The Freedom Carnival Band in Cross River State has organised its Freedom Band Awards 2026 Ceremony to recognise and reward members for their dedication
The event, themed around appreciation and recognition, featured awards and cash prizes for deserving members in acknowledgement of their hard work and commitment to the band.
Ekanem Ekpenyong Highlights Importance of Recognition
Welcoming guests and participants, the Freedom Carnival Band Leader, Hon. Ekanem Ekpenyong, explained that the awards were organised to appreciate members and encourage them to remain committed to the band’s growth and development.
He disclosed that nominees were carefully selected and winners emerged through a voting process, emphasising that the initiative was designed to recognise contributions across different areas of the band’s activities.
According to him, the awards demonstrate that members’ efforts are noticed and appreciated, regardless of their individual roles.
Ekpenyong added that recognising hard work would encourage members to maintain their commitment as the band prepares for upcoming Carnival Calabar activities.
Carnival Commission Chairman Applauds Freedom Band
The Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Sir Gabe Onah, PhD, applauded the band’s leadership for introducing the awards initiative.
Onah also commended the band’s creativity during preparations for Carnival Calabar, particularly its use of locally sourced materials in costume and craft production.
He noted that such creative approaches contribute to the uniqueness of the carnival and encouraged the band’s leadership and members to sustain their efforts as preparations for Carnival Calabar 2026 progress.
Eric Anderson Advocates Awards for Other Carnival Bands
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Callywood, Hon. Eric Anderson, also praised the Freedom Carnival Band’s leadership for recognising members’ contributions.
He suggested that similar award initiatives could be adopted by other carnival bands to encourage performers and other participants who contribute to the success of the annual celebration.
Anderson observed that while band leaders and officials may move around in vehicles, dancers and other performers often cover long distances on foot during carnival activities, showcasing their bands’ creativity and performances.
He stressed the importance of appreciating these efforts through recognition and other forms of reward.
Awardees Receive Cash Prizes
The awards presentation formed a major highlight of the event, with selected nominees receiving awards in recognition of their contributions to the band.
Each award recipient reportedly received a cash prize of ₦20,000, alongside recognition for their efforts and dedication.
Other speakers at the ceremony commended the initiative and encouraged members to continue improving their performances and contributions as the next Carnival Calabar celebration approaches.
Notable Personalities Attend Ceremony
Among the personalities recognised at the event were Ms. Bukky Ojo, a publicist and event manager based in Canada and creator of the Africa Christmas Experience; Evangelist Austin Cobham (ANIPR), Secretary of the Carnival Commission; Mr. Effiom Bassey; Mr. Effiom Trombone; Mr. Etta Lawrence; Shirley Effiom; Agnes Godwin; Usim Macximillian; Ultimania; Mr. Ikechi Uko; Chief Richard Essien; and Mr. Bassey Archibong, among others.
The ceremony highlighted the importance of appreciating the people behind the performances, creativity and organisation that contribute to Carnival Calabar’s continued prominence as a major cultural event.
Through the 2026 awards, the Freedom Carnival Band’s leadership reaffirmed the value of recognising members’ contributions and encouraging excellence as the state prepares for another edition of the carnival.
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