PROMOTING CULTURAL TOURISM THROUGH EVENT PLANNING: CALABAR CARNIVAL AS A CASE STUDY
BY
EBOR GEORGE ALI REG.NO.PG/MA/16/81633
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGY AND TOURISM
UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA
NOVEMBER, 2018. i
TITLE PAGE
PROMOTING CULTURAL TOURISM THROUGH EVENT PLANNING: CALABAR CARNIVAL AS A CASE STUDY
A PROJECT REPORT
SUBMITTED TO
THE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGY AND TOURISM, UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER OF ARTS (M.A) DEGREE IN ARCHAEOLOGY AND TOURISM
BY
EBOR GEORGE ALI REG.NO.PG/MA/16/81633
SUPERVISOR: DR. E. E. OKONKWO
NOVEMBER, 2018. ii
APPROVAL PAGE
Ebor George Ali, Reg. No. PG/MA/2016/81633, a master student in the department of archaeology and tourism has satisfactorily completed the requirements for Masters of Art (M.A.) in archaeology and tourism. The research work is embodied in this seminar paper is original and has not been submitted in part or in full for any other diploma, degree, masters of this kind in any other university.
______Prof. A.M. Ibeanu Dr. E.E. Okonkwo (Head of Department) (Supervisor)
Date: ______Date: ______
______External Examiner
Date: ______
iii
DEDICATION
This work is specially dedicated to the Almighty God for His guidance and protection throughout this programme. My wife Vivian Ali Ebor, and my children Francis, George, Prosper and Johnmyke.
iv
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This research work will not be complete without the guidance and protection of the Almighty God.
I am particular indebted to my supervisor, Dr.E.E. Emeka for his advice, encouragement and understanding, constructive criticism and e4fforts which lead to the completion of this research work. Very indispensable in this write up are my lecturers in the department who taught me during the course of this program: prof.A, I. Okpoko, Prof.Dieke, Prof.P.U.Okpoko, Dr. white, Dr. E, I. Hanyi,
Dr.(mrs) P.I.Eze-Uzomaka, Prof. E. E. Okafor, and my respected HOD, Prof. A.M.
Ibeanu and all other non-academic staff of the department for their advice and contribution.
I also acknowledge in a special way the contribution of my lovely wife, Mrs.
Vivian Ali Ebor who stood by me from the day one of t6his programme. My kids who born my absence patiently will not be forgotten: Frances, George, Prosper and
John Myke. My profound appreciation goes to my beloved mother, Theresa Ebor, for her fervent prayers and contribution towards the success of this work. My immense gratitude goes to my beloved brothers, Samuel, Paul and my only sister
Pauline. v
I also extend regards to my immediate and concern friend, Afufu, Igbaji.
Experience, Candy best. Manga, Chris, Andrew, Emeka, Martha, Dr. Chris
Diminyi, Aduma Veronica, DenMike ICT Centre Ndok Junction
I must not fail to express my appreciation to Hon. Jarigbe Agom whose contribution went a long way to the success of this programme
All my course mates are not forgotten, their contribution was of great value, my friend, my brother, Egar Mgbantul, your support and encouragement towards my academic career will not be left forgotten in a hurry.
Finally, my thanks goes to the D. G. and staff of Cross River State Carnival commission for their contributions to the success of this research work.
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PREFACE
This research work investigates how best to promote cultural tourism through event management with Calabar carnival as case study. For the purpose of clarity, the work is divided into five chapters. Chapter one contains the background of the study, statement of the problem, research objectives and questions, research methods, execution of the research, method of data analysis and interpretation, significance of the study, scope of the study, limitation of the study and clarification of concepts. Chapter two handles theoretical and empirical reviews as well as theoretical orientation. Chapter three discusses the geographical location of Calabar, history of Calabar, socio-political, economic, cultural activities, as well as religious practices and tourist attractions in Cross River State. Chapter four focused on data presentation and analysis. The chapter took a longitudinal study of an overview of Calabar carnival from pre-Calabar carnival, Calabar carnival to post-Calabar carnival. The socio-cultural, economic and environmental effects of Calabar carnival on the host community were examined. Other areas handled in chapter four are problems facing the future existence of Calabar carnival, factors that guarantee the sustainability of Calabar carnival, and contribution of the research report to knowledge. The last chapter deals on the summary, recommendation and conclusion.
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LIST OF FIGURE
Figure 1: Map of Cross River State Showing Calabar Municipal … … 34
Figure 2: Map of Calabar Municipal Showing Carnival Venue … … 35
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LIST OF TABLE
Table 1: Names of Administrators and Governors of Cross River State
From 1976 to Date … … … … … … … … 39
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LIST OF PLATE
Plate 1: Ekombi Dance by Maidens during Calabar Carnival… … … 56
Plate 2: Ekombi Dance by Mothers during Calabar Carnival … … 56
Plate 3: Momkim Dancers at Calabar Carnival … … … … 58
Plate 4: Ekpe Masquerade Displaying during Calabar Carnival … … 59
Plate 5: The Governor Leading other Bikers in the Calabar Canival … 61
Plate 6: A Resident Displaying with a Local Bike … … … … 61
Plate 7: Bayside Band at Display during Calabar Carnival … …. …. 62
Plate 8: Master Blaster Band Posing in Front of their Symbol … … 64
Plate 9: A Displaying of Seagull Band during the Parade … … … 65
Plate 10: A Displaying of Dance by Freedom Band … … … … 66
Plate 11: A Cross Section of Passion 4 Band during Carnival Parade … 67
Plate 12: Spoilt Carnival Road at Marian … … … … … 77
Plate 13: Spoilt Carnival Road at Effi-ette … … … … … 77
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page … …. …. … …. …. …. … … … ii Approval Page … … … … … … … … … iii Dedication … … … … … … … … … … iv Acknowledgment … … … … … … … … … v Preface … … … … …. … … … … … vi List of Figures … … … … … … … … … vii List of Table … … … … … … … … … viii List of Plates … … … …. … … … … … ix Table of Contents … … … … … … … … … x
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION … … … … … 1
1.0 Background of the Study … … … … … … … 1
1.1 Statement of the Problem … … … … … … … 4
1.2 Research Objectives … … … … … … … … 5
1.3 Research Questions … … … … … … …. … 5
1.4 Research Methods … … … … … … … … 6
1.4.1 Primary Data … .. … … …. … … … … 6
1.4.2 Secondary Data … … … … … … … … 8
1.5 Execution of the Research ... … … … … … … 9
1.6 Method of Data Analysis/Interpretation … … … … … 9 xi
1.7 Significance of the Study … … … … … … … 10
1.8 Scope of the Study … … … … … … … … 11
1.9 Limitation of the Study … … … … … … … 11
1.10 Clarification of Concepts … … … … … … … 12
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW … … … … 18
2.0 Introduction … …. …. …. … … … … … 18
2.1 Theoretical Review … … … … … … … … 18
2.1.1 Modernization Theory … … … … … … … 19
2.1.2 Dependency Theory … … … … … … … 20
2.1.3 Functionalism Theory … … … … … … … 22
2.2 Empirical Review … … … … … … … … 23
2.2.1 Event Planning … … … … … … … … 24
2.2.2 Cultural Tourism … … … … … … … … 26
2.3 Theoretical Orientation … … … … … … … 29
CHAPTER THREE: BACKGROUND INFORMATION … … 32
3.1 Geographical Location of Calabar … … … … … … 32
3.1.1 Climate/Vegetation/Geology … … … … … … 36
3.2 History of Calabar … … … … … … … … 36
3.3 Socio-Economic Activities … … … … … … … 40
3.4 Socio-Cultural Activities … … … … … … … 42 xii
3.5 Religious Practices … … … … … … … … 43
3.6 Tourist Attractions … … … … …. … … … 45
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS … 47
4.1 Overview of Calabar Carnival … … … … … … 47
4.1.1 Pre-Calabar Carnival … … … … … … … 48
4.1.2 Calabar Carnival … … … … … … … … 51
4.1.3 Post-Calabar Carnival … … … … … … … 67
4.2 Data Analysis … … … … … … … … … 68
4.2.1 Socio-Cultural Effects of Calabar Carnival on the Host
Community … … … … …. … … … … 68
4.2.2 Socio-Economic Effects of Calabar Carnival on the Host
Community … … … … … … … … … 71
4.2.3 Environmental Effects of Calabar Carnival on the Host Community 74
4.3 Problems Facing the Future Existence of Calabar Carnival … … 75
4.4 Factors that Guarantee the Sustainability of Calabar Carnival … 79
4.5 Contribution of the Research Report to Knowledge … … … 82
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION … … … 84
5.1 Summary… … … … … … … … … … 84
5.2 Recommendations … … … … … … … … 84
5.3 Conclusion … … … … … … … … … 87 xiii
REFERENCES … … … … … … … … … 88
LIST OF INFORMANTS … … … … … … … 92 1
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
The growth of the tourism sector is increasingly developing. Tourism contributes more than 10% of the world Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and creates about 8% of the world’s employment (Ferehiwot and Shewit, 2015). Accordingly, tourism contributes highly to the GDP, employment rates and improvement of socio- economic conditions of many developing countries (Torres and Momsen, 2004, Weaver,
2005). As tourism is increasingly developing, it has also lead to the emergence of various forms tourism, of which cultural tourism is one. Nigeria has a lot of cultural and tourism potentials whose development will not only help in diversifying but sustaining our economy (Okpoko and Okpoko, 2002).
These forms of tourism are popularly used as a tool of regional development and poverty alleviation. It has also become a means of income generation for many regions seeking for ways to improve their economy, preserve their unique culture and foster cross-cultural learning. Today many States in Nigeria including Cross River State have developed their cultural tourism potentials through proper event planning and these have fostered economic growth and development.
Event planning as a means of promoting cultural tourism is a means of attracting and enhancing visitor’s/tourist’s experience. This is so because well-planned cultural tourism event can boost the local economy to international standards and it has the potential to aid in the seasonal and geographical spread of tourism (Long and Perdue, 2
1990). Event planning can be said to be an organised public or social occasion, often necessary, exciting and memorable; better still event planning is the process of organising a festival, ceremony or competition in order to showcase what the event is all about.
Event planning had no actual date when it started; the speculative assumption has for years been when people gather, buy drinks to celebrate an event or occasions. An event constitutes one of the most exciting and fastest growing forms of leisure, business and tourism-related phenomena. Goldblatt (2002:1) introduces event as a “kaleidoscope of planning culture, sports, political and business occasions from mega-events like
Olympics and world fairs to community festivals.
From programmes of the event at parts-indent and attractions to visits by dignitaries and intergovernmental assemblies; from small meetings and conventions and competition to any sort”. The revelation in festivals has been stimulated through economic means to meet the changing demand of local community groups and to increase business opportunities for event organisations and local businesses.
Some events are attractive to host communities because they help to develop local pride and identity of the people. Also, the event plays a vital role in the development of the communities in the areas of destination planning and linking tourism and commercial activities. Proper event planning as defined by Massic & Douglas (1973) is a systematic way of setting goals, standards stipulating actions or activities through which the goals of an event can be realised or achieved. In analysing the present conditions in order to find ways to reach a desired future objective, an event planner must follow a logical set of steps: 3
1. The first step in the planning process is to identify the goals or assumptions of the
organisation upon which the plans will be built. Goals serve useful purposes.
Thus, many writers describe the result of the planning process as a ‘‘means-to-an-
end’’ chain. This chain consists of a hierarchy of ends (goals) and means (plans)
with the means for accomplishing each higher goal containing the end toward
which lower level means are directed. Event planners must have an overall goal in
mind before the organisational event is put into existence. This and subsequent
specific goals help to determine the organisational structure. Goals also provide a
basis against which event planner can measure performance; for example,
scheduled completion dates, specification of acceptable quality, standard for the
quantity of output and limitation of cost for a project.
2. Planning involves a search for opportunities, in this step the event planner must
attempt to break out of a fixed way of thinking. Leaving his mind open to new
ideas for products, methods and services that would fit the situation.
3. The third step in the planning process is the event translation of the opportunities
into a selected course of action. The managerial job at this stage is to evaluate the
alternatives and compare each alternative to factors like the organisations strengths
and weakness.
4. The fourth step involves setting specific target quotas and quantified statement. At
this stage, the plan will be called a budget, a routine or some other specific
statement of targets. 4
5. The last of the planning process is the continual review (Massic and Douglas
1973:23)
This research work is to examine how event planning using Calabar carnival can promote cultural tourism. Calabar is the capital of Cross River State and has often been described as the tourism hub of Nigeria. It is bounded by Odukpani local government to the west and the great Kwa falls in the North –East. Its southern shores are bounded by the Calabar river and Calabar south local Government. It has an area of 157 square kilometres, with a population of about 371,022 as at 2006 census.
1.1 Statement of the Problem
Many observers and tourism analysts have expressed doubt about the continued existence of event planners. Event, especially social event involves enormous resources.
