The Executive Chairman of Bakassi Local Government Area, Hon. Effiong Okon Etim, has paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Evangelist Austin Cobham, to discuss strategic collaborations toward harnessing the rich tourism and aquatic economic potential of Bakassi.
The visit, which took place at the Carnival Commission’s Secretariat in Calabar, focused on deepening partnerships aimed at reviving eco-tourism, promoting seafood development, and maximizing the natural coastal advantages of Bakassi one of the most unique and resource rich regions in southern Cross River State.
In his remarks, Hon. Effiong emphasized that Bakassi’s vast aquatic environment holds immense untapped value not only in terms of tourism but also in boosting the local economy through seafood processing, trade, and cultural tourism.
A key highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of the upcoming Bakassi Tourism and Creative Industry Summit, scheduled to hold on September 20, 2025, with the theme:
“Re-Inventing Bakassi Tourism and Creative Industry for Wealth Creation.”
According to the Chairman of Bakassi, the summit will serve as a launchpad for showcasing the area’s eco-tourism potential, fostering investment, and engaging key stakeholders in creative solutions for economic transformation. He also announced the inclusion of the Bakassi Fish Festival, which will form a major part of the tourism calendar to celebrate the region’s seafood culture and marine heritage.
Hon. Effiong revealed that a series of conferences, exhibitions, and cultural showcases are being planned to create visibility and attract national and international attention to the tourism opportunities within the Bakassi landscape.
In response, Evangelist Cobham expressed readiness for collaboration, noting that the Carnival Commission is committed to supporting innovative local government initiatives that align with the state’s cultural and economic development goals.
The meeting marked a significant step forward in positioning Bakassi as a viable tourism and economic hub within the Cross River tourism revival agenda.
