The Kalabari Renaissance Foundation, organisers of the Kalabari New Year Festival, has raised fresh hope in the unity and the sustained development of the Kalabari Ethnic Nationality despite all odds.
Speaking at a courtesy call on the Regent of Kalabari Se, Chief, Dr. Charles Numbere Princewill, the Chairman of the Foundation, Mr. Harry Awolayeofori Macmorrison said that contrary to widespread fears, the Kalabari people are united in more ways than some people fear.
According to him, if for nothing, the participation of all the communities in the Unified Kalabari New Year Festival shows that the Kalabari people at home and abroad are hungry for unity and are waiting for credible leadership and platforms to make the needed statement.
Mr. Harry who led a delegation of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation to formally notify the head of the Kalabari Se Kobiri of some innovations planned for the 2027 Kalabari Year Festival in November 16,2026, said that the festival is fast becoming a tourism brand and a veritable window for unity and development in Kalabari.
He thanked the highest traditional institution in Kalabari for the huge support accorded the Foundation, especially the previous new year festivals and asked for more, adding that until the objectives of the festival are fully realised Kalabari would be serving herself short.
Mr. Harry said that the significance of the festival is massive, because a people who cannot tell when their day breaks cannot rise early and maximally take advantage of the day.
He said that with the support of all the Communities, especially in celebrations like the Kalabari New Year Festival, a new Kalabari that posterity would be proud about is possible.
In his response, the Regent noted with pride the commitment of the Foundation to the unity of the Kalabari people and commended them for being consistent. He noted that a lot of people started similar campaigns but fell on the way, but the new year festival has come to stay.
He said that the Kalabari Se would support every effort aimed at making Kalabari great again. Adding that, the dreams of the ancestors are finally finding expression and prayed for the continuous success of the festival.
