Governor Bassey Otu’s Tourism Development Drive
By Michael Jegede
Recently, the Cross River State Government under the dynamic and pragmatic leadership of one of the performing governors in the country, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, approved the release of eighteen billion naira (N18,000,000,000) for investment in sustainable tourism development.
The approval of the release which was granted during the 7th meeting of the Cross River State Executive Council for 2025, presided over by Governor Otu, was meant to guarantee the comprehensive overhaul of facilities at the Marina Resort, Obudu Mountain Resort, Kwa Falls, and the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort. The N18b approved, will equally cover the building of Pier Harbour, introduction of Experience Calabar Tours, revamping of Amber Tinapa Hotel and Studio Tinapa, and the establishment of a Heritage Market to showcase local arts and crafts.
According to a report published by Guardian Newspaper, “The state government’s request for strategic investment in Azari Towers to ensure the December 2025 Completion date, to boost the State’s Tourism and Hospitality Transformation initiatives, has also received the state government’s approval.
“Governor Otu restated the determination of his People First administration to rebuild and restore for optimal utilisation all the tourism sites located across the state in line with global best practices, adding that a Technical Committee headed by Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, with a few other prominent members, has been set up to revive the NorthFest Cultural Festival and bring it up to standard in the state’s tourism calendar.”
Otu is evidently living up to his promise to ensure that Cross River regains its status as Nigeria’s premier tourism hub. He is seen to have been working actively to recover the state’s position as a top player in the country’s tourism and hospitality industry. Cross River’s tourism assets have suffered from years of neglect. But tremendous efforts for their rejuvenation have been made under the watch of Apostle Otu, popularly referred to as Sweet Prince, a sobriquet he earned on account of his kind-heartedness, simplicity, open-mindedness, amiable personality, approachable nature and link with the people.
It was in demonstration of his commitment towards stimulating economic growth and repositioning Cross River as a leading tourism destination in Nigeria and Africa that the governor did everything possible to reclaim the Tinapa Resort from Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).
The Tinapa Resort, a 265-hectare free trade zone, was conceived and built by erstwhile Governor Donald Duke, with the goal of promoting business and tourism in Cross River State. Commissioned on April 2, 2007, its management was taken over by AMCON in 2013, after it bought over Tinapa’s debts that reportedly amounted to N18.5 billion and the state government transferred its controlling interest.
However, at a media parley with some journalists in February this year in Calabar, the governor revealed that the Resort had been successfully repossessed by the state after completing the necessary payments to secure full ownership of the facility, following an agreement his administration reached with AMCON.
According to Sweet Prince, “When I assumed office, I made it clear that we could not allow such a massive investment to deteriorate. We conducted feasibility studies, explored possible uses for the facility, and initiated discussions with AMCON to take back ownership.
“I am very happy to announce that Tinapa now fully belongs to the state, and we are ready to bring it back to life. Soon, when you step into Tinapa, you will see its transformation. This is a fulfilment of our campaign promise to restore and maximize our state’s assets.”
In a statewide address to mark his two years of purposeful leadership on Democracy Day, Governor Otu had said: “We are making remarkable strides in the tourism sector—an area that is not only the soul of our culture, but now, a growing engine of jobs and business for our people. We have reactivated dormant assets like the Marina Resort, restored its cinema, and brought life back to this iconic hospitality centre. Today, local vendors, artisans, and creatives are finding opportunity where there was once silence.
“Our world-famous Calabar Carnival has experienced a 42% growth in attendance, injecting over ₦14 billion into our economy and creating jobs for thousands—from costume makers to transport operators, food vendors to dancers. We also welcomed visitors from over 40 countries—reclaiming our place on the global tourism map. Through the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, we empowered 40 hotels and 16 restaurants with financial support, and secured over ₦6.8 billion in private investments. We increased registered hotels by 33%, doubled the number of tour operators, and created new spaces for business and recreation.
“We are reviving the Obudu Ranch Resort, reinforcing our position as Nigeria’s tourism capital. Tourist arrivals have surged from 62,000 in 2023 to over 300,000 in 2025. Behind every number is a story of jobs restored, businesses rebuilt, and dreams rekindled. We are building a tourism economy that works for all: for our youth, our cultural practitioners, and every Cross Riverian who believes in the promise of a brighter future. We are turning Cross River into a living experience—vibrant and full of life.”
Speaking on the N18 billion just approved by the State Executive Council to upgrade tourism infrastructures in Cross River, the Special Adviser (SA) to the Governor on Tourism Development, Thomas Ikpeme, noted that the investment aligns with the governor’s tourism advancement plan under the “Season of Sweetness” initiative.
