Baskadia

By Patrick Asuquo

The Calabar Carnival isn’t just an event; it’s a movement, a celebration of life, culture, and everything that makes Cross River State extraordinary. This year’s theme, "Our Shared Prosperity," speaks directly to our collective potential—how we can grow together, thrive together, and make sure everyone benefits from our shared heritage and resources. But for this vision to come alive, we need the power of storytellers: bloggers, social media influencers, and content creators.

Your Voice Matters More Than Ever

Let’s face it—traditional media isn’t enough anymore. The world has gone digital, and people are more likely to scroll through Instagram, watch a TikTok video, or read a blog than tune in to a TV ad. As bloggers and influencers, you already have the audience, the creativity, and the platforms to make this year’s carnival not just a Cross River event, but a global sensation.

Think about it: when you highlight the parade floats, share the behind-the-scenes costume creation, or even vlog your experience at the festival, you’re not just creating content—you’re showcasing Cross River State to the world. You’re saying, “This is who we are. This is what we have to offer.” And in doing so, you’re drawing attention, investment, and opportunities to our state.

What’s in It for All of Us?

When you lend your voice to Our Shared Prosperity, you’re not just promoting an event; you’re part of a larger movement to uplift our community. Here’s why it matters:

1. You’re Boosting Local Businesses: Every extra tourist means more sales for food vendors, hotels, souvenir shops, and even keke riders. That’s money going directly into the hands of hardworking people in our communities.

2. You’re Preserving Our Culture: Your content can capture the beauty of our dances, music, and traditions, ensuring they’re passed down to future generations. You’re creating a digital archive of who we are.

3. You’re Building Your Brand: Let’s be honest—when you align yourself with something as big and meaningful as the Calabar Carnival, it boosts your credibility. You’re seen as someone who cares about their community and can handle big opportunities.

The Bigger Picture

The numbers don’t lie. Events like the Calabar Carnival have the power to transform local economies. In 2019, tourism accounted for over 4.5% of Nigeria’s GDP, with festivals playing a key role. And with the world watching us, a strong digital presence could bring even more visitors, investments, and opportunities to Cross River State.

Imagine if every blogger wrote one post about the carnival, every influencer shared 10 Instagram stories, and every content creator produced one video. Imagine the reach, the impact, the buzz. Together, we could make 2024 the biggest year in the carnival’s history.

Let’s Make It Personal

This isn’t just about the carnival; it’s about us. It’s about telling our story, our way. It’s about showing the world that Cross River State is more than just a place on the map—it’s a vibrant, thriving community full of talent, creativity, and potential.

So, here’s my challenge to you: use your platform to bring Our Shared Prosperity to life. Share the stories of the dancers, the artisans, and the small businesses. Show the world what makes this carnival and this state special. Let’s create something we can all be proud of.

The stage is set, and the spotlight is on us. Let’s make history together.

Patrick Asuquo is the Special Assistant on Media in the Office of the Chief of Staff, Cross River State.