By Carolyn Ugbor
In a bid to enhance the tourism calendar and boost the growing tourism industry in Cross River State, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts And Culture, Chief Robert Abubakar Ewa has, in collaboration with the Board of Trustees of Bakassi Fishing Festival, affirmed the adoption of the fishing fiesta as now part of the Cross River tourism calendar.
He made this affirmation today, 12th September, 2023, while addressing members of the festival\’s Board of Trustees who were in his office on a courtesy visit.
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Chief Ewa however, applauded the Board of Trustees for their deep vision and great initiative in articulating the cultural heritage of the Bakassi people and expanding the frontiers of tourism in Cross River State.
According to him, Bakassi is viewed in the international community as a fishing hub, noting that such events can be viewed globally since Cross River State is bounded with Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon alongside other ethnic groups domiciled in the state.
The Tourism Boss however, appealed to the Board of Trustees to create an enabling environment in their community for tourism to thrive, saying that tourism is about friendship and can never excel in a hostile environment.
Speaking during the visit, Honourable Chief Ani Esin, Chairman Board of Trustees, Bakassi Fishing Festival stated that their purpose is to partner with Cross River State to share their tourism business views using their natural resources.
Also speaking, the Director General, Board of Trustees, Bakassi Fishing Festival, Frank Edima affirmed that they are set to project stories that can glorify Bakassi with a line up of events like boat racing and beauty pageant.
She further stated that the events has the propensity to open international opportunities for Cross River State, as well as deepen the existing peace and unity in the state.
Highpoint of event was a presentation of the maiden magazine on the first Bakassi Fishing Festival to the Honourable Commissioner.
