Cross River State Holds Maiden Edition of Bakassi Fish Festival 

The Cross River State Government has expanded its tourism offerings with the hosting of the maiden edition of Bakassi fish festival.

The festival, which was held at one of the beaches of Bakassi local government area in Cross River State, south-south Nigeria, was organised by a group of young people and declared open by the Council Chairman, Mr. Amboni Iyadim.

Promote tourism
Mr. Iyadim described the festival as a commodity with the potential to promote trade and tourism.

As a strategically placed international border town with various aquatic natural resources, he said; ”the festival is capable of meeting the standards of other nationally acclaimed fish festivals and attract participation and tourists from neighboring countries.”

“Although this maiden edition is a good outing, it is my belief that subsequent editions of the festival would ensure standards and international best practices in tourism. I really commend the young organisers of the festival for thinking outside the box and come up with a vision to reposition Bakassi on Nigeria’s tourism calendar as well as promote ecotourism,” Mr  Iyadim said.

He commended the traditional leaders of Ikang Clan for the support given to the youths to make the vision of  the Fish festival a reality and showcasing the natural potentials of the area.

Empower fishermen
One of the initiators of the festival, Mrs. Edima Frank said that the vision was to empower those in the fishing business, give the fishermen a platform for cooperation and make them appreciate the natural resources of Bakassi.

The member of the organising Committee, Mr. Aqua Edet said that the Bakassi Fish Festival would be an annual event due to the abundance of arable land and aquatic resources viable, which has made the area a hub for maritime business.

Other highlights of the ceremony were the unveiling of the anthem for the festival and inspection of fish exhibition stands as well as cultural displays.

The three-day event featured boat racing, wrestling, boat regatta, fisherman soup competition, fishing competition as well as fishing paintings, fish display, and a beauty pageant called the ‘Face of Bakassi Fish Festival’.

There were also presentation of awards, lectures and exhibition.

Mercy Chukwudiebere