C’River Cannot Reclaim Tourism Giant Status If Getting Here Is a Struggle

Inyali Peter 

Tourism is not just about beautiful places, attractive hotels or government promises. It is also about how easily people can reach their destinations. You may have the finest resorts, breathtaking landscapes and world class hospitality, but if visitors struggle to get there, many will simply go elsewhere. This is why Governor Bassey Otu’s restructuring of Cross River State’s transportation system is central to revitalising the tourism sector that put the state on the global map in the early 2000s. He understands that tourism can only thrive when movement into, out of and within the state becomes easier.

For years, some portions of the federal highways connecting Cross River to other parts of Nigeria have been a nightmare for motorists. The President Bola Tinubu administration has pursued road infrastructure projects across the country but some sections of the major routes serving Cross River remain in deplorable condition. Last year, Governor Otu stepped in with state resources to repair some of the worst portions. That intervention speaks to a practical reality that a state cannot afford to sit back and wait indefinitely while bad roads undermine its economic prospects.

What the administration is doing goes beyond road transportation. Safety on our waterways has been given priority. Communities and businesses that depend on river and coastal transport have witnessed improved security. Improving security in sea transportation can make movement safer, encourage commercial activity and open up opportunities for waterfront tourism. 

There is also the long standing dream of a state owned seaport in the state. Building on the foundation laid by former Governor Ben Ayade, the Otu administration is pursuing the project, which could provide a valuable evacuation corridor for parts of northern Nigeria, neighbouring Cameroun, etc. With the necessary regulatory approvals already secured, the challenge now is to translate the ambition into a functioning port.

But perhaps the most impressive improvement for frequent travellers has been in the aviation. There was a time when flight schedules to and from Cross River were so limited that visitors had to organise their activities around the few available flying days. For an investor with a tight schedule, a business executive attending several meetings or a tourist planning a short holiday, that arrangement was hardly attractive. Some opportunities may have been lost simply because people could not be certain they could get in and out of the state when necessary.

To improve flights availability and make Cross River more accessible, the Otu administration has expanded the proposed Cally Air fleet beyond what it inherited. This may sound like an ordinary improvement, but it is not. Investors value their time, conferences depend on reliable travel arrangements and tourists want flexibility. When people can travel with greater certainty, the state becomes easier to consider for business meetings, holidays, conventions and new investments.

There is also the continuing work on the proposed Obudu Cargo International Airport, alongside renovation efforts at the Bebi airstrip. These projects could give different parts of Cross River better access to air transportation and create opportunities beyond passenger travel. A functional cargo airport could support the movement of agricultural produce, reduce delays in transporting goods and help local businesses reach wider markets. If the seaport becomes operational, the highways improve and air cargo services become viable, Cross River could develop a connected transport network that supports commerce, agriculture, logistics and tourism across the state.

Think about what this could mean for tourism. Obudu’s mountain resort and the quality healthcare services associated with the Obudu German Hospital could attract more visitors if reaching the area becomes easier. Reliable flights would help business and conference tourism in Calabar while better roads could encourage domestic tourists to explore the state’s waterfalls, cultural festivals, beaches and natural attractions. 

A functioning seaport could stimulate maritime commerce and related waterfront businesses. Hotels, restaurants, tour operators, transport companies, artisans and local communities would all have more opportunities to earn from the increased movement of people and goods. Transportation is not tourism itself, but it can determine whether tourism pays.

Of course, these ambitions require sustained funding, sound planning and timely delivery. Every Cross Riverian should hope that the lingering dispute over the state’s oil wells is resolved fairly, so that the state can access the resources it is entitled to and strengthen its capacity to complete critical projects. Truth is, if these investments are completed and properly managed, Cross River could become far more than a place people admire from a distance but a destination they can reach easily, invest in confidently and return to repeatedly.

C'R Govt in Collaboration with UNICEF holds a Two Day Social Protection Sensitization Workshop with Stakeholders

Iloke Egbe 

In an effort to ensure that stakeholders implement the milestones required for the strengthening of the State social protection policy, the State Government in collaboration with UNICEF has organized a two-day Stakeholders sensitization workshop to deepen awareness and participation amongst relevant stakeholders in line with the State mantra.

