Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, on Thursday graced the Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage celebration, marking the grand finale of the state’s historic 32-day Carnival and festival activities, in a landmark moment for cultural inclusion and legacy preservation.
The event, which featured a formal opening ceremony at the iconic 11/11 Roundabout in Calabar, drew a massive crowd of cultural enthusiasts, stakeholders and residents, adding colour and significance to the closing chapter of the 2025 Carnival season.
Declaring the Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage formally opened, Governor Otu described the extended carnival period as a reflection of God’s faithfulness and the enduring unity of the Cross River people. He extended warm New Year wishes to residents, assuring them of greater achievements ahead.
“I wish Cross Riverians well. We are moving to the next level. God has been very faithful, and we know that greater things are definitely ahead. I wish everyone peaceful coexistence, long life and prosperity,” the governor said.
The inclusion of Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage in Carnival Calabar brought to an end more than two decades of sustained advocacy by cultural stakeholders.
Providing historical context, the founding father of Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, recalled that the cultural movement had sought official recognition within the state’s carnival framework as far back as the year 2000.
He explained that while Carnival Calabar was later established through legislation, Tinkoriko remained outside the official lineup for 23 years until Governor Otu, whom he described as a long-standing patron of the heritage, fulfilled a promise made on January 1, 2025, to integrate Tinkoriko into the carnival.
“As a result of that commitment, the governor benevolently extended Carnival Calabar to 32 days instead of the traditional 31 days to accommodate Tinkoriko,” Duke said, expressing profound gratitude.
He further disclosed that beyond symbolic inclusion, Governor Otu has directed the institutional strengthening of Tinkoriko through the provision of a permanent office and administrative framework, enabling it to operate at the same organisational level as other carnival bands.
“Our focus is not on elaborate costumes or initiation. We exist to give our people a platform to express themselves culturally and socially. With the governor’s support, we are set to move from strength to strength,” Duke stated.
Also speaking, President of Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage, Professor Emmanuel Eyo, described the celebration as a powerful sociocultural amplification of togetherness, bringing together youths, elders, women and the wider Calabar community.
According to him, the event aims to continually reinforce unity and demonstrate appreciation for the developmental strides of the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration.
Kingsley Agim