The enormity of the resources depends on the type, style and scope of the event, which are confronted with different setbacks.
Like any other activities that have to do with a large number of people, attracting human being has always been a problem. Therefore, Calabar carnival is not an exception of processing remarkable tourist attraction as the people involved in the events are of different character, cultures and religions. Such differences constitute the problem of attracting a good number of tourists. Managing risk is another problem that is associated with the Calabar carnival event as so many attendees and spectators were victims of such circumstances like rape, robbery, brutality and other form of abuse. Businesses were also left out of risk problems as so many of them suffered during the event. 5
The problem of creating awareness for events in developing countries like Nigeria abounds. Creating awareness was not an exception to the problem faced by organisers of
Calabar carnival. The commodification of culture is another problem that will not be left out; thus, how event planners can use Calabar carnival for the commodification of culture because of the different cultures and beliefs of the people is a topical issue. This research report seeks to address these issues raised.
1.2 Research Objectives
The main focus of this study is to appraise event planning as a means of promoting the rich cultural heritage of Calabar. This study also seeks to achieve the following specific objectives:
1. To examine how Calabar carnival event is planned and executed.
2. To ascertain the socio-economic effect of Calabar carnival on the host community.
3. To examine the mechanism put in place to guarantee the sustainability of the
carnival.
4. To examine how proper planning can attract a large number of tourist to the state as
well as how event planner can create awareness of culture during Calabar carnival.
1.3 Research Questions
To achieve the objectives of this study, the following research questions are to be considered:
1. How does Calabar carnival event planned and executed?
2. What are the socio-economic effects of Calabar carnival on the host community? 6
3. What are the mechanisms put in place to guarantee the sustainability of the
carnival?
4. Does proper event planning serves as a means of attracting a large number of
tourist?
1.4 Research Methods
The researcher used both primary and secondary data to prosecute the study. For clarity, these methods are explained below:
1.4.1 Primary Data
Primary data are new data collected explicitly in proposed research (Veal, 1997).
However, three instruments were designed to gather data via key informant interview, in- depth interviews and questionnaire. In other words, a combination of qualitative and quantitative data gathering methods was used for the study. a. Qualitative Research: According to Veal (1997:102) the qualitative approach to research is designed to “gather a great deal of information about a small number of people and is used when a full and rounded understanding of the situation is required”.
The searcher made use of in-depth and semi-structured interviews to obtain primary data.
As noted by Okpoko and Ezeh (2011) in-depth interviews entail the collection of semi- structured or unstructured data through interviewer-interviewee verbal interactions or conversations. This method provides opportunities for respondents to talk freely and in details on the subject of interest.
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On the other hand, semi-structured interview involves “a conscious effort to guide and steer the discussion towards the particular interests of the researcher by either using a series of written or memorized prompts, or a carefully planned interview guide consisting of a list of items, which must be covered during the interview” (Okpoko & Ezeh,
2011:69). In-depth and semi-structured (face-to-face) interview with some carefully selected people were conducted. We selected 38 key informants from among knowledgeable persons in the carnival communities; and had in-depth interviews with 60 workers in TINAPA, Culture and Tourism Commission (CTC), and Calabar Carnival
Commission (CCC). the selection of these people was based on their status and positions within and outside Cross River State.
We used a non-probability sampling of snowball/chain sampling method in identifying these informants. Here, the researcher identified one member of some population of interest and interviewed him/her and thereafter, asked him/her to suggest other interviewee(s) that the researcher might speak to and so on. b. Quantitative Research: the quantitative approach to research involves statistical analysis and relies on statistical evidence to draw conclusions or test hypotheses. Large numbers of people and the use of computers are needed to check the reliability of the results and analyse the data (Veal, 1997:102).
Part of the research work is to examine how event planning using Calabar carnival can promote cultural tourism. Thus, identifying the features that make up the carnival, tourist facilities, the impact of cultural tourism on the people/environment, sustainability of the carnival as well as the needs, interests and expectations of the host communities 8
are essential. The above features amongst others were sequentially/orderly arranged in the form of questionnaire and administered in the study area.
A total of 236 copies of the questionnaire were administered in proportion to the various interest groups; thus, 100 questionnaires were administered to participants, tourists and spectators, 50 questionnaires in carnival commission; while 86 were distributed among the host community.
In September, we did a preliminary study of Calabar for fieldwork preparations and to familiarise ourselves with the study area, carry out the survey, locate the carnival site, familiarise ourselves with the organising committee; locate carnival commission and identify the informants. In the November field season, we had intensive interviews with the identified key informants. The study enabled us to understand the impact of Calabar carnival to host community and state government. In December, we have experienced firsthand the Calabar carnival; such opportunity gave us the ground for administering 100 questionnaires to participants, tourists and spectators. Our final visit to Calabar was in
January when we interviewed workers in Calabar Carnival Commission (CCC) and finally revalidate our data. Information collected from secondary sources were used to supplement both the qualitative and quantitative data.
1.4.2. Secondary Data:
As rightly argued by Veal (1997), secondary data are already existing data (like textbooks, journals and conference articles etc) collected for some other purpose but which can be used second time in the current project. Secondary research was useful because it provided the theoretical anchor for the study. The research covers such broad 9
areas as cultural tourism, Calabar carnival, and event planning. To cover the above field, well-polished materials, government documents, historical accounts and others were gathered for this study.
1.5. Execution of the Research
The primary research was conducted in Calabar, the state capital of Cross River
State. The inclusion of the organising committee was to enable us to interview or key informants as well as administer questionnaires to participants, tourists, and spectators at the carnival arena.
Another primary research was conducted at the Calabar Carnival Commission and ministry of tourism. The commissioners and other heads of departments and units gave us an audience for interviews. Questionnaires were also administered. Key players in the host community were also interviewed and questionnaires administered. Outside these areas, all other ethnographic research was done at Calabar municipal. All information collected was used to cross-check and evaluate the secondary information and internet materials.
1.6. Method of Data Analysis/Interpretation
According to Patton (1990:372) “there are no absolute rules to data analysis except to do the very best with your full intellect to fairly represent the data and communicate what the data reveal given the purpose of the study”. Okpoko & Eze (2011:146) also observed that “analysis of data depends on the types of data that have been obtained. For 10
example, data obtained through interviews are analysed the same way that interviews are analysed in other types of social research”.
Three techniques were designed to gather data (in-depth interviews, semi- structured interviews and key informant interview). These three techniques are subsumed under qualitative and quantitative methods; and are adjudged here as more appropriate for our study. For both qualitative and quantitative data, a cross-case analysis was used to analyze the interviews. This entails grouping together answers from different people to common questions or analysing different perspectives on central issues. Through this technique, our interview guide constituted a descriptive, analytical framework for our qualitative and quantitative analysis.
We analysed our qualitative and quantitative data by triangulation. As noted by
Okpoko & Eze (2011) this triangulation method ensured that all information supplied is verified via other technique; thus, each of the techniques aimed at complementing the other.
1.7. Significance of the Study
At this point, we are going to establish the relevance of this research to event managers, Cross River State natives, and hoteliers, researchers and consultants. This research will serve as a guide to individuals and co-operate organisations that are involved in event management and promotion. This work has outlined the workable ways of planning especially when it comes to the promotion of culture and tourism.
The Cross River State natives would become aware of the full benefits of participating or sponsoring Calabar carnival as the means of promoting or showcasing 11
their cultural heritage to the outside world. There would be no apathy on the side of the local performing groups to take part in subsequent carnivals. This work will encumbrance boosting of tourism in Nigeria, especially in Cross River State as the importance of event planning as a means of promoting cultural tourism. Tourism is an aspect of the hospitality industry which motivates tourists to seek accommodation and entertainment in hotels and restaurants.
Researchers will have an in-depth knowledge about Calabar carnival and how events are managed successfully. These materials will serve as a reference point to the consultants for other related job. Other significance of this work lies on highlighting challenges confronting event management as well as suggesting ways of ameliorating them.
1.8 Scope of the study
The researcher chooses Cross River state because it epitomises the nations linguistic and it is important to note that despite the diversity of dialects, all the indigenous languages in the state have common linguistic roosts as Niger-Congo languages and the state boasts of being the value for the most extensive and properly planned carnival in Africa. Finally, the beauty of Nigeria is wholly conveyed in the
Calabar carnival.
1.9 Limitation of the study
The researcher encountered some possible hindrance and constraints which militate against the study. These are: 12
1. Difficulty in arranging an interview session with carnival commission and the
local organizing committee.
2. Identification of key informants from the host community was another difficult
task.
3. Other limitations include scantiness of local research materials on the study topic
as most of the relevant materials are sourced from different textbooks, journals,
magazines and the internet.
4. Another limitation was the suspicious attitude of the respondents to the
questionnaire as some of them often believe that data collected by the researcher
has a bearing with their tax or rates payable to the government and other agencies.
5. Finally, among the limitations was the financial constraint which had affected the
researcher in the process of gathering, collection and analysing the data generated
from one point to another.
1.10 Clarification of Concepts
The concepts related to event planning as a means of promoting culture and tourism are the major concepts that were reviewed here.
1.10.1 The Concept of Planning and Management Initiatives of Events.
Events are broad in nature, scale, size and every event is unique and demands requirement, (Vander Wagen 2005:5). Managing major event is complex and involves many role players, resources and technical support facility. Vander Wagen (2005:5), states that the satisfactory planning and management of an event depends on the size and type of the event. 13
An event manager is generally supported by a planning team, whose services are contracted to enable the smooth operation of the events. Some of the activities that can be contracted to other managers include venue, stage, lighting, audio and videos companies, decoration and florist, entertainers, employment agencies security and catering,
(Vander Wagen 2005:5). Vander Wagen mentions that in some event, the manager is required to liaise with the government. Local councils deal with event planning and approval; state government provide approval for traffic policing and the government gives a protocol for international dignitaries. According to Vander Wagen (2005:24) environmental scanning of the competition is essential at the initial planning stage coupled with other aspects such as regulation, marketing, community impacts, risk management, revenue and experience which can severely limit capacity.
Turco et al. (2002:14) mentions that there are many reasons cities and nations need and wants to host tourism events. Hosting a sporting event could be developmental for the community which means that hosting sports tourism event in which sports facilities are provided contribute towards community development. Vander Wagen
(2005:45) stated that ‘many issues should be taken into consideration when organising any event or festivals to unqualified of the event. She further indicates that the event manager should ensure the following requirement are in place before the actual time of the event: safety and security; adequate infrastructure and capacity of the event venue; as well as proper marketing at different levels (local, regional, national and international).
Communication prior, during and even after the event is crucial to avoid unnecessary 14
inconveniences and misunderstanding. Sufficient resources and staff training in event management are essential to service quality.
A well programmed cultural event will impress customers and affect the event success positively; although some event may face sponsorship problem. Therefore, it is essential to arrange them accordingly before the event is held. For an event to be successful, it requires proper planning and design decision. This might include space exhibition and pavilion; supply of essential services from parking to sanitation facilities, modification of the transport system to handle the traffic created by the event; anticipated revenue from admission and sales; human resources requirement and the capital and operational budget for the event (Mules and McDonald, 1994).
1.10.2 Event planning in the Promotion of Culture and Tourism
According to Watt (1992, cited in Turco, et al. 2002:75) planning is the process that identifies aims and objectives and establishes the method to be utilised to achieve those objectives of the event. A business plan is required to include key points such as the background of the organisation of the event, plans for developing and improving the event, as well as marketing and communication strategies and financial management plans, which are useful in strategic planning and budgeting (Turco, et al. 2002:76). The feasibility will consist of some questions and possible answers that will lead to more detailed planning of the event. The factors include the following: i) Weather: weather can strongly influence the timing success of the event, even if the event is staged in-door. Bowin, et. al. (2006) indicates that weather can influence 15
attendance of the event that is why carnival especially the Calabar carnival is held in
December. ii) Competition: careful consideration should be taken to all events occurring around the proposed time, even if the activities planned are not direct competition. This is important because most events rely heavily on the media for publicity (Turco, et al.
2002:27). iii) Population: it is essential to establish whether there will be enough people interested in the anticipated event. The event radium varies depending on the city or region. Factors such as income, age strata, unemployment, minority grouping and predicated growth and declines patterns should be considered (Turco, et al. 2002:78). iv) Attitude: it is essential to know how participants feel about the proposed event. It is important to note that focus group discussion or personal interview is organised according to the scheduled event to gather crucial information. Questionnaires should be used as a measure of attitude, (Turco, et al. 2002). v) Security: it is mandatory to provide adequate security in and around the event’s area, Okoli, (2007) asserts that the security community committee must liaise with law enforcing agents for the maintenance of law and order as well as to ensure security of lives and property of quest, bands, investors/tourists during the event. Cross River State carnival has always lived up to its status because of proper planning and management teams that are working hard to ensure that they come first in all carnivals celebrated in the country.
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1.10.3 Calabar Festival: A Means of Attracting a Large Number of Tourists
The revolution in the event has been stimulated through commercial aspect to meet the changing demand of the local community and increasing group business opportunity for the event organisers and local business. Events play a significant part in the city or local community.
