The Managing Director and CEO of Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Ojoi Ekpenyong speaks about how the state promotes international and local tourism, Carnival Calabar, among other salient issues. Charles Ajunwa brings excerpts:
What tourism products do you have to offer in Cross River State?
Cross River State is the most peaceful state in Nigeria, and It’s the cleanest and greenest city in the country. Cross River State is one of the most endowed in ecotourism. From the creeks of Bakassi to the hills of Obanliku, we are littered with what nature has given to us. Now you talk about the Obudu Cattle Ranch, it’s still available. It’s an escape for weddings, it’s an escape for families, it’s an escape for ecotourism. You talk about the biggest street party in Nigeria, Carnival Calabar. This is the only state that is doing 31 days event, back to back. Our Power Bike Week is from 20th. By the 30th of this month, all the hotels have been taken in Cross River State against December.
Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, recently released funds to enhance the tourism sector. Can you tell us what you intend to achieve with that?
Right now, investors are even more interested than you can think of. The Governor of Cross River State announced two months ago a N18 billion Sustainable Tourism Investment Fund. That money will take up Obudu Cattle Ranch, it will take up part of Tinapa Hotel, and it will take up part of Marina Resort. We just bought back the Cada Cinema from the former Governor of Edo State. So Cross River State will soon announce a new brand of that cinema under my watch, as approved by His Excellency, Senator Bassey Otu.
With the Cally Air, the current administration is making efforts to open up Cross River State more to tourists. The Calabar Carnival will be happening soon, are there efforts to address the problem of shortage of accommodations experienced last December, which Governor Otu promised to tackle by building new hotels to support influx of tourists?
This is why I said the Governor had just announced the N18 billion Sustainable Tourism Investment Fund. And I said the money is part of the fund we will use in restoring Tinapa Hotel, Lake Side Hotel is coming back and Obudu Cattle Ranch is also coming back. Axari Towers, the government of Cross River State is also investing in that hotel. And as I speak to you, Metro has just been shut down for renovation. So we have no issue with accommodation. At the time the governor came in, we had about 180 hotels, but now we have 230 hotels.
At Carnival Calabar last December, the governor promised to bring back the international aspect. Has anything been done to this regard?
Last year, we celebrated 20 years of Carnival. This year is going to be one of the biggest carnivals we’ll ever have since the coming of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu. He has promised so and he will keep to his words. He is going to make it grand.
What countries are we looking at this time around?
The Governor has not decided on who is coming from abroad. But very soon he will announce it. But we also see majority of the activities like bikers, parade and all that. Everything is in. It’s going to be more colourful.
There used to be Obudu mountain race, which was a colourful event that also drew visitors to the state. Is there any hope of restoring it?
The Governor has assured Cross Riverians and Nigerians and the world over that we need to fix the ranch before you bring back the mountain race. Bringing the mountain race is not a problem for Cross River. But he does not want to celebrate that kind of event with the facilities still on restoration.
For those coming by air, Cally Air is there. But what about people coming by roads which are in deplorable condition?
The roads from Akwa Ibom, the east Cross River State, you are aware that the Governor had paid compensation to all the land owners across the stretch of Cross River and Akwa Ibom, for the tune of about N500 million. So the state government have done their part. The National Assembly Committee on Works have also visited the sites. And the work is ongoing. We are sure that the speed will increase when the rain stops.
How do you feel about the award given to you at the just-concluded 21st Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos?
Last year when we came here, we won the Best Stand in Nigeria. It has encouraged us to improve on what we have done this year. This year, we brought the oldest masquerade in Nigeria. The Ekpe Masquerade is 180 years old next year. We showed the world that Cross River State is the destination to come. It has encouraged me. I am proud. I know that it’s deserving that Cross River State should lead Nigeria in tourism.
In terms of keeping Calabar clean, is anything being done? Last time we were in the State, we didn’t like what we saw?
When you come this December, you will see for yourself that Calabar has been turned back to what it used to be and even better. You know our biggest strength is our food, our women, our environment. Welcome home
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