Cross River announces a historic leadership honour for four former governors at the Christmas tree-lighting that opens Carnival Calabar 2025

Officials in Calabar said yesterday that a historic leadership honour will headline this year’s Christmas tree-lighting ceremony on 30 November 2025, formally opening the month-long Carnival Calabar celebrations.

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The state government confirmed that four former civilian governors will be recognised in what authorities describe as an unprecedented gesture of unity.

The initiative, approved by Governor Bassey Otu, will honour Dr Clement Ebri, Mr Donald Duke, Senator Liyel Imoke and Professor Ben Ayade with the state’s highest Merit Honour for Leadership.

The ceremony also ushers in the 20th anniversary of Carnival Calabar, adding a powerful emotional note to an already significant event.

State organisers say each former governor will have his name and statue permanently mounted on the Walls of Heroes at Millennium Park.

They will also receive 24 carat gold Star Medals and other symbols of leadership excellence designed to reflect their influence on the state’s development.

Government sources note that the honourees represent distinct chapters of Cross River’s political evolution. Ebri is widely regarded for providing stabilising direction during the Third Republic.

Duke’s bold tourism drive transformed the state’s global visibility. Imoke’s tenure emphasised infrastructure renewal and social reforms. Ayade championed industrialisation in an effort to diversify the economy.

Observers say the decision to celebrate these legacies together is a powerful and unifying move, reinforcing a shared narrative of progress across administrations.

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For many residents, the historic leadership honour carries a sense of pride as Cross River prepares for one of its most symbolic Carnival seasons yet.