CALABAR — A private investor has committed more than N5 billion to the development of a world-class entertainment resort on the Calabar waterfront, in what officials have described as a major boost to Cross River State’s tourism and investment driven NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
The facility, known as Blake Entertainment Resort, is expected to offer a wide range of leisure and hospitality services, including restaurants, grills, a bistro, live entertainment arena, cinema, swimming pools and conference and event spaces.
Speaking during an inspection of the project on Thursday, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Ekpenyong Ojoi, said the investment demonstrates growing confidence by the private sector in the state’s business environment.
According to him, the project is entirely privately funded and represents “an endorsement” of the investment climate created under the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu.
Ojoi disclosed that the investor committed over N5 billion to the project after visiting the waterfront site following discussions initiated by the Tourism Bureau.
“This is an all-inclusive entertainment centre,” he said. “Children have a place here, adults have a place here, families have a place here, while conferences, weddings and other social events can also be hosted here.”
He noted that construction of the resort had already created employment for more than 100 Cross Riverians over a seven-month period, while the completed facility is expected to provide direct jobs for about 400 residents.
Beyond direct employment, Ojoi said the resort would stimulate demand across several sectors of the local economy, including agriculture, fisheries, food supply, hospitality and entertainment.
“This place will consume thousands of fish daily. Someone has to supply the fish, someone has to supply the pepper, the seasoning, the water and every other item needed to keep the business running. That creates a chain of economic activities that will improve our economy,” he said.
The tourism bureau boss also said the entertainment complex would serve as a platform for nurturing young musicians through regular live performances and talent development programmes.
He expressed confidence that the facility would attract both residents and visitors, citing the Calabar waterfront as one of the state’s most attractive leisure destinations.
Also speaking during the inspection, the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Ekpenyong Akiba Esq., described the project as evidence of increasing investor confidence in Cross River State.
Akiba said the transformation of the once-abandoned waterfront site into a modern tourism facility reflects the state’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for private investment.
“We have been here several times and each visit reveals remarkable progress. This investment confirms that Cross River is safe for business and ready to host investors from across the world,” he said.
He added that the resort would complement ongoing efforts by the state government to strengthen tourism infrastructure while creating employment and expanding business opportunities.
The officials commended the investor behind the project and called on more private investors to explore opportunities in Cross River, assuring them that investments in the state would receive the necessary support and protection.
Construction of the Blake Entertainment Calabar Resort is ongoing, with officials expressing optimism that the facility will become one of the state’s leading tourism and entertainment destinations upon completion.
