Cross River, Blake Resort Sign Multi-Billion Naira Tourism Deal
As part of measures to expand its tourism offerings and create employment opportunities, the Cross River State Government signed a multi-billion naira deal with Blake Excellency Resort Limited Abuja for the construction of a world class entertainment centre on Tortulga Island in Calabar.
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Tortulga Island is a long stretch of land measuring over 450 square metres and lies adjacent to the po tvpular Marina Resort, which is also home to Kada Cinema, the Slave History Museum built at the ‘point of no return’ and the Calabar Boat Club.
The Managing Director of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Prince Ojoi Ekpenyong signed the deal on behalf of the government, while the Chief Executive Officer of Blake Resort, Mr. Uzochukwu Akunedozi sealed the agreement for his company in the presence of the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Mr. Ekpenyong Akiba and Mr. Asuquo Ukpanyang, representatives of Governor Bassey Otu and the Chief of Staff respectively.
During a brief remark, the Managing Director of the Tourism Bureau, Mr. Ekpenyong expressed delight that the government was adding positively to the growth of the sector and creating more job opportunities for the unemployed.
Ekpenyong said, “this arrangement is in line with the vision of Governor Bassey Otu’s People First agenda, which hinges on providing alternative source of livelihood for the people. Blake Resort is an outstanding centre in Abuja. We are really delighted to strike this N2 billion deal with the company; it is another positive feather to the Cross River tourism sector as the resort is expected to provide more than 200 jobs.”
Value addition
Also speaking, Mr. Akunedozi expressed excitement to be part of the Cross River State Tourism industry, describing the Tortulga Island as a good location to actualize his vision of a one-stop entertainment centre for the family.
Akunedozi, who corroborated that the investment was a multi-billion naira deal, explained further, “we are investing an expanded 2 Billion Naira to develop a one-stop centre for families. Cross River is known globally for tourism especially the carnival. Blake Resort is meant for entertainment. It has hosted people from across the globe and testimonies are there to verify. We are here to add value to what has been done in Cross River State. Blake Excellency Resort is delighted to be part of Cross River tourism, which without an iota of doubt, is the number one tourist destination in West Africa.”
He also hinted, “my vision for the Tortulga Island is to provide all categories of people such as the elderly, youths, children, business tycoons, the political class, local and international tourists and visitors with an entertainment centre like no other. We plan to make good use of the water front to provide Jet Skis, floaters with a capacity for 50 to 60 diners, a pool, fine dining restaurant, lounge, water slides, gaming centre for children and much more.”
In a brief remark, the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Mr. Ekpenyong Akiba commended the bureau for the feat achieved, stating “this is a commendable development as it is creating another in road to fulfill the government’s mandate to return Cross River to Nigeria’s most preferred tourism hub, which is also West Africa and Africa’s best destination.”
The governor, Senator Bassey Otu is expected to perform the groundbreaking ceremony next month for construction to commence in earnest.
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