Cross River Legislators Seek Reactivation of Tourists Sites

The Cross River State Legislature has adopted a resolution urging the executive arm led by Governor Bassey Otu to reactivate the once popular Bebi Airstrip and other tourists sites spread across the State.

The adoption of the resolution was sequel to a motion by the member representing Calabar South Two state constituency, Mr. Victor Ekpenyong Nsa on the deplorable condition of several flagship tourist sites in Cross River.

In his submission, Mr. Nsa reminded the House that tourism placed Cross River State on the global stage as the preferred destination for leisure and conferences due to offerings ranging from the Obudu Ranch Resort, Agbokim waterfall to the Nkarasi Monoliths, the Marina Resort, Mary Slessor House, Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort amongst others.

According to him, “there was, in the years past, when Cross River State was the cynosure of all eyes due to our vast tourism sites spread across the eighteen local government areas. Then, tourists and guests would come in their thousands all year round to visit places like the Obudu Ranch, Agbokim waterfalls, Kwa falls and Mary Slessor House and visit the Nkarasi monoliths.

“The Obudu Mountain Race for 10 years had attracted athletes from all over the world. The Bebo Airstrip well equipped with the state of the arts navigational equipment was left moribund. There is real need for the reactivation of all the tourist sites and truly diversify our state’s economy,” he stressed.

In his contribution, the Deputy Majority Leader and member representing Abi State constituency, Mr. Davis Etta recalled that Cross River State was once  internationally acclaimed for its tourism site, urging the executive to reinvigorate the tourism sector to enhance Internally Generated Revenue, IGR.

Furthermore, the Honorable Member Representing Etung State constituency, Mr. Kingsley Ntui astutely noted that revitalizing the tourism industry in the region will not only yield substantial economic gains but also engender an array of employment prospects for young adults.

Other lawmakers expressed their support for the motion and voted unanimously in its favour.

During his address, the Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, expressed disappointment over the deplorable state of tourism sites in Cross River, which he noted remained Nigeria’s major tourists destinations.

He described Obudu Ranch Resort as a world-class facility and stressed the pressing need for its reactivation.

Meanwhile, the Cross River House of Assembly has screened and cleared the first batch of commissioner nominees.