Ikpeme was quoted as saying that “A key component of this initiative is the government’s strategic investment in Axari Towers.
“This will guarantee the hosting of major events and increase bed capacity in the state as it prepares for the 20th Anniversary of the Christmas Festival & Carnival Calabar this December.
“This move is expected to stimulate the local economy, create jobs, attract global tourists, and deepen private sector involvement in the tourism and hospitality value chain”.
In an article captioned, “₦18 Billion Investment: A Game-Changer for Cross River’s Tourism Sector”, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Communication, Nathaniel Otaba, opined that “The recent approval of a ₦18 billion investment by the Cross River State Government in Sustainable Tourism Transformation Initiatives is more than just a financial commitment; it represents a pivotal moment for the state’s tourism sector.
“The focus on upgrading tourism destination sites such as the Ranch Resort, Kwa Falls, Marina Resort, and Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. These locations are not just tourist destinations; they are symbols of Cross River’s natural beauty and cultural richness. By allocating funds for infrastructural improvements, government is signaling its understanding of the critical role that well-maintained facilities play in attracting visitors.
“The rehabilitation of the Amber Tinapa Hotel and Studio Tinapa is particularly noteworthy. These establishments were vandalized in the endsars protest which saw the destruction of infrastructures in the State capital, and their revival could create much-needed jobs and bring back the overall tourist experience. Additionally, the planned construction of a new Pier Harbour is an exciting prospect that could open up new avenues for water-based tourism, making the State more appealing to diverse travelers.
“Perhaps most compelling is the launch of the ‘Experience Calabar Tours.’ This initiative promises to immerse tourists in the cultural tapestry of Cross River, offering them a chance to engage with local traditions and gastronomy.
“The creation of a Heritage Market for Arts and Crafts is another forward-thinking component of this investment. By providing a platform for local artisans, government is investing in the preservation of traditional crafts while simultaneously boosting the local economy. This market could become a vibrant hub for both tourists and locals, celebrating the artistic spirit of Cross River.
“However, sustainable tourism is not solely about attracting visitors; it is about enhancing the quality of life for residents and preserving the environment for future generations.
“The ₦18 billion investment will undoubtedly transform the State’s tourism landscape and create a sustainable model of tourism that benefits everyone from local artisans to international tourists. The future of Cross River’s tourism industry is looking bright under the leadership of the peoples first governor, Sen. Bassey Otu.”
A media practitioner, Denis Inakefe, in a write-up published by Sentry Times, an online news medium, said: “In a move that accentuate his visionary leadership and unyielding commitment to repositioning Cross River State as Nigeria’s foremost tourism destination, Governor Bassey Otu has approved the release of N18 billion for the comprehensive rehabilitation of the state’s flagship tourism infrastructure.
“This is not just an economic decision—it is, in my view, a strategic masterstroke with profound long-term implications.
“From the breathtaking Obudu Mountain Resort (my immediate constituency) to the iconic Kwa Falls, Marina Resort, and the once-vibrant Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, Governor Otu is breathing new life into the soul of Cross River’s identity. These sites, long neglected, are finally receiving the attention and investment they deserve.
“What stands out remarkably in the Otu administration is its unwavering resolve to revive moribund government facilities abandoned by previous administrations. The planned rehabilitation of Obudu Cattle Ranch, Amber Tinapa Hotel, Studio Tinapa, the construction of a world-class Pier Harbour, and the launch of the ‘Experience Calabar Tours’ initiative are more than infrastructural projects—they are transformative economic catalysts.
“These initiatives promise to stimulate job creation, attract private investment, boost local entrepreneurship, and ultimately position Cross River as a global tourism hotspot. Even more inspiring is the proposed Heritage Market for arts and crafts, a visionary project that celebrates local artisans, promotes indigenous creativity, and preserves the cultural fabric of the state.
“In a time when many leaders grapple with articulating a coherent development agenda, Governor Otu is boldly charting a course of economic renewal through sustainable tourism. His administration is proving that growth and heritage preservation can go hand in hand.
“The N18 billion investment is not merely about tourism; it is about reimagining Cross River’s future, restoring public confidence, and laying the groundwork for inclusive prosperity. For this bold and strategic intervention, Governor Bassey Otu deserves commendation.
“Bravo, Your Excellency – the People-First Governor.”
Michael Jegede, a journalist, writes from Abuja
