By Onwa Ekor
Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has officially unveiled the 2025 Carnival Mascot and the newly established Diaspora Band.
The event, performed by the deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, took place, Sunday, during the Second Dry Run, held at the popular 11/11 roundabout in Calabar
Speaking on behalf of the governor, Odey described the unveiling as a symbolic and historic milestone that reinforces the cultural and tourism heritage of Cross River, affirming that the new mascot captures the essence of the 20-year journey of Carnival Calabar, an event that has grown into one of Africa’s most celebrated cultural showcases.
Highlighting the significance of the new emblem, the deputy governor explained that Otu had earlier approved the creation of a mascot that reflects the beauty, growth, and resilience of the carnival.
“With great honour, and on behalf of the governor, Prince Bassey Otu, we unveil this landmark design prepared to mark the 20th anniversary of Carnival Calabar.
“Carnival Calabar has become part of our identity, part of our history, and it will remain with us for generations,” Odey said.
Additionally, there was the unveiling of the Carnival Calabar Diaspora Band, a special ensemble designed to reconnect Africans in the diaspora with their ancestral home.
Performing, the deputy governor noted that the administration has continued to deepen engagement with the diaspora community through the State Diaspora Commission, an initiative that has already recorded meaningful progress.
He said for two decades, Carnival Calabar has functioned as a global cultural bridge, showcasing the creativity, unity, and tourism potential of the state to the world.
Chairman, Cross River Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, described the celebration as a tribute to the state’s enduring cultural identity.
“This is our state, the Pearl of the South, today we are witnessing the unveiling of another icon of our collective effort over these 20 years.
“Though it is a 20-year road march, the heritage belongs to Cross River, our culture is the engine of our tourism, and this year’s celebration stands as a testimony.”
Onah recalled the October homecoming of 92 brothers and sisters from the African diaspora who visited the state on a reconciliation and heritage tour, an experience that further inspired the creation of the Diaspora Band.
According to him, the governor approved the band to provide a platform for Africans in the diaspora to tell their own story through culture, rhythm, and artistic expression.
With the 2025 Carnival theme, “Traces of Time,” the Diaspora Band will join the procession with a sub-theme that reflects shared history, collective memory, and the desire for cultural reconnection.