Festivals are attractive to local communities because they help to develop local pride and identity of the local people. Also, festivals have an essential role in the development of a nation and host community in the area of industry and commerce.
Some aspects of this role include: event as image maker; economic impact generators; tourist attraction; overcoming seasonality; contributing to the development of local communities and business and sporting key industrial sectors. The festival organisers are now using the historical and cultural themes to develop the annual event to attract visitors and create a credible cultural image in the cities by holding such event in the community settings.
Festival provides an opportunity for the local communities to develop and share their culture which creates a sense in beliefs held by the individual in the local community and provides an opportunity for members of the local community to exchange experience and information. Festivals provide the tourist with the opportunity to see how the local communities celebrate their culture and how this affects the community development. They also help the visitor to interact with the host community and help people to enjoy and meet their leisure needs. The people and communities that host the festival provide the visitors with a vibrant and valuable demonstration of their heritage 17
culture. Culture is the personal expression of community heritage, community perspective; it provides cultural opportunities for visitors to enjoy expressed local illumination and culture.
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CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction
In this chapter, we are going to review the related literature on the subject matter.
The chapter is delineated in three sub-heading; theoretical review, empirical review and theoretical orientation.
2.1 Theoretical Review
In other to appreciate the concept of an event, it is worthwhile to understand the theories of event development. Thus, for this work, modernism, functionalism and dependency theories are adjudged usefully. Haralambos (1980) defined a theory as a set of ideas, which explains something. Kellinger (1937) sees a theory “a set of interrelated constructs (concepts), definitions, and preposition that present a systematic view of phenomena by specifying relations among variable with the purpose of explaining or predicting the phenomena”. It is a logical interconnection set of preposition from which empirically uniformity will rise. On the other hand, Karl Marx (1963) sees theory as an essential research practice and application, which set a tool and a goal.
As a theory it is set to direct the empirical investigation, the tool function is evident in the generally accepted proposition that theory guide research by generating new prediction not otherwise likely to occur. As a goal theory is something valued in its own right, i.e., theory guides research by generating a new prediction, that may likely to occur. Finally, Encarta Encyclopedia (2004) noted that a theory is an assumption or set of assumptions accepted principles and rules of procedure based on limited information or 19
knowledge, devised to analyse, predict or otherwise explain the nature or behaviour of a specified set of phenomena, abstract reasoning, (Encarta, 2004). Therefore, the formation of valid theories is very vital in the effort of promoting and accelerating the expansion and development of human capabilities in any field, leading to fresh discoveries, improvement of existing activities and capacity for more significant result.
2.1.1 Modernization Theory
In discussing modernisation theory Igbo and Okpoko(2006) opine that, it consist of a variety of perspectives, namely; economic, psychology and technological consideration. Schneider, et al. (1972) in Igbo and Okpoko (2006) defines modernisation as ‘the process by which underdeveloped regions change in process to input (ideologies, behavioural codes, commodities and institutional models) from already established industrial models’ from already established industrial centres’. Modernisation theory emerged in the 1950s as an explanation of how the industrial societies developed. The theory argues that societies develop in fairly predictable stages through which they become increasingly complex.
Development depends primarily on the importation of technology as well as some other political and social changes believed to come about as a result. For example, modernisation involves increased levels of schooling and the development of mass media, both of which foster democratic political institutions. Transportation and communication become increasingly sophisticated and accessible, populations become more urban and mobil and the extended family system declines. Organisations become bureaucratic as the division of labour grows more complex and religion declines in public 20
influence. Lastly, cash-driven markets take over as the primary mechanism through which goods and services are exchanged (Haralambos and Holborn 2008).
Society was said to have evolved from the theological to the decisive or scientific stage (Auguste Comte); from the most plainly to the most complex (Herbert Spencer): from mechanical to organic solidarity (Emile Durkheim); from Gemeinschaft to
Gesellschaft (Toennies) and as Web Star put it, with traditional primitive values being displaced by modern ones” (Web Star, 1984). Everything ‘tradition is seen as archaic, out of tune and unhelpful to belong to West (Foster Carter, 1986). Third World countries are therefore advised to do away with their traditional values and characteristics, which are seen as an obstacle to development and embrace modern values if they want to develop.
As Nkom (1995) aptly summarised it, the various strand of modernisation theory beliefs that there are wide gaps between tradition and modern societies and considers everything tradition as archaic, out of fashion and from underdeveloped world, while everything modern is said to belong to the developed world. These gaps are often so vast that they require a total transformation of the social, educational, cultural, political and economic institutions of undeveloped countries for them to be able to close or even reduce the gaps (Okpoko, 2006). Thus developing countries need to lean on the developed nation for their tourism potential to thrive.
2.1.2 Dependency Theory
Dependency theory is sometimes referred to as Marxist theory or undeveloped theory. Dependency theory is a set of theoretical explanation connecting the tendency of a national economy to rely on the foreign economy for growth and survival. It is a 21
situation where a national economy is extricable linked to and to be driven by a more advanced economy. The advanced economy dictates the major happening in the local economy to suit their whims and caprices. These are often executed through trade agreements and the injection of foreign capital and foreign technology. (Igbo and
Okpoko, 2006). Roborough (1988) put it, the mechanism by which value is transferred from the periphery to center areas manifold direct plunder through unequal exchange, through the exchange of productive goods, via a monopoly shipping fleets through control over prices etc.
In the above quotation, the periphery refers to the Third World countries like
Nigeria; while the centre refers to the capitalist world. Dependency theory is merely saying that the underdeveloped countries are underdeveloped that they rely on the West economically, culturally, socially and technologically. For these countries to experience real development, they most necessarily cut or minimise the strength of their relationship with the West. As Griffin (1973) has argued, there are some international economic forces, which naturally tend to stimulate development, but there are many other forces, which perpetuate inequalities and tend to retard development. Care should be taken to ensure that ideas, knowledge and commodities generated in the west and suitable for them are not swallowed entirely without checking their presumed appropriateness for the third world including Nigeria.
Dependency theory represents a framework within which various heterogeneous phenomena are analysed to see how they link to each other in other to form a total system. The theory must, therefore, be judged concerning its adequacy or inadequacy as a 22
framework for the articulation of the dynamics of specific relationship. In summary, it is an attempt to establish a new paradigm (Mark, 2003). Obviously, in unsophisticated hands, the danger with total viewpoint is that dependency can quickly become a pseudo- concept, which explains everything in general and hence, nothing in particular. The primary hypothesis of dependency theory is that development and underdevelopment are partial-interdependent structures of the one global system.
2.1.3 Functionalism Theory
The theory of functionalism was said to have been founded by Bronislaw
Malinowski, a sociologist around the 20th century. As stated in Ezeh (2000:57),
“Malinowski explain the simplest act of eating to the sacramental performance in which taking communion is related to the whole system of beliefs detained by cultural necessity, to be at one with the living God.”
Malinowski saw society as a perfectly integrated whole and taught that each element has a possible contribution to make. Each natural element serves a contemporary purpose. He takes the view that society consists of part of the present and some organisational structures which unit has specific functions and work together to promote institutional stability. This theory of functionalism tries to view it as a system as was in the case in system theory, a system of collection of interdependent parts, with a tendency towards equilibrium. The theory also shows that there is a functional requirement that must be met in the society, for its survival (such as the production of the population).
Then each phenomenon is seen to exist because they serve a function. 23
Functionalist sees an institution as being made up of interdependent sections, that work together to fulfil the functions necessary for the survival of society as a whole,
(Parson, 1951). The institutions of the society, in this case, include the family, the economic, and the educational and political system in the family. For instance, the rules are the husband, wife, mother, son and daughter are interconnected, informal institutions, there are managers, secretaries, receptionists, drivers, accountants, etc and they perform various tasks in maintaining the institution. The functionalist also believe that one can compare society to a living organism in that both the society and a living organism are made up of interdependent working parts (organs) and systems will make sure that the different parts of the society are working together to form a social system. In the same way, the different parts of an organism form a cohesive functioning entity made to the maintenance of the whole system. Functionalism theory is used to determine the level of interdependency between the tourist and the host community during the period of carnival.
2.2 Empirical Review
In this section, some observations have been made by different authors on promoting cultural tourism through event planning. In the course of this study, the researcher consulted some publications by various authors whose observations have contributed to guiding the researcher in this research. Various work consulted revealed that scholars agree in some respects and disagree in some others. These agreement and disagreements by different scholars are what we shall re-appraise in these sub-heads.
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2.2.1 Event Planning
According to Watt (1992) cited in Turco et al. (2002:75), planning is the process that identifies aims and objectives and establishes the method to be utilised to achieve those objectives. The formal approval process starts with undertaking the feasibility study and specifying the aims and objectives of the event. A business plan is required to include key points such as the background of the organisation of the event, plans for developing and improving the event as well as marketing and communication strategies and financial management plans, which are useful in strategic planning and budgeting Turco et al.
(2002:76). The feasibility will consist of some questions and definite answers that will lead to a more detailed planning of the event.
The word event encompasses anything attracting to an audience by appealing to specific tastes, desires or needs and has been used to define that which is extraordinary in popular culture Swarf and Smith Christensen, (2005). According to Bowden et al. (2006, p. 15) “events are special rites presentation, performance or celebration which is continuously planned and created in order to make special events and to achieve special social, cultural or corporate aims and targets”. Events help policymakers and communities in revitalising their heritage, folklore and tradition (Uysal& Wicks, 1993).
Event planning as defined by Getz (2004) is the design and implementation of a plan to create a new event on time and within established parameters about resources, venue and impacts. Planning he said is always future oriented, focusing on the formulation of goals and the means to achieve them. Planning requires the ability to motivate others and excellent communication skills. As noted by Oakley and Krug (1991, 25
p. 23 in Getz, 2004) “An enlightened leader can get the members of an organisation to accept ownership for a vision as their own”.
Event planners need to take into account all the details of event management and do significant research on managing the event as a tourism perspective. Ghazali, in
Collins and Minnis, (2007) states that event tourism is systematic planning and marketing of festivals and special events as tourist attractions, image makers, catalysts for infrastructure and economic growth and animators of built attraction.
It is necessary to look at the significance of these events for a better understanding of its value to society. Hall (1992, p. 88) notes that “events can be used as both the macro and micro political level to enhance the image and ideology or strengthen the position of the elites within the local or regional power structure. Events can provide the means of the flow of money and other positives into a community that would not otherwise have occurred. It could have a direct impact on the local economy through direct spending by visitors.
Agbor and Njock (2006) concluded in their study that the only way an event will be successful is through proper planning and implementation. Their findings also revealed that proper planning of event has a significant role in attracting large crowd to the event centre. Ikani (2013) also pointed out that the major setback in any event organised is lack of proper planning. According to Aja (2011) in his work Bakor New
Yam festival, emphasised the need for effective planning which will lead to the overall success of an event. Success can never be achieved without planning of an event. 26
Vander Wagen (2005:12) states that the planning and management of an event depend on the size and type of event. An event manager is generally supported by a planning team, whose services are contracted to enable the smooth operation of the event.
Vander Wagen (2005:45) states that many issues should be taken into consideration when organising an event or festival to ensure the success of the event. She further indicates that event managers should ensure the following requirements are in place before the actual time of the event; safety, security, adequate infrastructure and capacity of the event venue.
According to the chairman of Cross River State Carnival Commission, Mr. Gab
Onah, timing an event is essential in planning. The timing of an event is also linked to the weather seasons of the year. That is why the Calabar carnival festival is always organised in December of every year because the weather is usually friendly at that time. So event planners should always take into cognisance the timing of the event.
2.2.2 Cultural Tourism
Tourism according to Okpoko and Okpoko (2004, p. 21) involves the temporary movement of persons from one destination to another and that such movement must be aimed at achieving some objectives and must be within or outside a given geographical boundary. This summation was a secondment to Davidson (1993, p.2) definition that tourism is “about people being away from their own homes, on short-term, temporary visits, for particular tourism purposes” Aniakor (2000, p. 148).
Nigeria is endowed with a wide range of tourist attractions that are classified into two main categories namely natural features nd cultural attractions. Okpoko and Okpoko 27
(2002, p.40) define cultural attractions as the “indispensable component in our development schemes” which provides the foundation for the tourist trade. Cultural tourism means different to different people and organisation. The world tourism organisation sees cultural tourism as the movement of persons for essentially cultural motivations, which include study tours, performing arts, cultural tours, travel to festivals, visit to historic sites and monuments, folklore and pilgrimages (WTO 1987).
This type of tourism is concern with culturally motivated movements of tourist to a community or region to appreciate their natural endowment. According to Lee et al.
(2004) on a global scale festival and event with the strong cultural component is substantially increased in number. In addition to enhancing local pride in culture, these events also expose indigenous minorities and an increasing number of international visitors to new people and their customs as well as other purposes including contributing to the local economy and providing recreation opportunities (Long and Perdue 1990).
