Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has expressed the determination of his administration to sustain the state’s legacy as one of the world’s top destination of choice for global fun seekers and tourists.
The Governor who made this known during the traditional Christmas tree lighting event held at the Millennium Park in Calabar, the state capital to herald the 2024 Calabar Festival also called for strong private sector investment to leverage on the rich tourism sector of the state.
The Christmas tree lit at the Millennium Park, Calabar to herald the 2024 Calabar Festival
“Our administration is working round the clock to ensure that we continue to sustain our position as the number one destination of choice for fun lovers and tourists around the world. We just came back from Ogoja and Ikom, where we went to light up the Christmas tree at those two locations for our people in the northern and central parts of the state, so that they can also feel the excitement and joy of the season.
“We are using this opportunity to reiterate that Cross River State is still the destination of choice for both business and leisure. Our state is safe and ready for private sector investments. It is my pleasure, therefore, to light up this Christmas tree to signify the 32 days of fun.”
The Calabar Festival is an annual event in the state tourism calendar, which culminates with the Carnival Calabar; Africa’s biggest street party that draws a wide range of tourists from across the globe.
The Christmas tree lighting event was witnessed by top government officials and some private sector investors, including Mr. Ramesh Sinha, head of business development at Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms, Nigeria.
The Chairman of the Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, and the Chairman of the Calabar Festival Committee, Mr. Effiong Ekpenyong, both spoke at the event and thanked the governor for the innovations he has brought into the festival this year with the theme, “Our Shared Prosperity.” This year’s Christmas festival and the Carnival Calabar have AFRIEXIM BANK and ARISE IIP both offering impossible sponsorship to encourage Africa, where Nollywood and Afrobeats at Carnival Calabar are winning.
These two bodies say they are committed to breaking Africa and the diaspora free to self-realization.