The workshop held at Dannic Hotel Ekorinim Calabar seeks to analyze and evaluate the journey so far with the objectives of understanding what constitutes challenges in the successful implementation of the policy and where to collaborate more amongst partners.

Declaring the workshop open, the Commissioner, Ministry of International Donor Coordination.  Elder Dr. Hippolatus Ogar Lukpata, thanked the Governor His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for providing the right environment, support and the provision of systems and strong institutions to drive the process of State development. 

He asserted that the workshop marked important steps in the State collective efforts to promote social inclusion, reduce poverty and vulnerability, and improve the well-being of the people of our dear State. That social protection is not merely a welfare intervention but a strategic investment in human capital and sustainable development.

According to Mr Lukpata, social protection provides a framework for protecting the most vulnerable members of our society including children, women, persons with disabilities, the elderly and those affected by economic and social shocks. That through effective social protection measures, we can build resilient communities and create opportunities for all citizens to live with dignity and hope.

In his words, "this workshop presents a valuable platform for stakeholders from different sectors to deepen their understanding of the State social protection policy, its objectives, implementation strategies, and expected outcomes" that, it also provides an opportunity for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration towards ensuring that the Policy translates into meaningful benefits for the people. While pledging the commitment of the Ministry to foster partnerships, mobilization of development partners support and encourage initiatives that strengthen the effective implementation of the Social Protection Policy in the State.

Adding her voice, the Commissioner Ministry of Women, Hon. Dr. Edema Irom, thanked the Governor His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for believing in strong institutions and giving the necessary support to ensure that the right is done which helps to bring government closer to those who need it most. Mrs. Irom also thanked the Ministry of International Donor Coordination and UNICEF for driving the process with experience and capacities. 

 While the State Statistician General Mrs Akedoh Okoi Edet asserted that the bureau has a lot of data and with the support of the Governor, the Bureau has carried out disability surveys which will help the State to close relevant gaps in Planning. That the Bureau doesn't accept data that they participate in the process, adding that the Bureau is the custodian of the State data and called for collaboration with partners to reduce duplications.

The two-day event features paper presentations, goodwill messages from partners, plenary and review of progress made including challenges, 2027 proposed workplan. In attendance were permanent Secretaries from Ministry, Departments and Agencies, the representative of the Commissioner of police, the Director General Cross River State Policy and Investment Agency, the Director General of Association of Local Government chairmen ALGON, including members of the University, Civil Society Organizations.

Some of the topics for discussion were understanding the Cross River State Social Protection Policy framework, prioritizing social protection in the renewed hope era: leaving no Cross Riverian behind. Update on the expansion of the unified social register in the Cross River State. Others are challenges of social protection policy implementation at the grassroot level in the State and sustainable financing of social protection policy in the State.

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Social Protection is a Matter of Dignity and Justice: Commissioner MIDC

Iloke Egbe 

As a way of stabilizing the collective efforts of the State Social Protection Policy Technical Working Group in line with the people's first mantra of the Governor towards the eradication of Multidimensional poverty amongst Cross Riverians, the State Government in collaboration with UNICEF organized a Two Day Social Protection Policy Technical Working Group meeting for the 3rd quarter of 2026 to evaluate and harmonize progress made identify challenges and next steps.

Declaring the workshop open at Dannic Hotel Ekorinim Calabar, the commissioner thanked the Governor His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for sincerely being committed to the steady development of the State through visionary Policy framework and Institutional approach to promote sustainability of achievements recorded.

He pointed out that social protection is a matter of dignity and justice, that it's about making sure that no Cross Riverian is left to fall through the cracks when hardship strikes. The elderly with no one to lean on, the child whose schooling is threatened by poverty including those with disability, the widow, the small holder farmers whose harvest falls, and the young persons who cannot find a job.

According to Mr Lukpata the State has taken important steps and has a policy direction, implementation framework and the domestication of an agency by law which are all Institutional foundations to give the policy the needed force. In his words, "a policy on paper alone does not feed a family, our work is to turn commitment into coordinated actions, actions into results that people can feel in their homes and communities" he said. He thanked UNICEF and members of the technical working group for the successful hosting of the 3rd quarter meeting.

