News Editor
By David Odama
Cross Rivers State Journalists Forum (CROSSJOF) Federal Capital Territory, chapter have hailed the state governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu’s led administration for procuring two new Bombardier CRJ1000 aircrafts to tackle flight delays and cancellations in the state.
The landmark move by His Excellency Gov. Otu to re-position Cross River State as a premier destination for tourism and investment, is commendable and signals the administration’s renewed push for regional connectivity and economic growth.
This was contained in a press statement jointly signed by CROSSJOF chairman, Francisca Ogar and the Secretary, Raphael Ekpang respectively.
The addition of these CRJ1000s brings the state’s fleet to four aircraft. Previously, two Boeing 737s acquired under former Governor Ben Ayade were handed over to Aero Contractors for operations. The newly delivered Bombardiers, however, will be operated temporarily by ValueJet Airline, pending the state’s successful application for an Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
However, while taking delivery of the two aircraft, Otu described the acquisition as “a long-overdue leap into the future of seamless connectivity and economic transformation for our dear state.”
The governor added that the aircrafts are scheduled to be officially commissioned by the Ministry of Aviation on August 12, 2025.
The governor added that the aircraft will help eliminate persistent challenges faced by travellers to and from Calabar, including frequent flight delays and cancellations.
“For too long, our people and visitors alike have endured the hardship of air travel disruptions. Today marks the beginning of the end of that era.”
Otu stressed that the development goes beyond transportation, stating “These aircraft are more than machines, they are catalysts of commerce, bridges of culture, and vessels of hope.
“With Carnival Calabar, Obudu Ranch Resort, and our ecotourism assets beckoning the world, accessibility must never be a hindrance again.”
While commending the governor’s foresight, Former Minister of Culture and Tourism, Edem Duke, lauded the acquisition, describing it as a “game-changing intervention.
“This singular move will dramatically alter the perception of Calabar as a difficult destination, thereby opening up new opportunities in hospitality, conferences, agriculture, and export”, he concluded.
Meanwhile, CROSSJOF also urged the governor Otu led administration to also tackle land transportation to further boost tourism in the state, particularly connecting the northern, central and southern senatorial districts through Obudu-Ikom and Bekwara Ogoja-Ikom roads.
