Cross River State Governor Senator Bassey Otu has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to safety and tourism by flagging off the 2025 Bikers Carnival in Calabar. The event, part of the annual Carnival Calabar festival, drew international attention with praises from Portugal's ambassador to Nigeria. Deputy Governor Peter Odey represented Otu at the launch amid cheers from participants and visitors.
Cross River State Governor Senator Bassey Otu flagged off the 2025 Bikers Carnival in Calabar on December 28, 2025, emphasizing the state's dedication to safety, tourism promotion, and global cultural exchange. Represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Otu declared the event open to cheers from bikers, residents, and visitors from within and outside the state.
Otu personally inspected the carnival routes, confirming they were smooth and free of potholes. "Let us tell the world that Cross River State is safe. I have gone round the routes myself; there are no potholes and the roads are smooth," he said. He urged participants to adhere to safety protocols, including wearing helmets and reflective vests, and maintaining riding discipline to avoid accidents. Arrangements included ambulances, medical personnel, and full insurance coverage. "With doctors on ground, ambulances stationed, and insurance fully covered, we want this carnival to be remembered only for positive reasons," Otu added.
Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, highlighted the carnival's role in preserving cultural heritage and reconnecting younger generations with Carnival Calabar's values and creativity. The event featured representatives from the ECOWAS Commission across 12 member countries, underscoring regional opportunities in business, talent, and the creative sector.
Portugal's Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Paulo Santos, commended the event's organization and professionalism, calling it a cultural and historical homecoming. "Calabar means ‘the quiet harbour’ in my language," he explained, noting historic ties between Portugal and the city. Santos praised the carnival's scale, saying it seemed organized for "200 or even 2,000 years," and pledged to encourage other diplomats to attend.
An 86-year-old UK-based Nigerian, Mr. Richard Nzerem from Imo State, described the experience as once-in-a-lifetime after over 60 years abroad, expressing deep gratitude to the state government.
The Bikers Carnival forms part of broader efforts to promote sports tourism in Cross River, as commended by Ambassador Santos and others.
