By 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.
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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.
