Corporate Nigeria Needs to Look Beyond Lagos and Collaborate to Grow Entertainment Events” – Patrick Ugbe, Hit FM CEO
Calabar is steadily solidifying its reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading entertainment hubs, thanks to the growing impact of platforms like the Calabar Festive, Calabar Entertainment Conference (CEC) and other major cultural festivals. The CEO of HitFM, Patrick Ugbe, emphasised this in a recent interview, pointing out the pivotal role government and private sector initiatives can play in driving the city’s entertainment appeal.
“We already have the Calabar Festival and Carnival, organised by the Cross River State Government since the time of Donald Duke and improved upon by Liyel Imoke. Now, we also have the Calabar Entertainment Conference and Festival, which is private sector-organised, alongside several other private offerings,” Patrick explained. He stressed that while these events have propelled Calabar into the spotlight, their growth requires structured government support and deliberate corporate partnerships.
The Calabar Entertainment Conference, organised by HitFM has grown significantly. Data from the event’s organisers reveal a consistent rise in attendance, with the conference growing by an average of over 10,000 attendees annually since its inception. The Calabar Carnival, also known as “Africa’s Biggest Street Party,” attracts over two million visitors annually and has become a global attraction. Featuring elaborate parades, music performances, and cultural exhibitions.
Calabar has also been a breeding ground for talented artists who have gained national and international recognition, including Iyanya with his chart-topping hit Kukere, MC Galaxy, and Ikpa Udo. Veteran musician Sunny Neji remains a symbol of inspiration for the region’s creative talents. This exemplifies the vibrancy of Calabar’s entertainment scene and its ability to nurture talent with wide-reaching appeal.
Ugbe called for deliberate efforts to expand the city’s creative infrastructure, urging the
government to create an enabling environment for the private sector. The government should encourage entrepreneurs to develop infrastructure and facilities that will support growth in the sector. Corporate Nigeria also needs to look beyond Lagos into other parts of the country and deliberately collaborate to grow entertainment events. Nigeria does not begin and end in Lagos.,” he said. He also noted that partnerships between private stakeholders and public institutions could transform the entertainment landscape. “Deliberate actions from different partners will help improve the quality and appeal of the offering,” he advised.
Calabar’s evolving entertainment scene reveals the potential for cultural hubs beyond Lagos to thrive. With the continued efforts of initiatives like the HitFM CEC and government support, the city is poised to cement its place as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s creative and cultural identity.
Publisher,
Lagos Post Online,
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