Getz (1991) recognises festivals and events as a wave to alternative tourism which contributes to sustainable development and improves the relationship between the host community and guest. According to Felsenstein and Fleischer (2005) local event/festivals are increasingly being used as an instrument for promoting tourism and boosting the regional economy.
Culture being dynamic is never cheap as rightly pointed out by Susana Wenger, an old Australian lady residing in Oshogbo. In Oshogbo and Nigeria as a whole, culture is the bedrock for tourism potential. It is regarded as a catalyst for sustainable development and social change. This has made Nigerians develop a network of value, which has 28
helped them immensely in expressing their experience. Thus, it is very vital to record the economy of cultural tourism as an aid in achieving sustainable development (Ojiakor,
2007). Ikegwu, J. U. (2010) in “The Role of Cultural Sites in Tourism Development in
Nigeria” posits that sustainability of the Mbarie cultural festival for tourism development will attract foreign nationals and will encourage the integration, acculturation and growth in national economy; as well as utilize the use of microwave and video signals to convey its message to the people.
Bachleitner and Zins (1992) assert that cultural tourism festivals enhance residents learning, awareness appreciation of community pride, ethnic identity, tolerance of others and brings about the opening of small and medium-sized family enterprises. It is also believed that cultural event foster cross-cultural communication that can promote understanding between the host and the guest, Sdrali and Chazapi, (2007). A region can make a name for itself and establish its competitive position among countries or nations through tourism, (Smith, 2004).
Esu and Vivian (2009) in their study on tourist satisfaction with cultural tourism festival came out with the following findings. The study shows that cultural tourism festivals attributes have a significant effect on the overall tourist satisfaction. The result of multiple regression analysis revealed that some festival attributes (organisation, promotion, facilities and friendliness of locals) are predictors of the level of attendees overall satisfaction with the festival.
Goeldner, Ch., Brent, J.R. (2006) in their work cultural tourism for life enrichment posits that culture is the main factor for the overall attractiveness of a tourism region. It 29
covers a wide range of diversity and meanings. Cultural tourism reflects on the ways of life and thought of different nations. It is “an important means of promoting cultural relations and international cooperation”. They also put thus, the cultural expressions of people are products of fine arts, music and dance, handicraft, food and drink, religion, etc. Okpoko and Okpoko (2002) posit that Nigeria has a lot of cultural and tourism potentials whose development will not only help in diversifying but sustaining our economy.
Olusola, S.F, Adekunle, A.B & Agbeyan, S.F (2017) in their study on cultural tourism as a tool for nation building came out with the following findings that cultural festival will boost tourism if proper attention is given to it. The veil covering cultural tourism and planning in the dark has been removed. They went further to say a number of actions which must be taken into consideration if we are to achieve a true potential of cultural festivals for tourism development: they include better planning and management.
2.3 Theoretical Orientation
The theoretical orientation of this research work is drawn from modernisation and functionalism theories because of the comprehensive approach to the study.
Modernisation theory takes off from the premise that underdevelopment derives from unproductive and change-resistant value, institution and technologies found within the host community under study. These tradition and way of doing things are characterised by inefficiency, low productivity and institution inertia, which tend to act as an obstacle to development. The solution to this problem is assumed to lie the adoption of modern 30
technologies, institution, managerial system and ways of doing things (Nkom, 1995 cited in Igbo and Okpoko, 2006).
Critically base on the modernisation theory, for cultural and event tourism to successfully thrive in a developing country, it needs the assistance of the developed countries. In other words, for Calabar carnival and Cross River State tourism potentials to boom, it needs the assistance of other countries or States whose tourism potentials are already developed. So event planners should adopt modern policies to enhance the effective implementation of the carnival event. According to Igbo and Okpoko (2006) tradition and modernity do exist and when used correctly they can be mutually beneficial”. This can be possible only through proper enlightenment and awareness, where traditional methods of planning will be combined with modern technologies to ensure a long-term and sustainable carnival event.
Also, functionalism theory was adjudged useful because tourism and cultures are interdependent or interrelated. Functionalism theory, according to Okeibunor and
Anugwom (2002), is the contribution that an institution, item or any partial activity makes to the maintenance of the whole system’. The theory sees tourism development as a system of interrelated and interdependent parts, which function for the maintenance of the whole. In applying the functionalism theory as the theoretical basis for analysis in this research work can be used to explain how the various event team function together for the planning of the event and its promotion and development. For event planning, the organised event service providers in Calabar carnival are known to have various functional heads i.e. event manager, each part of subsection works together as a system; 31
they discharge their duties in an organised manner. Here, every department is essential in discharging their duties or service to the public in order to achieve a successful carnival which would also help the state to grow.
The removal or negligence of any group of stakeholders will jeopardise the success of the programme’s objectives. While a planning team generally supports an event manager, some of the activities are contracted to ease the smooth operation of the event. Some of the activities that can be contracted to other unit heads include, venue, stage, lighting, audio and video companies, decoration and florist entertainers, employment agency, rental companies, security and catering Van der Wagen, (2005:12).
All these are dependent on the other for effective and efficient production. Van der
Wagen (2005:120) mentions that for some events, the manager is also required to liaise with the government. The local council deals with event planning approval; State
Government advises on the protocol for international dignitaries.
According to Van der Wagen (2005:24) all this teamwork is promoting and planning events. Finally, these theories serve as an insight to the researcher and even the
State on how a properly planned event on how cultural tourism should be conserved, and promoted for sustainable tourism development.
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CHAPTER THREE
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
3.1 Geographical Location of Calabar
Calabar (also referred to as "Canaan City") is the capital of Cross River State,
Nigeria. It was initially named AkwaAkpa, in Efik language. The city is adjacent to the
Calabar and Great Kwa rivers and creeks of the Cross River (from its inland delta).
Calabar is often described as the tourism capital of Nigeria. Administratively, the city is divided into Calabar Municipal and Calabar South Local Government Areas. It has an area of 406 square kilometres (157 sq mile) and a population of 461,796 as at 2006 census. Simon O. Ering, (2010) making it the biggest city in Cross River. Calabar is the capital city of Cross River State in southern Nigeria. It is located geographically at latitude 04°57¹ North and longitude 08°20¹ Eastland it is situated at elevation 98 meters above sea level.
To the North of it are the upper regions of the Cross River, Oban and Ogoja, while to the West are the lands inhabited by the Ibibio and Igbo people. Calabar is bordered on the East by Cameroon and to the South by the estuary of the Cross River, which flows into the Bight of Biafra. Ethnically, the region is regarded as semi-Bantu. The Efik are the dominant ethnic group in Calabar, but two other ethnic units, the Qua and the Efut are essential elements that constitute Calabar in its long history. Under the present-day political arrangement, Calabar is within the confines designated as Calabar Municipality and Calabar South Local Government Areas of Cross River State. It is one of the earliest locations in the country to establish contact with the Europeans, mainly Portuguese and 33
British trade merchants, Scottish Presbyterian and Catholic missionaries and British colonial administrators. Nair (1972) describes Calabar as “…having one of the longest unbroken contacts with Europe of any part of the West African coast”. He also contends that Calabar was “a flourishing emporium of trade”. Similarly, Ganduno (1970) observed that Calabar is “…a Nigerian Rome, from where civilisation overflowed into and pervaded the rest of that land between the Niger River and the Cameroon mountain”.
Fuller (1996) describes Calabar as “Canaan city of Nigeria”, Udo calls it “the New
York city of Ibibio land and more recently as “a Cross River State metropolis (Akoda
2002) among other designations. Calabar derives its historical fame from its cosmopolitan character, being a crossroad of religion, culture, trade, civilisation and administration; it exerts tremendous social, cultural and economic pull on all the societies of the lower-Cross River region and beyond (Uya “Slave Routes” 5). Given this background, Calabar is naturally endowed with equatorial rainforest and agrarian vegetation which attracted early settlers, whose major occupations, such as hunting, fishing and farming, were supported by these natural resources.
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Figure 1: Map of Cross River State Showing Calabar Municipal
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Figure 2: Map of Calabar Municipal Showing Carnival Venue
3.1.1 Climate/Vegetation/Geology 36
Under Köppen's climate classification, Calabar features a tropical monsoon climate Köppen, (2000), with a lengthy wet season spanning ten months and a short dry season covering the remaining two months. The harmattan, which significantly influences weather in West Africa, is noticeably less pronounced in the city. Temperatures are relatively constant throughout the year, with average high temperatures usually ranging from 25 to 28 degrees Celsius. There is also little variance between daytime and nighttime temperature, as temperatures at night are typically only a few degrees lower than the daytime high temperature. Calabar averages just less than 3,000 millimetres
(120 inches) of precipitation annually, (Deutscher Wetterdienst, 2016).
3.2 History of Calabar
Calabar (also referred to as "Canaan City") is a city in Cross River State, in south southern Nigeria. The original name for Calabar was Akwa Akpa, from the Efik language. The city is adjacent to the Calabar and Great Kwa rivers and creeks of the Cross River (from its inland delta).
Calabar is the capital city of Cross River State as well as the headquarters of the
Municipal Government. This community has witnessed several administrative changes. It was the capital of the southern protectorate of Nigeria and lost that position to Lagos in
1904. Following the establishment of the then regions, Calabar became one of the earliest seats of Local Government administration in the then Eastern Region up to 1952, under the Local Government ordinance of 1950. The first elections into the Calabar Urban
District Council were held in 1952 when the late Mr. Benjamin Ekaluo and late Barrister 37
Essien Kooffreh emerged Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively. Chief Eniang
Essien subsequently replaced Mr. Ekaluo as Chairman.
The Efik name Akwa Akpa knew the original town. The spelling Calabar remained till the British came and pronounced Calabar as Calabah. The neighboring town of Ataba took over the name and its Efik/Qua/Efut/Biase/Akampkpa indigenes became known as Calabar (pronounced Calabah). Calabar is a large metropolis today, with several towns like Akim, Ikot Ansa, IkotIshie, Kasuk, Duke Town, Henshaw Town,
IkotOmin, Obutong, Bakassi, Biase, and Akamkpa.
Since the 16th century, Calabar had been a recognised international seaport, shipping out goods such as palm oil. During the era of the Atlantic slave trade, it became a major port in the transportation of African slaves and was named Calabar by the
Spanish. By the 18th century, most slave ships that transported slaves from Calabar were English, with around 85% of these ships being owned by Bristol and Liverpool merchants. Old Calabar (Duke Town) and Creek Town, 10 miles northeast, were important towns in the trade of slaves in that era. The first British warship to sail as far as Duke Town, where she captured seven Spanish and Portuguese slavers, may have been HMS Comus in 1815.
The main ethnic groups took out of Calabar as slaves were the Igbo, from the neighbouring Igbo land. African-American writer and slave John Jea was from the area.
A small mulatto community of merchants was located there that had links to missionary and other merchant colonies in Igboland and Lagos and across the Atlantic. 38
The city was the home of the first social club in Nigeria, The Africa Club. It hosted the first competitive football, cricket and field hockey games in Nigeria. Among the city's firsts was the first Roman Catholic Mass (held at 19 Bocco Street, Calabar –
1903) and the oldest secondary school (Hope Waddell Training Institution – 1895) in eastern Nigeria. The school later graduated Nnamdi Azikiwe, who was elected as the first President of Nigeria.
The city has an international museum, a botanical garden, a Free Trade Zone/Port, an international airport and seaport, an integrated sports stadium complex, a cultural centre, one of the most prominent universities in the country – the University of Calabar, a slave history park and several historical and cultural landmarks. It also has several standard hotels, resorts and amusement parks. The former Liberian warlord Charles
Taylor lived in the old colonial palace in the city, under an agreement that led to the end of his country's civil war, before fleeing extradition to Liberia in March 2006.
The TINAPA Resort, a development by the Cross River State government, lies to the north of the city beside the Calabar Free Trade Zone. The Cross River State
Annual Christmas Festival held every year attracts thousands from within and beyond
Nigeria. The festival includes music performance from both local and international artists. Other annual events include the Calabar Carnival, a boat regatta, fashion shows, a
Christmas Village, traditional dances and the annual Ekpe Festival.
3.3 Socio-Political Structure of Calabar
Calabar has three principal landlord kingdoms, namely the Qua Kingdom of
Ejagham (Ekoi)/Bantu origin, the Efut and the Efik Kingdoms. The Qua Kingdom has the 39
Ndidem of the Qua nation as the Grand Patriarch, the Efut have the Muri Munene as the
Grand Patriarch, and the Efik Kingdom patriarch is known as the Obong. The Efik political authority as it concerns the Obong is hinged on a political tripod: Creek Town, made up of Ambo, Cobham and Eyo; Old Town, made up of Obutong; and Duke Town, or Atakpa, made up of Duke/Archibong, Eyamba, Ntiero, Henshaw and Cobham. A separated Obong ruled each leg of this tripod at one time or the other.
