By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – A petition has been submitted to relevant Cross River State authorities and cultural project organisers, calling for increased inclusion of local creative professionals in public art and festive installations across the state.
The petition, dated 17 December 2025, and written by a culture enthusiast and advocate for local creative development, Efio-Ita E. Nyok, PhD, highlighted concerns over what he described as a growing preference for imported installations in the 2025 Carnival Calabar and Festivals, despite proven local capacity demonstrated in previous years.
According to the petition, major public art and festive installations executed in 2023 and 2024 at strategic locations such as Ndidem Usang Iso Road, Eta Agbor Road, MCC Road, Murtala Mohammed Highway, Eleven-Eleven Roundabout, Calabar-Calabar Roundabout, Destination Cross River Roundabout, Rabana Roundabout and Atimbo Roundabout were handled entirely by local fabricators. These projects were widely praised for their creativity, cultural relevance, durability and timely delivery.
The petitioner noted that public feedback during those years showed strong identification with the works and broad appreciation for the quality of local craftsmanship, reinforcing confidence in indigenous creative expertise.
However, the petition observed a shift in 2025 towards imported installations for similar projects, a move said to have raised concerns among local stakeholders. While acknowledging the value of international collaboration, the petition stressed that such partnerships should not undermine established local talent with a track record of success.
The petition formally requested that state authorities prioritise local creative capacity where it has been clearly demonstrated, apply fair and consistent project timelines to all installations, and consider institutional memory, especially the success of the 2023 and 2024 festive designs and fabrications.
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Nyok also called for constructive collaboration between project organisers and local creatives to promote sustainable growth, cultural ownership and long-term development of the state’s creative industry.
The petitioner further stated that Cross River State possesses the technical skill and artistic talent required for high-standard public art, urging decision-makers to ensure consistency in recognition and opportunity for local creatives to continue shaping public spaces with authenticity and excellence.
Read the full petition below:
CROSS RIVER STATE PETITION
To: Relevant State Authorities / Cultural Project Organizers
From: Culture Enthusiast & Advocate for Local Creative Development
Date: 17th December 2025
Subject: Petition for Increased Inclusion of Local Creative Capacity in Public Art & Festive Installations
Background
In recent years, Cross River state has witnessed impressive public art and festive installations, particularly at prominent locations such as the Ndidem Usang Iso Road, Eta Agbor Road, MCC Road, Murtala Mohammad Highway, including Destination Cross River Roundabout, Rabana Roundabout and Atimbo Roundabout, etc. Notably, the 2023 and 2024 installations were executed entirely by local fabricators and were widely acclaimed for their creativity, cultural relevance, durability, and timely completion. Public response confirmed strong identification with these works and appreciation for the quality of local craftsmanship.
Observations
Despite the clear evidence of local capacity, in 2025 there was an observable disposition toward imported installations for similar projects. While international collaboration has its place, this shift has raised concerns about consistency and the recognition of proven local talent. Past successes indicate that local creatives are fully capable of delivering large-scale, high-quality installations within reasonable timelines.
Request
In the spirit of fairness, sustainability, and the continued cultural development of Cross River State, I respectfully request that:
1. Local capacity be prioritized wherever evidence shows it exists.
2. Fair and consistent project timelines be applied to all installations, enabling local creatives to plan and deliver high-quality works.
3. Institutional memory and past successes—particularly the 2023 and 2024 festive designs/cultural art work/fabrications at Destination Cross River, Rabana Roundabout and Atimbo Roundabout installations—be taken into account in future planning and decision-making.
4. Constructive collaboration between organizers and local creatives be encouraged to foster sustainable growth and cultural ownership.
Conclusion
Cross River state has demonstrated that it possesses the talent and technical skill required for high-standard public art. The challenge now is ensuring consistency in recognition and opportunity, allowing local creatives to continue shaping the state’s public spaces with pride, authenticity, and excellence.
Respectfully submitted by,
Efio-Ita E. Nyok, PhD,
Culture Enthusiast & Advocate for Local Creative Development
