News Editor
By David Odama
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has assured of his administration intention to sustain the state as destination of choice for both fun seekers and tourists around the world.
Governor Otu in aremark during the traditional Christmas tree lighting event held at the Millennium Park to herald the 2024 Calabar Festival in Calabar, called for strong private sector investment in the rich tourism sector of the state.
“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 enjoyment 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 governor declared.
On their part, Chairmen of the Carnival Commission, Calabar Festival Committee,
Mr. Gabe Onah and Mr. Effiong Ripening respectively 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 offering impossible sponsorship to encourage Africa, where Nollywood and Afrobeats at Carnival Calabar are winning with the two bodies committed to breaking Africa and the diaspora free to self-realization.
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.
It would be recalled that 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 world.
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