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Photos from the 2025 Carnival Calabar 1st Dry Run flagged off by Cross River state Governor,Senator Prince Bassey Otu.

Theme: Traces of Time
Cc: CARNIVAL CALABAR UPDATE
Calabar Festival

Hundreds of young writers converge for Carnival Calabar 2025 Essay Writing Competition across Cross River State

Nelson NseAbasi

The Carnival Calabar 2025 Essay Writing Competition unfolded successfully across various centers in Cross River State on Friday, October 3, 2025. The competition, a staple of Carnival Calabar's rich cultural calendar, drew participants from secondary schools and tertiary institutions, showcasing young talents' literary prowess.

Participation in the competition was spread across several Local Government Areas and 6 examination centers. In Calabar, 20 secondary schools and 5 tertiary institutions participated, contributing 135 candidates. Akamkpa had 2 secondary schools take part with 10 candidates. Ugep saw 5 schools with 18 candidates compete. Ikom had 1 school with 7 candidates. Ogoja recorded an impressive turnout from 16 schools with 67 candidates. Obudu had 7 secondary schools and 1 tertiary institution field 39 candidates.

The sum of ₦2 million naira will be shared amongst winners at the grand finale and prize giving ceremony slated for Friday, October 17, 2025, promising to crown outstanding young writers and celebrate literary excellence tied to Carnival Calabar's vibrant festivities.

In seperate statements,the Chairman and Executive Secretary of Cross River State Carnival Commission, Mr Gabe Onah and Evangelist Austin Cobham respectively stated that the aim of the competition is to promote literary skills amongst the young people,in a bid to ensure that in a world dominated by Ai,creative writing is encouraged and rewarded.

Carnival Calabar, dubbed "Africa's Biggest Street Party," is renowned for blending culture, entertainment and competitions like essay writing, promoting Cross River State's rich heritage,the theme for this year is 'Traces of Time'.

In the last 20 years, past editions have included cultural parades,music performances,boat regattas, fashion shows and beauty pageants alongside intellectual contests like the Essay & Creative Writing competition promoting reading culture among youths.

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The Battle for the Obong of Calabar Throne: A Chronology of Events

Nelson Nelson

The case of the 'Tussle for Obong of Calabar Stool' is scheduled for hearing before the High Court in Calabar on Thursday, November 7,2024, exactly one year after the sitting governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu issued a statement upholding the emergence of Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu. This calls for an ardent review of the matter and occurrences over the years.

The Supreme Court judgment of January 13, 2023, marked the beginning of a tumultuous period in the Efik kingdom, as Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu's reign as Obong of Calabar was nullified.

The supreme court said the following at page 40 of the judgement of case no SC633/2013, dated 13th January 2023;
"The end result of the foregoing is that this Appeal lacks merit and it is, hereby, dimissed. I affirm the decision of the Court of Appeal, particularly the order made setting aside the selection and proclamation of the first Respondent as the Obong- elect by the Etuboms Conclave of the Palace of the Obong of Calabar.

I also order that the Western Calabar Traditional Rulers Council shall conduct another process to select an Etubom from amongst themselves, including the first Respondent, who shall be the next Obong of Calabar, in line with the provisions of the Constitution of Etuboms Council, Palace of the Obong of Calabar, January 2002, and in strict compliance with rules of natural justice"

1. That the selection and proclamation of Etubom Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu as the Obong of Calabar on the 31/3/2008 be set aside.
2. That the parties should return to the Drawing Board.
3. That the selection process be started "afresh"
4. That the selection should start on a clean slate.
5. That the 2002 Constitution of the Etubom's Traditional Ruler's Council be used for the selection
6. That the following principles be applied.
(a) Natural Justice
(b) Fairness
(c) Equity

However, instead of accepting the verdict, it is on record that Otu convened an illegal meeting of the Etubom's Traditional Ruler council just five days later, on January 18, 2023. This gathering, held without the knowledge or invitation of the council's chairman and secretary, aimed to reinstall Otu as the new Obong, defying the Supreme Court's ruling.

Key Events in the Succession Crisis
- _January 13, 2023:_ Supreme Court judgment sets aside Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu's reign as Obong of Calabar.

- _January 13, 2023:_ The reign of Etubom Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu being set aside, The Efik Throne has not been vacant given the provision of the Constitution of the Etuboms Traditional Rulers Council 2002 which by default empowers the office of the Chairman of the Etuboms Traditional Rulers Council (Etubom Essien Ekpeyong Efiok) to be installed as a regent until the proclamation of the New Obong -elect (Etubom Anthony A. Ani MON. OFR. PPICAN) on the Monday 22nd, May, 2023.

- _ January 13th, 2023:_ Till date Etubom Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu has been on the Efik stool illegally

- _ January 13th, 2023:_ All the Etuboms capped by the dethroned Obong (Etubom Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu) are no more Etuboms of the palace of the Obong of Calabar but only Etuboms of their various houses.

- _January 18, 2023:_ Otu convenes illegal meeting of Etubom's Traditional Ruler council to select himself as new Obong.

