NSAN NDOMA-NEJI, Calabar
The 20th edition of Carnival Calabar, themed “Traces of Time,” rolled into the city on Monday, and among the dignitaries was former Special Adviser to Governor Ben Ayade on Cocoa Development and Control, Ntufam Dr. Oscar Ofuka.
Dressed in a vibrant costume that blended traditional Efik motifs with modern digital projections, Dr. Ofuka led a float that narrated the evolution of cocoa farming in Cross River from the colonial era to today’s high‑tech agro‑processing hubs.
His presence underscored the festival’s aim to link heritage with progress, turning the streets into a living archive of the state’s agricultural journey.
Speaking at the flag‑off ceremony at Millennium Park, Dr. Ofuka explained that the “Traces of Time” concept allowed him to showcase how cocoa has shaped the social fabric of Cross River.
Ofuka praised Gov Otu and his team for successful conduct of carnival Calabar festia, prayed God to give directions to the state chief executive for the wisdom in managing the affairs of the state
“Each pod on this float represents a milestone—from the first seedlings planted by our ancestors to the new varieties being introduced through the Special Agro‑industrial Processing Zone,” he said, pointing to a section of the float that displayed a 3‑D‑printed cocoa bean model.
His remarks highlighted the continuity of effort from the Ayade administration to the current Otu government in revitalizing the cocoa sector.
The float’s choreography combined traditional masquerade steps with contemporary dance, symbolizing the bridge between past and present. Dr. Ofuka noted that the performance was inspired by the old cocoa farms that once dotted the landscape of Boki, Obubra Ikom and Etung, now being rejuvenated with disease‑resistant seedlings.
Ofuka who led a coalition of cocoa entrepreneurs to the carnival Calabar 2025 fiesta is a former Special Adviser to the state government on Cocoa Development and Control now Chief Executive Officer CEO of De-Ofuka Cocoa Development and Consultancy Services said, “We are not just remembering the past; we are planting the seeds for tomorrow’s harvest,” he added.
Those who watched De-Ofuka’s train and group of farmers cheered the blend of cultural rhythm and modern flair.
Of of the organizers who preferred anonymity praised Dr. Ofuka’s contribution, saying his interpretation gave a unique regional flavor to the national theme.
Chairman of the Cross River Carnival Commission, Gabe Onah, remarked that the event has “tremendously transformed the commercial economy of the state,” and that floats of De-Ofuka’s illustrate how cultural festivals can spotlight key development sectors such as cocoa.
The float also featured a live demonstration of cocoa bean grinding, drawing attention to the upcoming industrial hub promised under the SAPZ program.
International guests, including the Portuguese Envoy Paulo Santos, took note of the cocoa narrative woven into the carnival’s tapestry.
Santos commended the “explosive outcome” of the event, saying the blend of history and innovation was a powerful reminder of Cross River’s resilience.
He added that such cultural showcases could attract diaspora investment to the state’s agricultural projects.
As the parade wound its 12‑kilometre route, spectators lined the streets, capturing moments on their phones and engaging with the cocoa story.
The adjudication panel highlighted Dr. Ofuka’s float for its creativity, thematic relevance and technical execution, awarding it special recognition among the seven competing bands.
The 2025 Carnival Calabar will be remembered not only for its dazzling costumes and music but also for the way it leveraged the “Traces of Time” theme to spotlight vital sectors like cocoa.
Dr. Oscar Ofuka’s vision turned a historic crop into a vibrant celebration of Cross River’s future, proving that festivals can indeed be a catalyst for development.