Within the last 100 years, a gentleman's agreement to merge these three zones into one, with a single titular head as the Obong, and the distribution or opening up of the title to all Efik wards, was reached. Each of the aspirants to the throne is eminently qualified, none no more so than the other. Nsa Effiom and Ekpo Nsa had and held the title of the
Obong of Calabar in the 17th century; these two gentlemen were from the Henshaw ward. Attempts by the Henshaw to have an Obong resulted in a war in 1870. The
Henshaws did not attain this title again until within the last 50 years when David
Henshaw became Obong. Cobham Town, from which Bassey Ekpo Bassey hails, had its first and only Obong recently. All this was made possible because of "the contract".
Table 1 is the names of administrators and governors of Cross River State. In 1967, the Eastern Region was split into East-Central, Rivers and South-Eastern states. The state was renamed Cross River State in 1976.
40
Table 1: Names of Administrators and Governors of Cross River State from 1976 to Date Names Title Took Office Left Office Party
Paul Omu Governor 3 February 1976 July 1978 (Military)
Babatunde Elegbede Governor July 1978 October 1979 (Military)
Clement Isong Governor October 1979 October 1983 NPN
Donald Etiebet Governor October 1983 December NPN 1983
Dan Archibong Governor MAY 1984 1986 {Military}
Eben Ibim Princewill Governor 1986 December {Military} 1989
Ernest Attah Governor December 1989 January 1992 {Military}
Clement Ebri Governor January 1992 November NRC 1993
Ibrahim Kefas Administrat 9 December 1993 14 September {Military} or 1994
Gregory Agboneni Administrat 14 September 22 August {Military} or 1994 1996
Umar Farouk Ahmed Administrat 22 August 1996 August 1998 {Military} or
Christopher Osondu Administrat August 1998 May 1999 {Military} or
Donald Duke Governor 29 May 1999 29 May 2007 PDP
Liyel Imoke Governor 29 May 2007 29 May 2015 PDP
Benedict Ayade Governor 29 May 2015 Till Date PDP
Source: Adapted from Cross River State Information Center.
Traditionally, the prominent Ndidem title is claimed to be ancient in the community. According to the informant, it is an institution widely accepted in Calabar land. To take the title of Ndidem, the aspirant must be of good behaviour, trustworthy, transparent and truthful. He must have also been a member of the Council of Chiefs.
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3.4 Socio-Economic Activities
Calabar is classified as tropical. Rainfall is significant in most of the months of the year. As a result of these featured that characterised their settlement, most people live along the river banks and creeks.
As a result of these, the people of Calabar are predominantly fishermen. They go into the high sea with their boats and fishing troulers to catch fish, which they in turn sell to intended businessmen and women. Whatever quantity they get, they use them for both commercial and subsistence purposes. The people invest extensively in fishing and pursue it with vigour and determination.
The people of Calabar also engage in farming as an occupation too. The major food crops cultivated by the people are plantain (Musa paradisiaca), Bananas (Musa sapientum), Cocoa (Theobroma cacao), Yams (Dioscorea alata), Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), Pepper (Capsicum annuum). Other agricultural products include pawpaw
(Carica papaya), Cashew (Anacardium occidentale), Maize (Zea mays), (Philip,
Oluyemi, Tokumbo, Charles, Sammy and Edet, 2014).
The different cropping systems engaged by the people are mixed cropping and monocropping. However, the people of Calabar are also engaged in other economic activities like basket weaving, palm oil processing and palm wine tapping. The people also keep livestock to include such animals like pigs and poultry. These animals provide them with some level of income when fatten and sold.
Their women also engage themselves in some vegetable farming such as okro
(Ablmoschus), pepper (Capsicum anuum), water leaf (Talinum trangulaf), tomatoes 42
(Lycopersicum esculentum) and a host of others to mention of few, (Ebin, 2003). They do these for both commercial and subsistence purposes.
3.5 Socio-Cultural Activities
Cultural activities constitute one of the main motivations in the choice of tourist destinations worldwide. The empowerment of the “civilisation” of “leisure” contributes to the development of this leisure tourism. Cultural events generate significant flows of population and constitute a vector of regional promotion. To this end, cultural tourism then appears to be a key in the narrative of the area, since the lives and existences of its people revolve around the heritage of their different civilisations.
The cultural diversity and collective heritage of the local people are firmly rooted in the core of tourism in Cross Rivers State, Nigeria. This heritage, as opulent as it is diverse, is a fine agglomeration of the customs and cultural practices of the various ethnicities making up Cross Rivers State.
To a considerable degree, this accounts for the natural enthusiasm for festivals, jamborees, guided tours and other similar physical engagements as the first preferences of tourism in Nigeria, channelled through the cultures and customs of the people. It has been a centripetal force, attracting many tourists from far and near to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Cross Rivers State. It represents the unity in diversity in the state.
Studies have shown that cultural festivals confer a lot of socio-economic benefits on a people (Mmom, 2003). It has also been described as an engine and pivot for strengthening unity among a people. During cultural festivities, community people tend to forget their differences; warring communities down their weapons and their attention is 43
diverted from wars to the fun. Through this process, unity is enhanced between and among communities in a region.
Many festivals are organised to present different cultural practices, sites and symbols of places. Other festivals have contributed to the birth of non-mainstream urban identities and have created a new feeling of “festival moments”, as one of the key important features of the modern “experience economy”. On the other hand, some festivals play an important role in creating a distraction for the people from the harsh reality of everyday life, a break away from work as a period of relaxation and occasionally upset the established social order (Kiwewa, 2012).
Whatever the background or purpose, these festivals all had in common that they are strong experiences, bringing together audiences and performers in the momentum of excitement and high-quality content and excellence and had – even when not originally intended as such – a significant impact on local economies (Sapsford, & Southern, 2007).
They create many jobs and involve many services: in addition to the core group of artists, directors, designers, composers, you find sound and lighting technicians, printers, publicists and media, cleaners, caterers, ushers, ticket sellers, drivers and hotel owners and many more that benefit in one way or the other from the platform created by this festival.
3.5.1 Religious Practices
According to Calabar tradition, Abbasi is considered to be the supreme creator
(God). His wife, Atai is known as the mediator. It is also believed that Atai convinced 44
Abbasi to allow two humans (one man and one woman), which is also said to be their children to live on earth but forbid them to work or reproduce.
The children were required to return to heaven with Abbasi whenever he rang the dinner bell. These rules were established so that the Calabar people would not surpass
Abbasi in wisdom or strength. However, just like the Biblical story of Adam, the children disobeyed and Abbasi did not only kill them but also cursed them with chaos and death.
However, with the introduction of Christianity which has created a friendly relationship between the people and the missionaries, the traditional religion is gradually fading away. According to the informant, the people recognised the existence of a supreme God and they are many churches around the community.
3.5.2 Marriage
The old “fattening room” is the first thing that comes to mind whenever this subject is to be discussed. Although much modified for today’s generation, the fattening room tradition of the Calabar people is secluded training given to maidens in preparation for womanhood. Six months before marriage, Calabar girls are sent to the fattening room so that they may be pampered with a massage from head to toe; fed as much as they would like to eat and enlighten them on the ins and outs of marriage. They will not be allowed to do any work.
Calabar people belief that a woman who is full figured with a healthy waistline is beautiful. They are also trained in home management and how to make their husband happy. Also included in the training are cultural dances (Ekombi) folklore, songs and other forms of entertainment, this whole process last for six months. 45
3.5.3 Cultural Dishes
As a result of the factors that characterised their settlement, Calabar dishes are mainly those sourced from the rivers. All Calabar clans and sub-clans seem to be separated from river banks or creeks. Moreso, owing to this, their nutritional culture is also tied to the seas. Among them are:-
1. Edi kan – Ikon soup
2. Afan soup
3. Otan soup
4. Abak soup
5. Fisherman soup
6. White soup
7. Ekpangkoko
3.6 Tourist Attractions
Cross River State boost of many tourist attractions with great and beautiful tourist places like Obudu Mountain Resort, Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, Cross River
National Park and many more are located in the state.
Cross River State stands on a unique spot of what is known today as South-South Nigeria
(Niger-Delta region). Notable attractions are Obudu Ranch Resort, the Rainforests of Afi, the Waterfalls of Agbokim and Kwa, the spiralling Ox-bow, Calabar River. These attractions and thrilling adventure awaiting the eco-tourist visiting Cross River State.
Other attractions are Calabar Marina, Calabar Residency Museum and the Calabar Slave
Park, among others. 46
Other tourist attractions are the Monoliths (a series of volcanic-stone monoliths constructed sometime between 2500 BC and 1 AD), the Mary Slessor Tomb, Calabar
Drill Monkey Sanctuary, Cross River National Park, Afi Mountain walkway canopy,
Kwa falls, Agbokim waterfalls, TINAPA Business Resort and the annual Calabar
Carnival that takes place during the Christmas period
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CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
4.1 Overview of Calabar Carnival
Calabar Carnival in Nigeria furthermore tagged “Africa Biggest Street Party” was created as a part of the dream of making Cross River State the most attractive state in
Nigerians and tourist all over the world. The Carnival which annually begins on 1st
December and runs to 31st December has boosted the heritage mosaic of the Nigerian people while amusing the millions of spectator inside and outside the state and increasing industry for all stakeholders.
The Calabar Carnival has gone a long way. It all began in 2000 when the then governor of Cross River, Mr. Donald Duke had a vision of making his state the hub of tourism and hospitality in Nigeria and Africa. The carnival presents a perfect stage for emblem visibility for buyer and market awareness. According to our informant, Mr.
Osima Dokubo, the carnival was directed to encompass more facets of localised heritage and culture at the same time strengthen the capability of the local people for economic benefit. Lately, Cross River State and Calabar have become the pride of Nigeria/Africa as far as tourism Carnival and hospitality is concerned.
Cross River State Christmas festival as it is also called is the most popular and most developed festival in the state because adequate attention and planning were given to it. It is for the same reason that the Cross River State Law No 4 of 2006 takes charge of the planning, organising and marketing of the carnival. The carnival is sponsored by the Cross River State government, with some contributions from private organisations. 48
When the event first started in 2000, the first parade showed significant landmarks in the state such as the famous export commodity (cocoa pod), the low and gorilla of rainforest in West Africa, the old residency building which once served as the seat of the government of the entire colonial Nigeria, the Mary Slessor caravan, monoliths and many more. In 2004, costumes were introduced to elaborate the street parade and the carnival bands (bayside band, Freedom band, Passive Blaster, Passive four and Seagull Band). For clarity purpose, efforts were made to present the findings in three subheadings: pre-
Calabar carnival, Calabar carnival and post-Calabar carnival.
4.1.1 Pre-Calabar Carnival
Calabar carnival event is planned and organised by the Calabar Carnival
Commission (CCC). The planning process is interconnected between the Calabar
Carnival Commission (CCC), Cross River Tourism Bureau (CRTB), political stakeholders and the host community. The planning is always beyond theoretical approach even though some documentation is done mostly in the aspect of finance.
However, systematic and practical approaches are deployed. Before the commencement of the carnival festival, some certain traditional rites are performed by some selected group of persons. These persons include traditional rulers, clan head of Akim (Obong of
Akim), the clan head of Efut (Obong of Efut), the clan heads of Big Quo (Obong of Big
Quo), traditional chieftains of Calabar south and Calabar Municipality coupled with management and staff of Calabar Carnival Commission.
The traditional rite is performed at the palace of the Ndidem of Calabar (the overall chief of Calabar Kingdom). According to Ndidem, these traditional rites is always 49
done to intimate the gods of the land and heaven (Abasi Isong ye Eyong) of another year of Calabar Carnival celebration, commends to their gods that the people that are coming both far and near should be brought peacefully and safe. According to the Chief of Efut
Clan (Chief Etebom Eyo), “the prayers are done to intimate our gods of the land and heaven (Obong Eyong ye Isong) of the year carnival celebration as there is our source of protection. We also pray for peace to reign among the people here, performing artists, different band groups and the tourists that will be coming”. These traditional rites are performed with the pouring of locally made drink (Ufufop) and the breaking of kola nut
(Ibong) for their gods after which prayers are offered to the management and staff of the
CCC.
The ethnographic survey revealed that all the traditional chiefs and elders that visited the palace of Ndidem go back with a piece of the kola to show it to their constituent as a symbol that the year's carnival has been broken to commence. This rite is always carried out in the third week of November before the commencement of the carnival by December. Apart from the groundbreaking of the carnival, there is always an assessment of infrastructures and superstructures, considering them to be one of the core needs of tourists in a destination.
The management and staff of CCC, the staff of CRTB, led by the Chairman of
Calabar Carnival Commission, do go round assessing some infrastructure and facilities, to make immediate recommendations to the government for prompt intervention if the need arises. According to the technical director of Calabar Carnival Commission, Mr.
Edem Asuquo, “the essence of assessing and evaluating these facilities is to checkmate 50
and ensure that these facilities especially carnival roads which serve as carnival parade routes are devoid of potholes and defacement.