Adding his voice, the Director General Cross River Social Investment and Protection Agency, Hon Dr. Edem Effiom asserted that it's time to adopt an adaptive social protection approach which recognizes poverty as a unique phenomena in place

That single approach can't adequately address it. He called for a continuous analysis and harmonization of lessons learnt for proactive measures to mitigate poverty, while thanking the Governor for confronting the issues systematically through Institutional framework.

Some of the topics discussed were the State Development Plan in line with the Social Protection components. Report of activities from first quarter to third quarter by relevant Ministries Departments and Agencies. Challenges on the State Development Plan Budget implementation.  Also discussed was monitoring and Evaluation strategies and modalities on State Development Plan in line with Social Protection Policy. Presentation of 2027 proposed activities and next steps strategies.

Highlights of the event include goodwill messages from partners and stakeholders, and interactive sessions. The event was well attended by members of the State Technical Working Group.

GOSSA '94 Donates 40 Desks To Alma Mater, Urges Students To Shun Cultism, Immorality

_By Iloke Egbe_

Service to humanity has been described as the true essence of existence as the 1994 set of Government Secondary School, Akamkpa (GOSSA '94) donated 40 writing desks to their alma mater in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The gesture, according to the set, was borne out of the need to give back to the institution that moulded their character at the formative stage of their lives.

The set also used the opportunity to counsel students to shun cultism, gangsterism and sexual immorality, urging them to uphold good morals while focusing on their academics.

The delegation that represented the set included the Coordinator, Dr. Joyce Ekpo Egim, Treasurer, Dr. Glory Aya, and Secretary, Dr. Charity Ayara.

Responding, the Principal of the school, Mr. Arorim Esere Arorim, and the Vice Principal, Mr. Ogban Inyang Kanu, expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that it will to a large extent support learning as the available desks in the school were grossly inadequate.

They prayed for God's blessings upon all who contributed to the success of the visit and called for sustained collaboration with the 1994 set of GOSSA.

The representatives also commended other alumni members whose contributions made the initiative a huge success, including Mrs. Rosemary Arikpo Eni, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, Mrs. Jacqueline Kelvin and Mrs. Gladys Silas.

In an interview, the coordinator of the set, Dr. (Mrs.) Joyce Ekpo Egim said the school remains the foundation of their academic attainment and other achievements in life, adding that a reflection on their time in the school and its present status calls for support.

According to her, the task of progress and development is not for government alone, as citizens must demonstrate patriotism and support critical infrastructure with high development potential, stressing that government cannot do it all alone.

 The school prefect mr. Ofa Patrick Itesor who spoke during the event thanked the team for remembering the school and for the donation of the desks which he also described as grossly inadequate and of serious need, adding that the donation is a big relief for both the school and students.

Highlights of the event were the distribution of the desks to different classes and a counselling session with the students.

Gov. Otu Mourns Veteran Journalist Anietie Akpan, Hails His Contributions to Journalism

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has described the late veteran journalist, Mr. Anietie Akpan, as a man of stature whose contributions to journalism and public life would remain indelible.

The Governor conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family through his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Linus Obogo, who visited the family alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Affairs, Mr. Nsa Gill, and the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Cross River State Council. The delegation was received by the deceased’s widow, Mrs. Imaobong Anietie Akpan, and daughter, Etinyene Anietie Akpan.

Obogo said Governor Otu had wished to visit the family personally to condole with them over the loss, but the exigencies of duty necessitated his sending a delegation to convey his message of sympathy and solidarity. He said the Governor had also provided financial support to assist the family with preparations for the final rites of the late journalist.

According to Obogo, the gesture demonstrated Governor Otu’s solidarity with the bereaved family and his recognition of the late Akpan’s contributions to the journalism profession.

He described Akpan as a respected media professional whose passing was a loss to the journalism community, noting that the deceased had made significant contributions to journalism and public discourse.

Obogo said the Governor’s decision to identify with the family reflected his appreciation of the important role journalists play in documenting events, informing the public and contributing to societal development.

He assured the family that the State Government shared in their grief and prayed that God would grant them the strength and fortitude to bear the monumental loss. The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, also thanked Governor Otu for his media-friendly disposition and continuous support for the journalism profession in the State.

She said the gesture would go a long way in supporting the bereaved family and the media community in giving the late veteran journalist a decent farewell. In an emotional response, Etinyene expressed the family’s gratitude to Governor Otu for the thoughtful gesture and support, saying they were grateful indeed for his identification with them at such a difficult time.

