07/01/2026
Carnival Calabar Bands Association Enters New Era as Eric Anderson Succeeds Onari Duke as Chairman
The transition of leadership within the Carnival Calabar Bands Association (CCBA) has marked a historic moment of unity, continuity, and renewed purpose, as the wisdom of the Old Guard seamlessly handed over to the New Energypoised to drive the association forward.
This symbolic transition was underscored by an atmosphere of warmth, hospitality, and shared vision, aptly hosted by High Chief Edem Duke, the revered leader of the Calas Vegas Band. By opening his doors to key stakeholders and icons of the carnival community, Chief Duke set the tone for a meeting rooted in camaraderie — a defining spirit of Cross River State and Africa’s Biggest Street Party.
The appraisal meeting served as a bridge between eras, offering an opportunity to reflect, appreciate, and realign. Mrs. Onari Duke, the outgoing Chairman of the CCBA and leader of the Bayside Band, was commended for her steady, purposeful, and exemplary leadership over the past two years.
Under her guidance, Carnival Calabar continued to maintain its global reputation as a benchmark for cultural expression, creativity, and tourism excellence.
The highlight of the meeting was the unanimous selection of Hon. Eric Anderson as the new Chairman of the Carnival Calabar Bands Association. A respected leader of the Diamond Carnival Band and a former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Anderson brings a rare blend of administrative experience, institutional knowledge, and youthful vigor to the role.
His emergence is widely seen as a strategic and timely decision, particularly as the CCBA prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary — a milestone that calls for innovation, cohesion, and forward-thinking leadership to reposition the association for greater impact.
The meeting drew consensus and endorsement from notable figures across the carnival and political landscape, including Mrs. Onari Duke, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Mr. Ekanem Ekpenyong, Dr. Umana Nnochiri, Senator Gershom Bassey, and the host, High Chief Edem Duke.
Also in attendance were executives of the Carnival Commission, led by Sir Gab Onah (Chairman), Austin Cobham (Executive Secretary), Effiom Bassey (Commissioner), and Shirley Effiom (Band Liaison Officer) — a testament to the institutional support backing the new leadership.
As the Carnival Calabar family looks ahead, the transition reflects not just a change in leadership, but a reaffirmation of shared values: unity, excellence, and cultural pride.
Congratulations to Hon. Eric Iso Anderson on his well-deserved emergence as Chairman of the Carnival Calabar Bands Association.
By ETTAH EMMANUEL O.
Secretary/Head of Media and Communications
Bayside Band