Also, we ensure that electricity supply at hotel clusters where tourists do inhabit is constant, also mounting security agents at strategic points both the entrance of Calabar and at the carnival clusters and routes”. Calabar city over the years is known as the cleanest and green city in Nigeria. This has been a result of the yearly Calabar carnival which instigated the government to introduce Calabar Urban Development Authority
(CUDA) to oversee and ensure that dirt is not found on gutters and roads especially the carnival routes to avoid it been as an eye sour to tourist and the visiting participants. This has been a significant planning prerogative of the commission.
For various performing bands such as the Seagull band, Passion 4, Masta
Blasta, Freedom and Bayside band to be active and efficient on the main carnival day, they must undergo rehearsals. This rehearsal is considered important as part of the planning process which is to determine and evaluate each member’s performances and assess their eligibility to the group, also appointing the band or the group leader to avoid conflict during the carnival proper.
The selection of the band group leader is always made on merit using some rationale, which includes the years of which the person has been participating in the band, the person’s operating performance and age. The officials attached to the band always makes this selection. The officials are between 7 to 10 members of the CCC and the general public. During the carnival rehearsal, a particular colour of the costume is always 51
used to differentiate a band from others. Though, the days of rehearsals do differ from each other.
The most sensitive aspect of the pre-Calabar carnival is the ‘dry run’. The dry run is divided into children and adult dry run. The children dry run is always done first, followed by the adult dry run. The adult dry run is done twice within the 20th 0ctober to
2nd November which does depend on the year’s lineup of activities. Dry run is always carried out in different carnival routes such as Marian road, Mary Slessor, Effi-ette road
Stadium road and MCC road.
It is another means of showcasing the carnival to the world otherwise test running the carnival by knowing at that point what will be provided for the participant starting from the welfare of the participant and its admirers, checkmating the impact the carnival to the host community and strengthening the carnival spirit among the participants, host and the admirers. Dry run also gives the concept definition of Calabar carnival based on the theme of the year’s activities.
The programmes of the event at the carnival are drafted each year by the committee in charge of tourism and carnival commission activities and new initiatives are introduced every year. Carnival Committee organises football competition amongst the five competing carnival bands - Seagull, Passion 4, Masta Blasta, Bayside and Freedom.
4.1.2 Calabar Carnival
Efforts channelled in the areas of cultural tourism in Nigeria have yielded returns as some states of the federation have recently developed carnivals in which they showcase aspects of Nigerian and popular cultural values in street performances. Cross 52
River State is the forerunners of this initiative. Carnival in Cross River State is probably more popular than the rest, judging from the organisation, publicity, patronage, utilitarian thrust, the artistic and aesthetic appeal of the carnival.
Calabar carnival is an offshoot of the yearly Christmas festivities that ushered in the New Year, by the then Cross River State governor; Mr. Donald Duke termed Calabar
Festivals. This brand and change in nomenclature were as a result of the global awareness created by the festival in its yearly outings and by 2005, Calabar carnival was added to the 32 days celebration of life, culture, costumes and masquerades of the peoples of Cross
River. The Festival also included music performance from both local and international artists, the annual Calabar carnival, boat regatta, fashion shows, Christmas village, traditional dances and the Ekpe celebration is a yearly event that brings in thousands of tourists.
The celebration of Calabar carnival is a 31 days programme that runs from the
1st to 31st December of every year with exciting activities that attract a large number of tourist in quantum to the state and leaving them with long-lasting memories that always instigate repeat visit to the state. Activities lined up for the year is always celebrated weekly according to the organiser’s work plan.
A) The First Week (1st -7th): During the first week of the carnival, exciting activities starts with a march of solidarity with people living with HIV and AIDS as well as commissioning of the Christmas village located at Calabar Municipality council along
Marian road. With the period of festivities covering a full 31 days, the Festival kicks off with a city walk against HIV/AIDS in an attempt by the organisers to raise awareness 53
about the disease. This walk is a prelude to a month full of shows and entertainment activities, held every evening at venues across Calabar. According to Mrs Iquo (an NGO staff of USAID) “the essence of the solidarity walks with people living with the virus is to tell the world that these people have a role to play in the carnival either participating in any band or serving as a voluntary worker during the carnival”.
The most paramount and sensitive reason of this parade is to create awareness about the deadly disease to the host community by informing them to be careful especially as the tourists will be arriving. At the same time, the HIV/AIDS awareness creates an avenue for media advertisement on the mouthwatering carnival to local and international potential tourists. Ethnographic sources revealed that Christmas village is a commerce centre created by the state government for the sake of the host community who is business inclined, to be able to fend for their source of livelihood. Also, the business centre serves as a hub where tourists can buy their souvenirs when going back. In a bid to make the Christmas village more comfortable for the people, the government ensures adequate and tight security was provided while modern toilet facilities have also been built to ensure the best of hygiene and sanitation.
In addition to the week activities, essay writing competitions which do involve both secondary and tertiary students commence three days after the sensitisation tour.
These competitions were at resuscitating the reading culture amongst the youths of the state as well as inculcating the carnival culture. Once the winner is declared, it marks the end of that week activities.
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B) Second week (8th -14th): Cross River State has cultural diversity both in their cuisines, languages and settlement pattern. This is the most reason eighth and 14th of the second week of Calabar carnival is slated for the display of all kinds of indigenous and African food for tourists to appreciate. The food display is done by the 18 local government areas at the African Hub. According to the commissioner of culture and tourism, Mr. Eric
Anderson, “food festival is scheduled to run for three days (8-10) at the African club,
Calabar.
According to him, it is necessary to showcase the facts that cross riverine are good in cuisines”. Assorted types of African and locally made food are cooked and displayed at the Christmas village and other public places for tourists and other individuals to appreciate. Some of this local food are Edikekon soup, Afang soup, editan, atama, edere (white) soup, ekpang nkukwo, beniseed soup (locust beans) and okra
(ayare) soup, among others. Competition is done within the chefs of each locally made cuisine. This is done to ascertain the best local made food of each local government area and award the cook of such meal. From the researcher’s observation, the judges to determine the winner of such cooked meal are always drawn from other states and probably other countries to avoid bias. The judges are presented with the cooked meal from each local government which they will eat and brainstorm on which meal was the best. When the winner is announced, the food competition closes, but the food fiesta continues till the end of carnival.
Another exciting moment in Calabar carnival, especially to youths who are music enthusiasts is the days for a music festival or music concert. According to our source, the 55
music concert falls a day after the food festival and it runs for three days (11th -13th). The music festival is the moments where international and local music artist visits the state to display. Thus, for the youths both boys and girls who are musically talented avail themselves of this golden opportunity and showcase their talents too for the world to appreciate. This mind-blowing musical concert does take place at the U.J Esuene
Stadium, Calabar. The last activity for that week is the fashion show. Here, some traditional attire made by the local fashion designers are always displayed using indigenous models.
C) Third week (15th -21st): Though all the days of the carnival is filled with merriments, drumming, dancing, eating and drinking. However, the unique thing about the third day of the carnival is the cultural fiesta. During the cultural fiesta, there is always the display of traditional dances corroborating each local government of the state and their favourite masquerade display. Cross River state is so endowed with unique cultural material and non-material resources that have a paranoiac potential to keep any tourist and instigate repeat visit to the destination. The 18 local government areas usually do the rich traditional cultural heritage typified in cultural dance display and masquerade parade.
According to one of the respondents, “we display the rich and unique culture of our dear state for the world to see how rich we are in cultural diversity and heritage”. This traditional dances and masquerade parade usually take turns notably in days of each local government display. Of such traditional dances are, Efik dance, otherwise known as
Ekombi, Monikim dance of Ikom, Yala, and Leboku of Ugep etc. 56
Ekombi is a traditional dance amongst the Efik people in Calabar, Cross River
State – Nigeria. The movements are derived from the motions of the ocean. It is a graceful dance with incredible footwork; it is a dance of peace and happiness. Ekombi shows a woman’s beauty and femininity, the dance is also an excellent platform to choose a partner for marriage. Ekombi dance is performed by both the maidens and elderly women who are believed to have put to birth.
Plate 1: Ekombi Dance by Maidens During Calabar Carnival
Plate 2: Ekombi Dance by Mothers During Calabar Carnival
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The Nkim institution of the Ejagham people is an ancient and revered tradition of the race. It is as old as the family institution and the communal life of the people. The
Nkim institution is the moulding or training ground for the approved Ejagham Woman or
Mother. It comprises the Initiation, grooming, beautification, circumcision and presentation or performance, and in most cases betrothal.
Monikim dance is likened to a convocation ceremony where graduates are received into their qualified fields of human endeavour, in this case of Nkim, Womanhood. The dance reminiscences the various attributes of the surgeon in the Nju Nkim and basic principles of the Art womanhood in homemaking, home keeping and responsible motherhood.
The songs and dance movements tell a story of their experience and added value to life and community development. The respect and importance attached to this ceremony across the Ejagham nation are phenomenal as the pride was shared among the family, suitors, relations and community. In most cases, it is a traditional public holiday with the royalty from neighbouring communities in attendance to add pump and pageantry. It remains a great source of pride to the graduate who can fulfil all righteousness.
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Plate 3: Monikim Dancers at Calabar Carnival
Ekpe masquerades are one of the oldest traditional and cultural events throughout the Efik land. Ekpe is accompanied with the chant, songs and dances. This momentous occasion is very popular among the Efik people of Calabar as its roots are rooted in the traditional religion. There are different kinds of masquerades for various events like the coronation of the Obong (King) of Calabar, burial, Chieftaincy conferment and other seasonal celebrations and ceremonies. The most distinguished and highest of all other masquerades is the Ekpe masquerade.
While Ekpe is the name of a masquerade, the term is also the name of the
Leopard and of the traditional sacred institution that owns the mask. The Ekpe society is also called the Leopard society because the Ekpe masquerade is a visual cultural reference to a Leopard; its costume, makeup and props define it as such. The link between the Efik people, the Ekpe society and the Leopard, go back in time. Legend makes us know that in time past, dating back to the 1800s, the Efik and their neighbours rebelled and the German colonial administration had to resettle the population into larger 59
villages, for more easier control. However, much social tension prevailed among the people, which resulted in witchcraft accusations, in which many suspected witches were murdered. Coincidentally, at the same time, witches were said to be killing people, man- eating Leopards were also mauling people in the communities. The killer Leopards were not deemed culpable. Instead, the communities interpreted the fearsome man-eating animals as the witches’ preferred form. The Leopard was appropriated as part of the corporate ambience of the Ekpe cult.
The Ekpe society is the most renowned traditional institution in Efik history, not just because of its spiritual or cultic functions, but also for the fact that the institution was a pre-colonial police and judiciary system. The Ekpe was vested with the powers of policing and bringing justice to the Efik kingdom.
Plate 4: Ekpe Masquerade Displaying During Calabar Carnival
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D) Fourth week (22nd -31st): The fourth week is known as the ‘Power week’. The essence its nicknamed such is that it carries many activities and it has a long stretched of activities that usually lead to the breaking of New Year. During the fourth week, a lot of exciting and fun-filled activities are done which usually commence with a fashion parade.
Fashion parade or fashion show is the period where indigenous clothes and costumes made in Cross River State were showcased.
It is a two-day activity that does take place from 22nd – 23rd of the fourth week at the Calabar Tinapa Hall of fame. From 24th to 26th still the fourth week, there is usually a display of bikers parade, captivated by jaw-dropping stunts performed at the Carnival in
Calabar; spectators watched as different bikers from different state and country participate in the biking carnival. This has been so important that the governor of the state was part of the biking carnival where he led about 500 power bikers in an acrobatic display of state-of-the-art exotic bikes. The ethnographic study revealed that the bikers carnival, which before the primary day went through a series of rigorous dry runs, lived up to its billing as they pulled lots of stunts in front of ever cheering crowd. The throng of spectators was also thrilled by the exotic sports cars with open roofs that added colour to the event along the 12-kilometre carnival route. 61
Plate 5: The Governor Leading other Bikers in the Calabar Carnival
Plate 6: A Resident Displaying With a Local Bike
The Calabar bikers indicate that there is usually a display of talents across the carnival routes as the crowds are usually entertained with stunts and other theatrics from the riders. The Calabar Carnival is a yearly event that blends dexterity with colours, choreography skills, and costumes of five different bands. The uniqueness is beautiful, and the hype is so extreme for any tourists that visit the state either as an adjunct or incidental tourist. This so much commensurate to the reason this week does tag as the 62
‘power week’. The carnival parade does take place on the 27th December and it is a one- day event.
Bayside Band: The Bayside band is focused on the nature and origin of man, with value and attribute of culture and heritage of the people of Cross River State. It is one of the five bands with a large membership drawn from Nigerians and open to foreigners as well.
Its characteristic and distinctive Aqua-Marine colour easily identifies the band colour.
