Cross River State Ministry of Culture & Tourism

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Cross River State Ministry of Culture & Tourism

The official page of Cross River State Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture

Okoi Arikpo Hou

04/10/2025

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.

11/01/2023

Cabinet Reshuffle, appointments and redeployments!

https://www.facebook.com/100050240720201/posts/725828992435118/?sfnsn=scwspmo&mibextid=6aamW6

10/01/2023

ERIC ANDERSON SWORN IN AS CROSS RIVER INFORMATION COMMISSIONER

Actor and immediate past Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Cross River State, Mr Eric Anderson has been sworn in as the state Commissioner for Information.

The swearing-in was performed by the governor, Prof Ben Ayade CON on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at the state exco chambers following a cabinet reshuffle.

24/12/2022

ELECTRIFYING MOMENTS, AS CROSS RIVER NIGHT OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP CONCERT MAKES GRAND DEBUT

On Friday, December 23, 2022 at the UJ Esuene stadium, were electrifying moments that will go down the annals of history in Cross River State.

The maiden edition of the Cross River Night of Praise & Worship took the center stage and the governor, His Excellency, Prof. Ben Ayade CON led the people of the state to an interdenominational crusade which also coincided with the birthday of his wife, Dr Mrs Lynda Ayade.

The gospel music concert featured soul lifting performances by Mercy Chinwo, Joe Praise, Moses Bliss, Jimmy D Psalmist, Ekanem Esu, Promise Effiong, Pastor Akpanke and Earnest Adat. Others who performed were Victor Edet, Victor Winn, Oluchi Wonder and Caleb Rex.

The carefully selected and spirit filled gospel ministers took the congregants to another realm with their ministrations. It was indeed a night to remember.

23/12/2022

TODAY IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE

Today, the first ever Cross River Night of Praise & Worship takes place. Cross Riverians are set to lift their voices in praise.

Carefully selected spirit filled gospel ministers will be performing at the Calabar Night of Praise & Worship on Friday, December 23, 2022 at UJ Esuene stadium, Calabar by 5pm.

The gospel music concert features Mercy Chinwo, Joe Praise, Moses Bliss, Jimmy D Psalmist, Ekanem Esu, Promise Effiong, Pastor Akpanke and Earnest Adat. Others are Victor Edet, Victor Winn, Oluchi Wonder and Caleb Rex.

Are you in Calabar? Then don't miss the awesome worship experience for anything.

14/12/2022

HOW UNA DEY?

The Honourable Commissioner for Cross River State Ministry of Culture & Tourism , Mr Eric Anderson will be studio guest on the live program, How Una Dey on CRBC 105.5 FM today, Wednesday, December 14, 2022 to discuss 'The Impact of Carnival Calabar to Cross River State' with Thelma Benson from 7pm - 9pm.

Tune In to catch up with all the facts and get answers to your questions.

13/12/2022

CALABAR NIGHT OF PRAISE & WORSHIP: LET US COME BEFORE HIM IN THANKSGIVING

"1. Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song."
- Psalm 95:1-3.

Some of the biggest gospel music ministers in Nigeria will converge at the UJ Esuene stadium in Calabar on December 23, 2022 for the first ever CALABAR NIGHT OF PRAISE & WORSHIP.

The CALABAR NIGHT OF PRAISE & WORSHIP sets the tone for the 2022 Calabar Festival - Power Week; this is the week in the 32-day Calabar Festival when the world attention will be focused on Calabar, Cross River State capital, popularly referred to as Africa's preferred tourist destination.

The gospel music concert features Mercy Chinwo, Joe Praise, Moses Bliss, Jimmy D Psalmist, Oluchi Wonder, Ekanem Esu, Pastor Akpanke, Promise Effiong and Earnest Adat. Others are Victor Winn, Victor Edet and Caleb Rex.

Don't miss the awesome worship experience.

23/11/2022

POWER WEEK REVEALS BIG PLANS FOR CALABAR FESTIVAL 2022

The release signed by Cross River State Ministry of Culture & Tourism commissioner for Culture & Tourism, Mr Eric Anderson (ANIPR) confirms that the events lined up in the week are indeed power-packed to cater to the entertainment and holiday needs of people from all tribes, race, age and class. From the Night of Praise and Worship, to the White Street Party, Festival of Culture, Masquerades & Drums, the Arabian Party, Bikers Carnival, Miss Africa, Carnival Calabar, Calas Vegas Beach Party, International Carnival and Old Skool Party in that order.

The two dry run events held ahead of the carnival, the introduction of two new bands (Calas Vegas & Diamond) the innovations from the Ministry of Culture & Tourism Development, Events Management Department, the Calabar Carnival Commission and other relevant state agencies show the readiness to host a world class festival which will be the last with Senator Ayade as governor.

Address

Okoi Arikpo House, 10, Calabar Road, Calabar
Calabar

Telephone

+2348131318414

Website

http://www.onlyincrossriver.com/

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