtional food, drinks and merriment across quarters.
The reception on February 8, had present former Minister of Communications, Barrister Ade-bayo Shittu, Africa Editor at the Centre for Collaborative Investigative Journalism, Ajibola Aamzat, Abuja Bureau Chief of The Cable Newspaper, Yekeen Akinwale, representative of the Voice of Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Gidado Shuaib among other personalities .
There were personalities from the SCC Construction company, multimedia organizations among others. The wedding ceremony also saw presence of journalists from British Broadcasting Corporation, AFP, Premium Times, Dataphyte, Code for Africa, Punch Newspaper, Intercontinental News247 among other notable media platforms.
The Northern Operations Bureau Chief of the Excel Magazine International, Alabidun Abdul-Rahman, was also on ground at the occasion. Other personalities included the head of corporate Affairs at the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kwara State, Bolaji Aladie .The program also had presence of religious leaders, women groups, socio-cultural associations among others.
Speaking at the occasion, the groom, Olanrewaju Oyedeji, noted that his wife is a special gift from God. “She is my dream come true, love of my youth and my everyday crush. She gives me peace of mind and I am very happy today”.
Speaking also, the bride Mary Omonokhua eulogized her husband. “He is a caring man, hardworking and my heart desire, today is a special day for me”, she noted. At the event, the both families who were well represented expressed gladness at the success of the wedding event.
Different groups offered prayers for the couples, while gifts were also offered. Olanrewaju Oyedeji is an accountant while Mary Omonokhua is also an accountant. “This is a true celebration of love, you can feel it all round, the joy is in the atmosphere and everywhere is electric” an attendee at the wedding noted.
#MaryOla2025 showed that love can be from across tribes and still be beautiful to behold.
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