The colour of the Bayside band is red. The colour theme is used to create some stunning costumes for the different members of this band. Anyone from anywhere can join this band. Our ethnographic study revealed that the band won the previous year’s competition. Speaking with one of the band members revealed that the band is categorised into three options that qualify someone for joining the band (Junior,
Honorary and Full membership). Their dances and creativity are so glaring that over the years has pulled much membership to them.
Plate 7: Bayside Band at Display During Calabar Carnival
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Master Blaster Band
Over the years, Master Blaster band has become a favourite crowd band because they always win. Their colour is orange, and they make it so attractive for the onlookers.
This is the biggest band during the Calabar carnival, and they are seemingly adjudged as one of the most populated band. The band carries everyone along with its different kinds of music and dance. More than 20 troupes are in this band all dotted in orange. According to one of our informant (Miss Mfon Anthony), “Master Blaster band has much fans and admirers and this has made them more popular than others, their ways of dancing, their colour and the type of music they play to make people even to love them over other bands”. Their colour is orange which is exceptional, as most people attest to the beauty and combination of their materials.
The Master Blaster Band’s theme solely expressed the promotion of man’s social well-being, irrespective of race, religion and nationality (Getz, 2004). It is the largest and most outstanding of the five bands in recent time. Their all-inclusive approach to the carnival Calabar encourages an excellent synergy between family, friends and embraces the participation of both local and international visitors to the joys of taking part in the carnival parade. 64
Plate 8: Master Blaster band posing in front of their symbol
Seagulls Band
Seagull band is tagged as the ‘celebrity band’. It is usually referred to as a celebrity band because most of her fans, dancers and admirers are always members of the
Nollywood industry. According to the band leader Mr. Basil Cosmos, “If you have never seen some of Nigeria’s celebrities, you would see them in this band. One can see them dancing along in some amazing costumes. They paint the town red. Everywhere is red, and they march proudly”. The honorary members are from Nollywood industry which has always made the band the center of attraction. From the researchers’ findings, one can argue that the band in 2009 was the winner of the Calabar carnival band parade. The theme of the band is “proudly Africa”.
The band main objective is to promote and sustain the tourism and hospitality industry and also to enhance the status of the under privilege through charity. The band displays the African culture through aesthetic, talent and innovation. The band is identified by its eye-catching distinctive colour -Red. 65
Plate 9: A Display of Seagull Band During the Parade
Freedom Band
Freedom band is one of the biggest bands in Calabar Carnival band parade. Step out of the way as Freedom band turns everywhere yellow. It has ten troupes whose colour create gorgeous costumes. They believe they own the sun and don’t shy away from this claim during the Calabar Carnival parade. The freedom band theme is focused on man’s freedom from captivity in Ancient Egypt; the freedom of man from slavery; freedom from colonialism; democratic and fundamental human rights. The band is identified with a yellow colour.
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Plate 10: A display of Dance by Freedom Band
Passion 4 Band
Passion 4 band has always been at the forefront because it is a four-time winner of the competition. According to the Chairman of Calabar Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe
Onah, “Passion 4 band is good, and they are never intimidated by any of the others. Their colour is green and this has always made the band unique regarding their costumes and conduct”. According to one of the band member, “the reason we choose to use green every year as our costume is that we want to showcase to the whole world that Cross
River State is an agricultural state and also encourage the Afforestation and discourage deforestation which can have negative effects on our environment”.
Passion four Band theme is based on the very beginning of creation, the heavens and the earth, the environment and its inhabitants included. It is the only band that creates a level playing ground for children and adult to have fun. It is the most successful band in the history of Calabar carnival. The band continues to grow in creativity, organisation and style. Cross River State over the years is known as one of the cleanest and green 67
states in Nigeria. This has been made possible through the messages pass by the Passion
4 Band during the yearly Calabar Carnival.
Plate 11: A Cross Section of Passion 4 Band During the Carnival Parade
Finally, it should be noted that the Calabar carnival has grown in leaps and bounds every year since its inception, with each successive carnival raising bar. The carnival will enter its 14th edition and is usually the high point of a month-long festival in December.
4.1.3. Post-Calabar Carnival:
After the 31 days of rigorous carnival activities, the committee and Chairman of
CCC meet to access their strength and weaknesses. All the monies generated are paid into government account and all the tellers are kept for record purpose. Most times the commission runs into a deficit which may not conform to their budget, this is mainly because prices of goods and services are always on the increase during the period of carnival.
The next step taken by the commission is to clean up the environment to avoid decay. It is on this note that the Ministry of Environment created an agency called
Calabar Urban Development Authority (CUDA) with the responsibility of carrying out a 68
mop-up exercise to enable the town to look green. All their staff and trucks are put in place to make for useful cleanup exercise because of the high concentration of waste materials littered all over the place. There is also another agency called Cross River State
Waste Management Agency (CRSWEMA), charged with the responsibility of managing both solid and liquid waste efficiently. The governor because of his dream and vision of making Calabar one of the cleanest towns in Nigeria has started the construction of a waste recycling plant to manage waste, reduce, reuse and recycle.
4.2 Data Analysis
4.2.1. Socio-Cultural Effects of Calabar Carnival on the Host Community
Calabar Carnival which is an aspect of cultural tourism can have different effects on the social and cultural aspect of the life of the people in a particular region or area depending on the social and cultural strength of that region. These social and cultural effects are termed socio-cultural implications in the tourism industry. These socio- cultural effects are mainly the consequences of the development of tourism destination or the general number of increase of tourist present at the destination. The literature on the socio-cultural implications of tourism have shown that tourism activities led to significant
Changes in the social structure of the destination area such as lifestyle, value system, behaviour and interpersonal relationship at the destination area. The interaction between tourist and host community can be a factor that may affect a community as a tourist may not be sensitive to local customs and traditions; hence this section will discuss the socio-cultural effects of Calabar carnival on the host community which will be both positive and negative. 69
a) Preservation of Culture and Heritage
Since Calabar carnival is seen as the display of the rich cultural heritage of the people of Calabar, it stimulates the preservation of culture and heritage. It is often perceived as revitalising cultures and heritage that are facing degradation. In the course of this study, about eighty per cent of the respondent perceived carnival implications on the local culture as a vehicle for preservation and enrichment through entertainment and exhibition. On the other hand, cultural tourism is also perceived as a means of preservation and revitalisation of cultural identity such as norms, traditions and locally produced products which also attracts tourist to the destination. b) Destruction of Local Culture
Calabar carnival activities affect local culture by causing changes in local people lifestyle and tradition and their cultural practices thereby leading to their commercialisation. The community perceived tourism as a treat to their local culture and tradition because these activities will likely cause changes to norms and traditional way of life and exploitation of their social family structure. According to some respondents, the tourist mode of dressing and hairstyle during the carnival was illicit. Most of them were moving half naked and the people in the host community tend to emulate this way of dressing and as such there are affected negatively. c) Cross-Cultural Understanding
Cultural tourism is seen as a means of cross-cultural understanding because as tourists come in contact with members of other cultures and backgrounds, this will lead to the development of improved lifestyle, dispel stereotypes and allow members of 70
each group to perceive one another as individuals and friends. Calabar carnival gives the tourist the opportunity to meet people from other cultures thereby enhancing their understanding of different cultural backgrounds and lifestyle. It has also created an opportunity to promote cultural exchange between the local community and tourist. d) Promotion of Peace and Tolerance
Tourism activities have been discovered as a vehicle for peace and tolerance both at the local, regional and international level. An understanding and appreciation of one’s culture through tourism activities like Calabar carnival helps to bridge the gap between people and unknown cultures, and also discourages hatred and abuse of one’s culture. Calabar carnival is aimed at promoting the culture of the people towards achieving peace and tolerance. e) Espionage Activities
Ekechukwu (2003) noted that the tourist’s arrival at the place could expose such place to espionage activities. This is because some dubious persons and informants can arrive at a place in the disguise of tourism to engage in espionage activities. Such persons are not easily detected or separated from another tourist during the period at the destination, but their evil deed unleashes difficulty to the members of the host community. This is why it advised that adequate security arrangement should be put in place at various tourist destinations, especially during special tourist activities
(Nwankwo, 2013).
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4.2.2. Socio-Economic Effect of Calabar Carnival on the Host Community
The tourism industry has grown across the world because of its perceived economic benefits which most government and private sectors are tapping from its gains.
Page and Connell (2006:341) asserts that “the impacts associated with tourist activities and effects are considered as a way of understanding of tourism. Impacts are a significant element of tourist activity and their scope, effect, and duration in the host society.
Tourism has a significant impact on the economy of a nation or place where tourism activities take place. Impact on the economy of the host community could either be favourable or unfavourable. However, event tourism has positive economic impact on the host community. They are as follows:
1. Infrastructural Development
Calabar carnival, like every other tourism project, attracts infrastructural and superstructural development of the destination. It draws the attention of the government towards giving the area massive outlook through developmental projects ranging from electricity, good roads networks, hotel, restaurants and shopping facilities.
This will, in turn, improve the living standard of the people in the host community.
Because of this massive infrastructural development, the community believes that the carnival has brought improved development in their community and also believe that it will bring much more development in the community.
2. Employment Generation
The tourism sector is among the major sectors of the economy that generates many employment opportunities for a nation (Nwankwo and Agboeze, 2013). One of the 72
primary values of Calabar carnival is the creation of jobs for the local people. These jobs range from the skilled and unskilled workforce. The people in the host community are employed directly as ad-hoc staff by carnival commission, security agencies etc. the accommodation industry, restaurant and catering services, travel agencies also employ members of the host community directly.
While some are employed indirectly to do some menial jobs like a motorcyclist, public transportation and other small businesses like barbing saloons within the community. These go a long way to increase the standard of living and income of the host population.
3. Income Redistribution
Income generated through Calabar carnival can never be overemphasized. For instance, through the sales of tickets, locally manufactured materials like artworks, souvenirs, generates money for members of the host community. Because tourism involves moving to another destination, income generated elsewhere is often spent in another destination thereby bringing income redistribution. Also, money generated during the carnival period can be spent in another tourism destination like the Tinapa resort, marina and Obudu ranch resort.
4. Improvement in Standard of Living of the Host Community
Since Calabar carnival has contributed to an increase in personal income, community revenue, an infrastructure of the host community. Through the provision of essential amenities, the living standard of the host community is improved thereby increasing their livelihood too. This collaborates the views of about ninety per cent of the 73
respondents, who agreed that their living standard of members of the host community is increased.
5. Seasonality
Most tourism activities at destinations are seasonal. They have periods of activities in a given year. For instance, the Calabar carnival is only celebrated in December of each year. Its activities begin from 1st December to 31st December. This implies that tourist traffic and expenditure last for just one month. This will have significant adverse economic implications for the economy of the destination area. Given the above Page and Connell note that: Seasonality is one of the significant disadvantages in tourism and can cause adverse economic effects on a destination.
Although high season may bring the opportunity to generate significant revenue from tourism, the economy gain must be sufficient to allow an income which will support individuals and the economy throughout the year (Page & Connell, 2006:351). The seasonal nature of the carnival activities destabilises the business plans of small-scale business and hence discourage of it.
6. Revenue Leakages
Economically, one of the benefits of tourism to the local community is income generation. This income is expected to dwell and boost the economy of the destination by way of uplifting the living standard of members of the host community. Leakage may occur for the following reasons: the cost of imported goods and services used by tourist, repatriation of profits generated for foreign investment. According to one of the 74
respondent, revenue generated is not remitted to the government account. The people involved keep it for their welfare.
4.2.3 Environmental Effects on the Host Community
Tourism and environment benefit from each other. Tourism depends on the environment for its survival. Calabar carnival is a unique display of African Heritage, showcase through music, dance and drama. The term environment in this context refers to the physical setting in which the carnival is displayed.
Literature reveals that Calabar carnival event affects the environment both positively and negatively as these environmental effects are linked with the construction of general infrastructure such as roads, tourism facilities that will aid the tourist stay like hotels, restaurants, shops etc. The environmental effects of Calabar carnival can be seen below: a) Overcrowding: During the period of carnival, the place is always crowded because of the influx of tourist both locally and internationally; this can cause severe damage on the environment as tourist inflow increase in a destination. Overcrowding takes place when the volume of tourist exceeds the carrying capacity of a particular destination or environment. With this conjection in traffic and environment, if not properly managed will lead to deterioration of the physical environment. b) Air and Noise Pollution: Transport by air, road and rail is continuously increasing in response to the rising number of tourist and their greater mobility. This disturbs the serene atmosphere of the place and results to increase of noise by carnival activities. The carnival runs 24 hours and the rate of noise is so high. 75
c) Solid Waste and Littering: In areas with high concentration of tourist activities like Calabar carnival, waste disposal is a severe problem and improper disposal can be a major despoiler of the natural environment, scenic areas and roadsides. These littering of waste materials degrades the environment in a large volume and does not appeal to the eyes. d) The Incidence of Prostitution: The level of moral decadence is on the increase during the period of carnival. The guest for easy money increases, causing many young girls including children to trade their bodies in exchange for money and other material things that they hardly can provide for themselves. This act of prostitution according to some of our respondents is responsible for the spread of some sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhoea, syphilis and an increase in the prevalence of HIV and AIDS scourge.