- _January 18, 2023:_ Otu's meeting violates the constitution of the Etuboms' council, which requires simple majority and seven surviving members, including the chairman and secretary.

- _May 23, 2023:_ Genuine Etuboms council meets to select new king, following Supreme Court guidelines; four out of seven members proclaim Etubom Tony A. Ani as new Obong.

-_ November 7,2023:_ The Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu issued a statement upholding Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu as Obong of Calabar, in a bid to resolve the lingering crisis.

The Current Impasse
Despite the legitimate selection of Etubom Tony A. Ani, Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu, backed by the state Governor, continues to claim the throne, sparking public outcry. The Efik tradition holds that the selection and proclamation of an Obong, following due process, is irrevocable. The case is now back in court, with the rule of law hanging in the balance.

The Way Forward
If the court decides that the selection process should be repeated, the Etubom Council is prepared to appeal. As the battle for the Obong of Calabar throne continues, one thing is certain – only the rule of law can bring resolution to this contentious succession crisis.

Gov. Otu welcomed Senate President Akpabio in Calabar, along with other alumni of the UNICAL Class of '87

The Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, had the honor of hosting the Senate President of Nigeria, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, who arrived in Calabar with a group of senators to attend the reunion gathering of the 1987 alumni of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) Law faculty. The meeting took place at the temporary Governor's office, Dan Archibong Lodge, Calabar.

Governor Otu expressed his appreciation for the visit and commended the delegation's proactive approach in supporting the progress of UNICAL. He lauded their efforts as a "valuable endeavor," adding that the state government will also continue its support for the federal institution. The Governor further emphasized the significance of the visit, welcoming the distinguished delegation to Cross River and highlighting the importance of showcasing the potential of the state's brilliant minds. He reaffirmed the commitment to uplifting the educational sector.

He expressed gratitude for the return of the alumni after 37 years, viewing it as an inspiring gesture and a call to action for other alumni groups. Senator Akpabio, in response, thanked the governor for his warm reception and praised his leadership in the South-South region. He particularly acknowledged Governor Otu's pivotal role in the successful Edo State election campaign, recognizing his influence on the political stability of the region. Senator Akpabio revealed that the visit to his alma mater would provide the alumni with the opportunity to assess the university's needs firsthand and identify areas requiring intervention.

Accompanying Senator Akpabio were a host of prominent dignitaries, including Senate Minority Leader Sen. Abba Moro, Deputy Whip Sen. Onyeka Nwebonyi, Minority Whip Sen. Osita Ngwu, and others holding key positions in various Senate committees. The delegation also included notable figures such as Chief Barr. Sylvester Okonkwo, Chief of Staff to the Senate President, and Justice Okon Abang, as well as the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, retired DIG Udom Ekpo Udom.

The visit underscored a collective commitment to enhancing the educational framework in Cross River State, with a specific focus on sustaining the development of UNICAL.

*Nsa Gill*
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
19/10/2024

Big God crooner, BrosThrone arrived Magareth Ekpo Airport Calabar ahead of his Unical Campus Concert this Friday, October 18 @ Community Hall, Malabo.

He stopped over at the best talk and best music radio station in the city, Hitfmcalabar

Big God Szn: Music Star, Brosthrone Set to Storm Unical, Calabar

Nelson Nse-Abasi

The University of Calabar and the paradise city as a whole is bracing itself for an unforgettable night of music and excitement as Nigeria's newest musical sensation, Ogba Japheth, popularly known as Brosthrone, gets ready to storm the campus with the 'Big God Szn Tour'.

Brosthrone's highly anticipated promotional tour/concert, tagged "Big God Szn," has been making waves across the country, and Unical is next on the list. The tour, which aims to promote Brosthrone's unique sound and style, promises an electrifying experience for music lovers.

The Calabar edition holds by 1pm on Friday, October 18, 2024 at the University of Calabar (Malabo Republic) Community Hall. It promises to be an unforgettable night of music, dance, and entertainment. Fans can expect an energetic and captivating performance from Brosthrone, featuring hits from his latest releases. The concert will also showcase other talented artists and DJs, ensuring a non-stop entertainment experience.

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Calabar Agog for Carnival Calabar 1st Dry Run

The city is electrified as Carnival Calabar 2024 commences with its highly anticipated first dry run.

Seven dazzling carnival bands; Calasvegas (last year winner) Diamond Band, Freedom Band, Seagulls Band, Passion 4 Band, Masta Blasta Band, and Bayside Band,there are other non competing bands, like the Hit FM band,all of them will take to the streets, treating spectators to mesmerizing performances.

The dry run will test logistics, sound, and lighting systems, prepare the bands to ensure a seamless and thrilling experience for visitors at the main carnival in December.

Carnival Calabar, one of Nigeria's premier cultural festivals, attracts thousands of visitors and showcases the state's stunning beauty, rich heritage, and creative talent.

The carnival will empty into a 5 star concert with performances by some of Nigerias finest entertainers.

Get Ready for the Ultimate Carnival Experience!