By Frank Inyang
Bakassi – Hon Ani Esin, the Chairman of the Bakassi Fish Festival Board of Trustees (BoT), has taken on the role of Special Adviser to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) following his appointment by Cross River State Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu. This development was disclosed in a press release issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Emmanuel Ogbeche NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
Esin is a prominent political figure who has previously served in both elected and appointed positions, including Chairman of Bakassi Local Government Council and Deputy Chief of Staff during the tenure of former Governor Ben Ayade.
In addition to Hon Ani’s appointment, 13 others have been appointed to various offices, marking a strategic move by the state government to strengthen its administrative team.
Meanwhile, preparations for the second edition of the Bakassi Fish Festival, scheduled for September 26 and 27, 2023, are in full swing and have garnered support from eminent personalities. The President of the Ikang Joint Assembly, Chief Eng Eyo Ita, has generously offered THE DOME at the Municipality Garden in Calabar Municipality for the pageantry segment of the festival.
Several other prominent figures have pledged their support for the event, including the Consul General of Equatorial Guinea in Calabar, His Excellency Iidefonso Ondo Nchama; Hon Eyo Bassey Edet, representing Bakassi LGA in the Cross River State House of Assembly; Rt Hon (Dr) Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, the immediate past representative of the area in the state assembly; Emmanuel Ironbar, the Chief of Staff to the Cross River State governor; and His Royal Highness, Etinyin Effiom Bassey, Chairman of the Bakassi Arbitration Panel, among others.
The Cross River State Government, through the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Chief Robert Abubakar Ewa, has officially included the Bakassi Fish Festival in the state’s tourism calendar, recognizing its potential to boost tourism and economic activities in the region.
Investigations reveal that extensive consultations and preparations have been undertaken to ensure the seamless and successful execution of the festival.
