Gov Otu Graces Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage as Historic 32-Day Carnival Celebrations End

Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, has presided over the grand finale of the state’s historic 32-day Carnival and festival celebrations with his appearance at the Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage event, marking a defining moment in the cultural evolution of Carnival Calabar.

The colourful celebration, held at the iconic 11/11 Roundabout in Calabar, attracted a massive turnout of cultural enthusiasts, traditional stakeholders and residents, bringing the 2025 Carnival season to a memorable close. Akahi News gathered that the event symbolised a major breakthrough in cultural inclusion and heritage recognition within the state’s globally renowned carnival framework.

Otu Declares Tinkoriko Formally Integrated into Carnival Calabar

Declaring the Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage formally opened, Governor Otu described the extended carnival duration as a testament to divine faithfulness, unity and the resilient spirit of the Cross River people. He extended New Year goodwill to residents while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to greater achievements in governance, culture and development.

“I wish Cross Riverians well. We are moving to the next level. God has been very faithful, and we know that greater things are definitely ahead. I wish everyone peaceful coexistence, long life and prosperity,” the governor said.

Ending 23 Years of Cultural Advocacy

Akahi News learnt that the inclusion of Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage into Carnival Calabar effectively ended over two decades of sustained advocacy by cultural custodians who had long sought official recognition within the state’s carnival calendar.

Providing historical insight, the founding father of Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, recalled that the movement had pursued integration into the state’s carnival activities as far back as the year 2000. He explained that while Carnival Calabar later gained legislative backing, Tinkoriko remained excluded for 23 years until Governor Otu fulfilled a pledge made on January 1, 2025.

According to him, the governor deliberately extended Carnival Calabar to 32 days—beyond its traditional 31-day duration—to accommodate Tinkoriko, a gesture he described as unprecedented and deeply symbolic.

Institutional Support for Cultural Sustainability

Beyond ceremonial recognition, Duke disclosed that Governor Otu has directed the institutional strengthening of Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage through the provision of a permanent office and administrative structure. This, he said, places Tinkoriko on the same organisational footing as other recognised carnival bands.

“Our focus is not on elaborate costumes or initiation. We exist to give our people a platform to express themselves culturally and socially. With the governor’s support, we are set to move from strength to strength,” he stated.

Celebration of Unity and Collective Identity

Also speaking at the event, the President of Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage, Professor Emmanuel Eyo, described the celebration as a powerful sociocultural expression of unity, bringing together youths, elders, women and the wider Calabar community.

He noted that the heritage platform continues to promote togetherness while offering appreciation for the developmental strides of the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration, reinforcing culture as a tool for social cohesion and identity preservation.

A New Chapter for Carnival Calabar

The integration of Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage into Carnival Calabar is widely seen as a landmark achievement that enriches the cultural depth of Africa’s biggest street party. Akahi News gathered that stakeholders view the development as a bold step towards inclusive cultural governance and sustainable heritage promotion in Cross River State.

As the curtains fall on the historic 32-day celebration, expectations are high that future editions of Carnival Calabar will continue to expand in scope, meaning and global relevance.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.

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