Calabar, Cross River State | 16 October 2026
The Carnival Calabar 2026 Essay and Creative Writing Competition Awards and Prize Giving Ceremony took place on Friday, the 16th of October 2026, at Pristine Villa Events, Calabar, celebrating the creativity, ideas and aspirations of young people across Cross River State.
The event brought together government officials, education stakeholders, cultural advocates, technology partners, students, teachers and members of the media to recognise outstanding young writers and encourage their contributions to the state's future.
Inspired by the 2026 Carnival Calabar theme, Rethinking Our Collective Destiny, the competition attracted over 300 students from 42 participating schools and institutions across two categories: Secondary Schools and Tertiary Institutions. Participants were challenged to reflect on Cross River State's vision and propose ideas for a better future through essay writing and creative expression.
Dignitaries and Opening Remarks
The ceremony opened with prayers and the recognition of dignitaries, including Sir Gabe Onah, Chairman of the Carnival Commission; Evangelist Austin Cobhams, Executive Secretary of the Carnival Commission; Ikechi Uko, International Consultant, CEO AKWAABA Travel Market; Bukky Ojo of AFRICAROLS (Canada); Ekpeyong Akiba, Special Adviser on Special Duties; Hon. Effiom Trombone; Barr. Oyama Ndifon, Director of Administration; Regina Odok, Director of Programs Nugi Technologies Nig. Ltd., and Prof Eyo Mensah, Chairman, Carnival Calabar Essay Competition Committee.
Students also delivered spoken word and poetry performances, adding a creative dimension to the occasion.
In his address, Sir Gabe Onah thanked the media partners who attended at short notice. He acknowledged the participating schools, examiners, students and other stakeholders whose contributions made the competition possible.
He reflected on the themes that have shaped Carnival Calabar since the beginning of Governor Bassey Edet Otu's administration in 2023:
- 2023: Season of Sweetness
- 2024: Our Shared Prosperity
- 2025: Traces of Time
- 2026: Rethinking Our Collective Destiny
Sir Gabe emphasised the importance of helping young people understand these themes and encouraging them to take an active interest in their state's future. He concluded with a message that captured the spirit of the occasion:
“We are One Humanity, One Race, One People, One Mind. Cross River is a state fit for a Child.”
Ikechi Uko, International Consultant, CEO AKWAABA Travel Market, spoke on the importance of consistency in building a lasting cultural brand. He observed that while political leaders and administrations may change, strong ideas and enduring products can continue to make an impact. He described Carnival Calabar as the biggest product created for Africa by Africans.
Lady Bukky Ojo, highlighted the role of Carnival Calabar in providing Nigerians in the diaspora with an opportunity to showcase their culture to international audiences. She also expressed concern about the declining use of indigenous languages among children, stressing the importance of preserving local languages and cultural identity for future generations.
Nugi Technologies Highlights Digital Participation in Carnival Calabar
Ajoke Akinlabi, Chief Executive Officer of Nugi Technologies Ng Ltd., represented by Regina Odok, congratulated the participants and winners, encouraging them to remain focused and continue to scout for opportunities that test their intellectual capabilities and challenge them to forge higher. She stated they could just become the next iconic laurels like the Chinua Achebe, Chimanda Adiche, James Ene Henshaw and several other writers who have become role models to many.
As the technology partner for Carnival Calabar, Nugi Technologies Nig Ltd. also highlighted the My Cross River App and its online carnival band membership registration and voting features. Through the app, members of the public can register with their preferred carnival bands and participate in voting, extending opportunities for engagement beyond the physical parade.
The app supports the wider effort to make participation in Carnival Calabar more accessible, allowing people to connect with the celebration from different locations.
Professor Mensah, Chairman of the Creative Writing Committee, explained the thinking behind the essay topic, “Cross River State: Rethinking Our Vision and Recreating Our Future.” Drawing from the 2026 carnival theme, the topic encouraged students to examine the state's present realities, consider its aspirations and develop practical ideas for the future.
He also outlined the competition rules and assessment guidelines used to evaluate the entries.
Participating Schools and Institutions
The competition attracted students from different parts of Cross River State, including Akamkpa, Yakurr, Ikom, Ogoja and Calabar, alongside participation from tertiary institutions in Cross River State and neighbouring Akwa Ibom State.
Secondary School Category
Participating schools included:
- Government Secondary School, Nyahasang
- Government Secondary School, Big Qua
- Government Secondary School, Igoli, Ogoja
- Christian High School, Calabar
- West African Peoples Institute, Calabar
- Police Secondary School, Akpabuyo
- Blazing Feet High School, Calabar
- Estate Secondary School, Calabar
- Holy Child Secondary School, Calabar
- Pinn Margaret Secondary School, Calabar
Tertiary Institution Category
Participating institutions included:
- University of Cross River State (UNICROSS)
- University of Calabar (UNICAL)
- University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
Winners and Prize Presentation
The announcement of results and presentation of prizes formed a major highlight of the ceremony, recognising students whose entries stood out in the competition.
Secondary School Category
Participants who placed between fourth and tenth positions received collections of books in recognition of their efforts.
Third Place: Blazing Feet High School, Calabar
The third-place winner received ₦200,000, a brand-new laptop, a plaque and a collection of books.
Second Place: Government Secondary School, Igoli, Ogoja
The second-place winner received ₦300,000, a brand-new laptop, a plaque and a collection of books.
First Place: Police Secondary School, Akpabuyo
Police Secondary School, Akpabuyo, emerged as the overall winner in the secondary school category. The winning student received ₦500,000 and a brand-new laptop, while the school also received a laptop. The prize package included a plaque and a collection of books.
Tertiary Institution Category
In the tertiary institution category, a student from the Department of Computer Science emerged as the overall winner, while students from the Department of Radiography secured second and third positions.
The winners received cash prizes, laptops and plaques in recognition of their performance and creative contributions.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks and closing prayers, bringing together a day dedicated to recognising young talent and encouraging students to contribute meaningfully to the future of Cross River State.
Inspiring the Next Generation Through Creativity
The Carnival Calabar 2026 Essay and Creative Writing Competition provided a platform for students to express their ideas, engage with the state's development aspirations and explore how their generation can contribute to shaping its future.
By connecting creative expression with the theme Rethinking Our Collective Destiny, the competition reinforced the importance of giving young people opportunities to think critically, preserve their cultural identity and participate in conversations about the future of their communities.
As Carnival Calabar continues to celebrate Cross River State's culture and identity, the competition stands as a reminder that the state's future is also shaped by the ideas, creativity and contributions of its young people.
One Humanity. One Race. One People. One Mind.
Cross River is a state fit for a Child.
