Calabar – The Cross River State Government has launched a major advocacy campaign, the Think Cross River initiative, aimed at promoting the state’s rich tourism potential and creating awareness about various business and investment opportunities available to investors. This was disclosed yesterday during a press briefing in Calabar by Mr. Edem Darlington, the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bassey Otu NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
According to Darlington, the Think Cross River initiative serves as a tool to unite all Cross Riverians, both indigenes and residents, to support the state government’s efforts in fostering development. He emphasized that the people of Cross River are known for their hospitality and that the state has remained one of the most peaceful in Nigeria, making it a top destination for both local and foreign investors.
“This initiative will showcase everything about Cross River, from our serene environment to our friendly people and vast investment opportunities,” Darlington stated. He also highlighted the governor’s commitment to fostering a clean and secure environment, calling on the public to support the government by protecting public facilities and reporting suspicious activities to security agencies.
During the briefing, Darlington also commended Governor Otu’s administration for addressing long-standing issues affecting pensioners in the state. He noted that the governor had allocated ₦10 billion for the payment of gratuities, a move that was widely appreciated by the people of Cross River. “For the governor to reach out to pensioners, some of whom have been waiting for their gratuities since 2012, is a testament to his compassion and commitment to the welfare of the people,” he said.
The deputy chief press secretary further lauded the governor’s bold steps in creating an alternative route via the Adiabo axis to alleviate the challenges posed by the dilapidated Calabar-Itu road. The new road, which will pass through Creek Town and Ikoneto, is expected to reduce travel time between Calabar and Akwa Ibom State by 70%.
In addition, Darlington praised the governor’s recent flag-off of a railway project that will connect Calabar to Obudu, with stopovers in Ugep, Ikom, and Ogoja. This railway line is expected to significantly reduce the travel time from Calabar to Obudu from 8 hours to just about an hour, providing a faster and more convenient means of transportation for the people of the state.
The Think Cross River, according to the press secretary, is also designed to foster patriotism and unity among Cross Riverians. Darlington concluded by urging all residents, business owners, and investors to join hands with the governor to support the ongoing efforts to develop the state and ensure that Cross River continues to thrive.
The briefing concluded with a brief interactive session, where media personnel raised concerns regarding the alternative route through Adiabo and the proposed railway project. Mr. Darlington, while not directly addressing all the questions raised, reiterated that the Think Cross River Initiative remains a vital tool in galvanizing public support for the government’s efforts.