4.3 Problems Facing the Future Existence of Calabar Carnival: a) Calabar carnival event as any other events is liable to face in-continuity, if the organisers, probably the government do not take into cognisance some of the problems it has by identifying them and profar solutions to them. Findings in the cause of this research study revealed that the Calabar carnival is gradually dwindling yearly in community participation and economic boom due to political instability and other social problems of the state.
According to one of our respondents, Mr. Caleb Ukem, he affirms that “the government of the day is playing politics with what use to be the state’s source of revenue” which he refers to as cultural tourism otherwise known by the people as 76
‘carnival Calabar’. The people have seen political instability as a serious antagonist to the future existence of this ‘Biggest Africa Street party’. Most of the people especially the
Carnival Commission Unit are waiting for help especially from the private enterprise to get involve in Public, Private Partnership (PPP) program to foster its existence in the future. According to Engr. Philip Osang, “I beg the private sectors to merge in sponsoring of Calabar carnival if not so in the next four years; the carnival will no longer hold its water again”. The issue of whom and who rules the state, which tribe is he from, has sent a serious fear to the people concerning the future existence of this paranormal carnival. It is also revealed that the issue of zoning of political powers will also deter the carnival existence in the nearest future as this will bring about racial division when constituting carnival commission committee, tourism board members. According to Mrs. Veronica
Bassey, who expressed all amount of anger concerning the issue opined that
“this Calabar carnival will soon not be heard again because of the political thuggery we experience in this state. Imagine, the north said they want to rule when it is not their time. The south said they want to rule when it is also not their time, with all these, the incumbent ruler will not be focused again in carrying out his legislative duty which even popular road where the carnival parade does take place is not maintained and we are saying this carnival will continue?”. b) Calabar carnival event is one of those carnivals that receive a high influx of tourist during the celebration. With this, most of the superstructure and infrastructure amenities like the roads, electricity and other are always overstretched. During the 2017 Calabar carnival, the researcher observed that most of the road which is describe as carnival roads like the stadium road and Mary Slessor road do have deep and big potholes. This causes a 77
lot of traffic congestion in the state which some of the commuters did complain. One of our respondents revealed that:
“ this carnival supposed to bring about yearly and timely development to the state but is not so, imagine we do not have good roads around the metropolis again and some are electric poles have fallen, I wonder which road they will use this year. I pity the hoteliers who do not have standby generators because some of the electric poles along the Effi-ette road have fallen, the level of corruption among our staffs and tourism sector of this state had made the people silent when they supposed to talk”.
Plate 12: Spoilt Carnival Roads at Marian
Plate 13: Spoilt Carnival Road at Effi-ette 78
The level of infrastructural degradation in Calabar municipality where the carnival parade does take place is alarming. From data collected, it implies that road has about
90% degradation while electricity has about 75% degradation. These amenities are believed to be the tourist most used facilities in a tourism destination.
(c) Security
Security is one of the problems faced by Calabar carnival over the years. There is always a lack of adequate security. Security guarantees the peaceful stay of quest/tourist is a particular destination. Adequate security measures need to be put in place to guarantee the safety of tourist during the period of carnival.
(d) Solid Waste Disposal
During the period of carnival, we experience extensive indiscriminate disposal of waste. The whole town is littered with both solid and liquid waste that affects the aesthetic beauty of the of the environment. Waste recycling techniques should be adopted to ameliorate the challenges,
(e) Government Policies
National government makes laws and policies that aimed at improving the standard of living of it is citizens and at the same time affecting the nation’s economy favourably. Some of the policies sometimes affect the establishment and operation of accommodation units more especially the commercial accommodation units. For instance, the fiscal policies of some nations affect the smooth operation of the accommodation industry owing to the enormous taxation and other fundamental’s like operation permit, business premises and registration. 79
4.4 Factors that Guarantee the Sustainability of Calabar Carnival
According to the Brundtland Commission’s report, sustainability was identified as
“development which meets the needs of the current generations without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs”. The sustainability of
Calabar carnival is beyond mere words but taking drastic actions towards achieving that.
Interview result revealed a wide range of mechanisms that can be deployed for the sustainability of Calabar carnival. When asked on the machine that can be deployed for the sustainability of Calabar carnival, one of our responded commented:
(1) The most critical and crucial mechanism that guarantees the sustainability of this carnival is for the government to review their policies towards the tourism industry, especially the hospitality sector.
In Calabar municipality, government policies on the hospitality industry are so discouraging. Government policies through a high rate of tax have made most of the hotels and eateries operators to fold the business. According to the manager of TOP –site hotel, “Most of my colleague have left this business because the government gives us a high rate of tax to pay. You know, this our job is mostly seasonal and if we are paying staffs, running power and paying this high amount of tax without gaining anything, the best thing done is to quit which I will soon do.”
As we know, hotels and eateries play a plausible role in tourism development and sustainability, especially during the Calabar carnival. Most of the tourists that visit the state at that season to make use of the hotel and eateries services; this is why the 80
government should be flexible in their dealings with the hoteliers and other hospitality service providers to foster the sustainability of this carnival against the bridge.
(2) The researcher further found out during an interview session with the hotel owners that apart from government policies ill attitude towards the hotel business, high level of insecurity has so much poised hotel operators to fold the business; even when much money has so much been gotten from them yet, no adequate security is provided to enhance their businesses. Security should be the paramount government agenda to safeguard the lives and properties of mostly the tourist visiting the state for the carnival.
According to one of our respondents who pleaded anonymity said: “during 2013 carnival, two (2) tourists from Ghana were kidnapped right inside their hotel lodge though the
Nigeria police force rescued them”.
The taxpayers’ money should be used to enforce adequate security measures for the people especially the tourists. The researcher observed that during 2017 carnival, securities were only positioned mainly at the entrance of the state and borders. Securities should also be mounted in areas that have a high rate of tourist reception like the hotels, eateries and the carnival parade roads to avoid the repetition of some of the obnoxious acts as pointed out by respondent.
(3) The sustainability of Calabar carnival is very pertinent both for the preservation, promotion of culture and for the economic benefit to the host community. This is the reason the event planners and the carnival commission management need to incorporate some measures to enhance tourist repeat visit. Marketing and packaging the event through the use of technological platform can aid in sustaining this world competing for 81
carnival. According to the chairman of Calabar Carnival Commission,“we are doing everything possible to sustain this carnival for its repetition year after year, government after government, that is why we send this carnival worldwide technologically for potential tourist to see and attend, probably be aware of certain changes on either the activities of the carnival on the date of each activity”. The recent development of the media department is to improve the delivery system which entails television, internet and satellite.
(4) Social, environmental and cultural impact assessment on the proposed project should always be carried out to prevent disaster. This should be done by professionals from different field of discipline that is related to carnival projects. The result of this assessment should be submitted carnival commission for adjustment of their programs and activities. Also to ascertain the carrying capacity of the destination area, since carrying capacity reveals the actual size of tourist, a particular destination can accommodate.
(5) Host community participation: Since carnival activities are being carried out within a community, the host community members should be in cooperated into the various committees during the planning process. This will give them a sense of belonging and make them feel it is a bottom-top approach involvement of the local community ensures the preservation and projection of the culture and tradition of the community involved.
This involvement will foster participatory discussion.
However, there is a need for quality and effective planning and management of
Calabar carnival which will bring investors and encourage Public Private Partnership. 82
Planning and management entail personnel and qualified individuals who are skilled in this area. As part of technical workforce development, workshop and series of interactive sessions should be held; the commission should also collaborate with and draw technical workforce from well-established carnivals of Trinidad and Tobago and also Rio in Brazil.
All these loopholes pose as a severe threat to the continued existence of carnival in the state. Promoting and sustaining cultural tourism in this area demands a systematic and holistic approach to planning which will not deter the existence of Calabar carnival in future.
4.5 Contribution of the Research Report to Knowledge
Cultural tourism as a developmental strategy has extensively discoursed in this study. While some findings are consistent with the existing literature on cultural tourism, others are unearthed. i. First, this research has identified that proper planning using quality and
professional personnel will lead to sustainability of the Calabar carnival. ii. Second, Calabar carnival has contributed economically by improving the living
standard of the host community. iii. Third, the host community benefits from some essential social amenities that are
capable of changing their standard of living. iv. Fourth, knowledge of the reason for inconsistency in collaboration between the
host community and government officials will enable the government to adopt the
top-bottom approach to planning thereby fascinating participation and
collaboration; thus, promoting cultural tourism. 83
v. Fifty, the study will contribute to creating awareness and understanding of the
concept of cultural tourism to members of the host community. Furthermore, it
will add to its quote to existing knowledge in promoting cultural tourism through
event planning with Calabar carnival as a case study.
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CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION
5.1 Summary
It is evident that Calabar carnival event otherwise known as carnival Calabar has the tenacity in promoting cultural tourism in the state. A well-planned event like the
Calabar carnival has the propensity of projecting the state for cultural tourism; on the other hand, sustain the host community economically. This work takes a critical look at how Calabar carnival event can promote cultural tourism in cross river state.
In the course of this work, the analysis on how carnival can sustain the host community socio-economically was made. This research also tends to examine how
Calabar carnival event is planned and executed also understanding the problem facing the future existence of Calabar carnival. Mechanisms that can be used to guarantee the sustainability of this world appreciating event was offered at the course of this research work. In justifying this research work, data gotten from the respondents through questionnaires, in-depth interviews and personal observations were analysed descriptively.
5.2 Recommendations:
Calabar carnival event is a valuable tourism asset of cross river state, which if it is well planned, will not only sustain the people socio-economically but also socio- culturally. The cultural asset of Cross River State is so enormous that it can be explored through Calabar carnival event. It is glaring that when the tourism potentials of a place 85
are harnessed, they can be packaged into viable tourism products and at the same time be promoted. This will help tourists know the content of the available products of that destination as well as take the right decision on which to patronise.
Considering the vast and unique cultural potentials embedded in Cross River State, thus, not promoted, there is a dying need for a synergy of all the factors that will aid in the development, promotion and creating active cultural tourism market through Calabar carnival. However, these factors can be assembled through the following recommendations:
1. More Studies in Event Planning Cost: The sustainability of this yearly Calabar carnival solely depends on how it is planned amidst the abundant cultural resources abound. Involving more scholars on event planning cost will help in unravelling how much is used and needed to plan and execute an event such as Calabar carnival. Such a study will also help corroborate with the actual budget for the Calabar carnival event.
2. Host community participation in event planning: The host community has the legitimate right to be involved in the planning and execution of Calabar carnival. The host community involvement is very pertinent as this will foster the host community and tourist relationship in the destination. Therefore, a study of this nature in event planning would throw more light on the participatory role of the host community in event planning.
3. Review of Government Policies: Government policies on tourism development and event planning are two areas scholars are encouraged to study to identifying their usefulness, weakness and implementation. Where there are good government policies, 86
enabling an environment for private sectors to be involved in tourism and hospitality businesses are assured.
Conclusion
Promotion of cultural tourism product is a big task that requires a systematic and holistic approach. Cross River state is blessed with abundant and unique cultural tourism resources typified in her yearly Calabar carnival. Involving professional event planners and checkmating some of the loopholes that restraints the promotion of this carnival-like provision of infrastructural facilities (roads, electricity and internet) insecurity, and government policies as proposed in this report, will sustainably help Calabar carnival to achieve substantial revenue to supplement whatever is generated from other source of income. For Nigeria and Calabar, in particular, to have its fair share of the global tourism market and have great visitor arrival, there is a need to promote cultural tourism in
Calabar through the Calabar carnival.
This project work has taken a critical look at promoting cultural tourism through
Calabar carnival using the ethnographic method to extract information and analyse the data collected from the respondents. This research work suggests ways in which cultural tourism can be promoted. Thus, in order to make Calabar a long haul tourism destination, there is a need for the government and tourism developers to adopt the promotional strategies offered in this project work as this will help place Calabar carnival ahead of other competing carnivals around the globe.
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LIST OF INFORMANTS
S/N Name Approx. Status Occupation Place of Mode of Remark age interview interview 1 Ubong Ekpe 45 Tourism Civil servant Ministry of Direct Reliable analyst tourism 2 Gabe Onah 58 Chairman Civil servant Carnival Direct Reliable carnival commission commission office 3 Ekanem Afia 65 Chief Handicraft Carnival Direct Reliable maker commission office 4 Linus Udoh 53 Elder Event planner Marian Direct Reliable road(carnival road) 5 Edem Asuquo 47 Director Civil servant Carnival Direct Reliable commission office 6 Caleb Ukem 46 Tour guide Costume Effiete Direct Reliable maker junction (carnival road) 7 Mrs. Veronica 55 Women Civil servant Mary Slessor Direct Reliable leader (carnival road) Calabar municipality. 8 Philip Osang 57 Tour guide Engineer Carnival Direct Reliable commission office