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.

Calavegas Band, led by High Chief Edem Duke, wins Carnival Càlabar 2025, citing creativity, teamwork, and thematic excellence as key to success.

The Calavegas Band, led by former Minister for Culture and Tourism High Chief Edem Duke, has emerged victorious at the just-concluded Carnival Càlabar 2025, marking their second consecutive win.

Duke attributed the band’s triumph to the unwavering commitment of its members and their creative interpretation of this year’s carnival theme.

During a celebratory get-together at the former Mirage Hotel in Calabar, Duke shared insights with journalists about the secret behind the band’s sustained success.

He emphasised that their achievements stemmed from adhering strictly to the carnival’s rules and fostering an environment where members could fully express their talents.

“There’s no secret to this other than committing ourselves to the very best of creative potential and utilisation of personnel,” Duke stated.

“We focus on interpreting the theme and aggregating all the inherent talents within the band to compete favourably with others, ensuring what we present is unmatched.”

Duke, a seasoned performing artist and cultural ambassador, explained that the Calavegas Band’s philosophy lies in blending creativity with disciplined choreography and an understanding of the carnival’s spirit.

This winning formula, combined with a strong leadership vision, has set the band apart.

The band’s performances this season demonstrated an extraordinary level of collaboration, creativity, and dynamic execution, earning them high praise from judges and audiences alike.

Duke reiterated that while winning is gratifying, the primary focus remains on sustaining the carnival’s vibrancy and cultural essence.

Looking ahead, the Calavegas Band has ambitious plans to expand its reach by launching operations in the Central and Cross River North Senatorial Districts.

This initiative aims to identify and nurture fresh talent, ensuring the band continues to dominate the Carnival Càlabar scene.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu praises the organisers of the Lagos Shopping Festival for creating a new economic pillar, marking the success of the 72-hour event.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commended the successful conclusion of the Lagos Shopping Festival (LSF), which wrapped up at the iconic Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan at 4am on Thursday, December 26.

The much-anticipated event, which ran for an impressive 72 hours, marked a significant milestone in the state’s growing festival economy.

Also read: Lagos set to host spectacular boat regatta in December

Sanwo-Olu praised the organisers, Chain Reactions Africa Ltd, one of Africa’s leading Public Relations consulting firms, for their impeccable execution of the festival.

He lauded their efforts in contributing to the development of a solid festival economy in Lagos State.

“We are gradually building a festival economy for our great State. This idea of a 72-hour shopping festival is another strategic pillar on which the full edifice of a festival economy at Yuletide can rest,” said the governor.

The event was a notable success, with thousands of young people gainfully employed in various aspects of the event management and commercial value chain.

These included roles in design, stage setup, sound systems, lighting, crowd control, volunteer coordination, branding, and exhibition booth installations.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also expressed his gratitude to the Lagos Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), security, and safety agencies who worked tirelessly throughout the event.

He highlighted the smooth running of the festival, noting that it was concluded without any medical emergencies or disruptions, a testament to the organisers’ excellent planning and the collaboration of state agencies.

The festival focused on strategically scaling and optimising small businesses, providing valuable connections between shoppers and Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs).

The event also received significant corporate support from major brands, including Tolaram Group, Guinness Nigeria, Zenith Bank, and First Bank, which contributed to the event’s success.

In recognition of the festival’s importance, the governor noted that it was not only an opportunity to boost the local economy but also to provide a platform for small businesses to thrive.

This inaugural edition of the Lagos Shopping Festival is expected to become a key annual event, strengthening Lagos’s position as a leading destination for both commerce and culture in Africa.