Calabar Carnival 2024 drew over 300,000 tourists, driving a 42% increase in attendance and generating billions in revenue for Cross River.

The recently concluded 32-day Calabar Carnival 2024 proved a monumental success, attracting over 300,000 tourists and generating billions in revenue for Cross River State.

This marked a 42% increase in attendance compared to 2023, according to the Cross River Tourism Bureau.

Also read: Calavegas band secures back-to-back Carnival càlabar wins

Speaking in Lagos, the bureau’s Managing Director, Ekpenyong Ojoi, revealed that the carnival, which ran from 1 November to 31 December 2024, brought a significant influx of visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.

“Calabar recorded over 300,000 tourists during the festival period, with most visitors coming from Abuja, Lagos, and neighbouring Akwa Ibom State,” Ojoi stated.

He highlighted that the 2024 festival saw a significant rise in onsite spectators, with an estimated 450,000 attending key events such as the Cultural Carnival, Children’s Carnival, and Bikers Carnival. This was a substantial increase from the 279,486 spectators recorded in 2023.

Furthermore, the carnival achieved global visibility, with over 1.2 billion viewers watching via DSTV channel 198 and over 100 million viewers tuning in through online streaming platforms.

The tourism boom translated into remarkable economic benefits for Calabar. From November to December 2024, hotel occupancy rates rose from 57% in 2023 to 68%, with many establishments achieving full capacity during peak dates in December.

Revenue highlights include:

• Hotel bookings: Estimated at ₦2.79 billion ($1.74 million), driven by 100% occupancy at key hotels such as Hogis Royale and Metropolitan Hotel.
• Food and breakfast sales: Estimated at ₦900 million ($562,000).
• Ticketed events: Funfest, Calabar Fashion Show, and Queen of Humanity generated ₦100 million ($66,000).
• Nightlife: The city’s top five nightclubs contributed ₦400 million ($267,000).
• Miscellaneous activities: Online streaming, food, drinks, dancers, and car rentals added another ₦1 billion ($667,000).
• Transportation: Visitors spent an estimated ₦8.87 billion on air, road, and sea travel.

Ojoi also emphasised the cultural significance of the carnival, with tourists visiting key attractions such as the OMR, Marina Resort, and Kwa Falls. The festival continues to strengthen Calabar’s reputation as a premier destination for cultural tourism in Nigeria.

“The Calabar Carnival is not just a festival; it’s a celebration of our rich heritage, a boost to our economy, and an opportunity to connect with the world,” Ojoi added.

As the Cross River State Government continues its efforts to promote tourism, the success of the 2024 Calabar Carnival demonstrates the transformative potential of cultural events in driving economic growth and global recognition.

Oba Abimbola Owoade, the new Alaafin of Oyo, has commenced a 21-day traditional rite, marking his ascension to the historic throne.

The newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has begun a 21-day traditional rite marking his ascension to the throne of the historic Yoruba kingdom.

Governor Seyi Makinde officially announced Owoade as the Alaafin-elect last Friday, following which he presented the new monarch with the staff of office during a ceremony held on Monday.

The event was graced by the Oyomesi (the kingmakers), top government officials, and notable personalities from Oyo State.

Oba Owoade succeeds the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who ruled the Oyo Kingdom for over five decades before passing away three years ago.

After receiving the staff of office, the Alaafin-elect journeyed to Oyo town to meet his subjects and formally commence the rites of ascension.

A source close to the palace disclosed that Oba Owoade will observe the mandatory 21 days of traditional ceremonies required for his enthronement as the Alaafin of Oyo.

“Oba Owoade has headed to Oyo town to meet the sons and daughters of Oyo and will proceed with the 21 days of traditional rites for the ascension to the throne of his forefathers,” the source said.

The rites are a critical part of the coronation process in Yoruba tradition, involving prayers, rituals, and other cultural practices to fortify the new king spiritually and affirm his legitimacy as a divine ruler.

The ascension of a new Alaafin is a significant event in Yoruba culture, symbolising continuity and stability in one of Nigeria’s oldest monarchies.

Oba Abimbola Owoade’s reign is expected to foster unity and development in Oyo State and beyond.

As part of the ancient traditions, the Alaafin is regarded not only as a political figure but also as a spiritual leader and custodian of Yoruba culture and heritage.

The new monarch’s 21-day rites serve as a bridge between the rich history of the Oyo Kingdom and its evolving role in contemporary society.

The people of Oyo await the conclusion of the rites, which will culminate in the final ceremonies, officially marking the beginning of Oba Owoade’s reign.

Governor Seyi Makinde approves Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, ending legal disputes following Oba Adeyemi’s death.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially appointed Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, following an extensive selection process led by the Oyo kingmakers, the Oyomesi.

The announcement, made in a statement on Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, marks a significant moment in the ancient kingdom’s leadership transition.

Also read: Governor Makinde vows to promote Igbo Ora Festival of Twins as global tourist attraction

According to the statement, Prince Owoade’s appointment comes after thorough consultations and traditional divinations, which were conducted by the Oyomesi.

The statement confirmed that the kingmakers recommended Owoade as the successor to the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, whose passing on April 22, 2022, left a vacancy for the revered position of the Alaafin.

“Owoade, after consultations and divinations, has been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by Governor Seyi Makinde as the new Alaafin of Oyo,” the statement read.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademola Ojo, added that the appointment would put to rest the socio-legal disputes that had followed the late Oba Adeyemi’s passing.

“This decision has put to rest all the socio-legal controversies that have arisen since the transition of the late Oba Adeyemi,” Ojo said. He urged the people of Oyo State to rally behind the new Alaafin as he embarks on his reign.

Governor Makinde’s approval of Owoade’s appointment has sparked optimism about a new era for the Oyo Kingdom.

Oyelade expressed hopes that the new monarch’s reign would foster peace, unity, and prosperity, while preserving the rich legacy of the Alaafin institution.

“We pray that his reign brings progress and harmony to the people of Oyo and strengthens the historic legacy of the Alaafin institution,” he said.

However, the selection of Prince Owoade as Alaafin has not been without controversy.

The kingmakers, including the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade, and other prominent figures, had previously expressed their dissatisfaction with the governor’s decision, asserting that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin had already been selected as the Alaafin-elect.

They cited ongoing legal proceedings related to the selection process and urged the suspension of the appointment until the courts resolve the matter.

Legal counsel for the kingmakers, Adekunle Sobaloju, described the governor’s actions as illegal and called for the suspension of the process. The legal tussle continues to unfold as Oyo State navigates this complex transition.

Despite the legal challenges, Governor Makinde and his administration are optimistic that Prince Owoade’s ascension will bring much-needed stability and growth to the kingdom, urging residents to support their new monarch.