Edo unveils plans for 2026 carnival, targets economic growth

Cross section of speakers at the press conference held in Lagos on the 2026 Edo carnival, on Thursday. Photo: Wale Akinselure

The Edo State Government said it is seeking to make the state Nigeria’s leading cultural tourism destination through the Edo Carnival 2026.

The Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Planning Committee for the carnival, Emmanuel Okoebor, disclosed this on Thursday at a press conference in Lagos to unveil plans for the second edition of the event.

Okoebor said the carnival would showcase Edo’s cultural heritage while promoting Benin City as a destination for major cultural and entertainment events.

Okoebor said, “Our vision is to build a carnival that belongs to the people, reflects the soul of Edo, welcomes the world and leaves a lasting economic, cultural and social impact.

“Beyond the celebration itself, Edo Carnival 2026 will serve as a strategic platform for showcasing Edo’s rich cultural heritage and preserving its traditions for future generations and promoting Edo State as a premier tourism destination in Nigeria and Africa.”

The Edo State Commissioner for Finance said more than 10,000 people from Nigeria and the diaspora were expected to participate in the carnival, scheduled to hold in Benin City from December 13 to 26.

The carnival village will be located at Garrick Memorial on Ekehuan Road.

The maiden edition was held in Benin City from December 21 to 27, 2025.

Okoebor said the 2026 edition would provide opportunities for people in the creative industry, including musicians, fashion designers, filmmakers, dancers, visual artists and culinary professionals.

Okoebor, who is also the Edo Commissioner for Finance, added that the carnival was designed to showcase the “rich heritage, creativity, hospitality and contemporary identity of the Edo people.”

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He added that young people and local talents would have opportunities for exposure, participation, mentorship and economic advancement.

The commissioner said the event was also expected to generate business for the tourism, hospitality, transportation, accommodation, food, fashion and retail sectors.

He said the state hoped to attract visitors, brands, investors and partners from Nigeria and abroad through the carnival.

“Edo Carnival 2026 seeks to create a world-class platform where culture meets creativity, entertainment meets tourism, and tradition meets innovation, positioning Edo State as a leading destination for cultural tourism, investment and creative expression,” he added.

The 13-day event will feature a trade fair and exhibition, medical outreach, orphanage visitation, jean festival, pool party, food festival, bikers’ carnival, talent hunt, cultural carnival, fashion show, music concert, beauty pageant, parade and band competition, as well as an arts and crafts exhibition.

The technical partner for the event, Jacqueline Udoh of Peak Rendezvous Entertainment Global Limited, said the 2026 edition would be bigger than the previous one, which she said attracted about 1,000 participants.

The Secretary of the planning committee, Iryn Omorogiuwa, said the carnival would promote Edo’s culture and creativity by connecting its past, present and future.

The Edo Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Chris Okaeben, said the event demonstrated the state government’s commitment to promoting culture and creativity.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said the police had conducted a security assessment of the event and would work with other security agencies on crowd control.

She said a control centre would be established at the carnival venue, while security measures would also be tightened at entry points into the state.