She appreciated the Governor for remembering the family and standing with them in their period of grief.

Social Protection is a Matter of Dignity and Justice: Commissioner MIDC

Iloke Egbe 

As a way of stabilizing the collective efforts of the State Social Protection Policy Technical Working Group in line with the people's first mantra of the Governor towards the eradication of Multidimensional poverty amongst Cross Riverians, the State Government in collaboration with UNICEF organized a Two Day Social Protection Policy Technical Working Group meeting for the 3rd quarter of 2026 to evaluate and harmonize progress made identify challenges and next steps.

Declaring the workshop open at Dannic Hotel Ekorinim Calabar, the commissioner thanked the Governor His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for sincerely being committed to the steady development of the State through visionary Policy framework and Institutional approach to promote sustainability of achievements recorded.

He pointed out that social protection is a matter of dignity and justice, that it's about making sure that no Cross Riverian is left to fall through the cracks when hardship strikes. The elderly with no one to lean on, the child whose schooling is threatened by poverty including those with disability, the widow, the small holder farmers whose harvest falls, and the young persons who cannot find a job.

According to Mr Lukpata the State has taken important steps and has a policy direction, implementation framework and the domestication of an agency by law which are all Institutional foundations to give the policy the needed force. In his words, "a policy on paper alone does not feed a family, our work is to turn commitment into coordinated actions, actions into results that people can feel in their homes and communities" he said. He thanked UNICEF and members of the technical working group for the successful hosting of the 3rd quarter meeting.

Adding his voice, the Director General Cross River Social Investment and Protection Agency, Hon Dr. Edem Effiom asserted that it's time to adopt an adaptive social protection approach which recognizes poverty as a unique phenomena in place

That single approach can't adequately address it. He called for a continuous analysis and harmonization of lessons learnt for proactive measures to mitigate poverty, while thanking the Governor for confronting the issues systematically through Institutional framework.

Some of the topics discussed were the State Development Plan in line with the Social Protection components. Report of activities from first quarter to third quarter by relevant Ministries Departments and Agencies. Challenges on the State Development Plan Budget implementation.  Also discussed was monitoring and Evaluation strategies and modalities on State Development Plan in line with Social Protection Policy. Presentation of 2027 proposed activities and next steps strategies.

Highlights of the event include goodwill messages from partners and stakeholders, and interactive sessions. The event was well attended by members of the State Technical Working Group.

Gov. Otu Gifts Brand-New Electric Vehicles to Labour Leaders, Describes Them as Critical to Governance

Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has presented brand-new electric vehicles to leaders of organised labour in the state in recognition of their role in sustaining industrial harmony and supporting the administration's development agenda.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony held at the premises of the Cross River State Property Development and Investment Limited (CROSPIL) in Calabar, the Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Pastor Ekpenyong Ene Cobham, presented the car keys to the Chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).

The Commissioner said the initiative was driven by Governor Otu's People First agenda and is consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He stressed that those who dedicate themselves to advocating for workers' welfare should also have access to improved mobility.

According to him, the Governor recognises organised labour as a critical stakeholder in governance and considered it necessary to ensure that labour leaders can carry out their responsibilities without being hampered by transportation challenges.

He added that the electric vehicles form part of the state's urban mobility programme and represent the administration's effort to introduce cleaner and more sustainable transportation solutions while supporting key institutions in the state.

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Monday Ogbodum, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Otu, describing the gesture as a "huge relief" and a clear demonstration of the Governor's recognition of labour's role in advancing workers' welfare.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Gregory Olayi, said the vehicles would significantly improve the mobility of labour leaders, enabling them to perform their duties more effectively and strengthen engagement with workers across Cross River State.

The labour leaders lauded the transition from petrol-powered to electric transportation, declaring that the initiative means "saying bye-bye to fuel" while reducing the financial burden associated with fuelling vehicles.

They noted that the provision of the electric vehicles would not only enhance mobility but also boost the capacity of labour leaders to advocate for better working conditions and improved welfare for workers.

The labour leadership thanked Governor Otu, whom they described as the "People First Governor," for what they called a "wonderful and incredible gift," and assured that the vehicles would be put to effective use in the service of workers and the state.