By Magnus Effiong
The tourism drive of the Cross River state government has begun to yield dividend with only the Marina Resort attracting eight billion (N8 billion) Naira private-sector-driven investments, the Managing Director of the State Tourism Bureau, Prince Ekpenyong Ojoi, has said.
Ojoi said this in Calabar during a press conference to unveil activities lined up for the forthcoming culture and entertainment festival codenamed ‘Kulturama’ which would feature cooking competition, bikers’ parade, talents hunt, cultural displays amongst others.
“We are coming of age as far as tourism drive of the State government is concerned. The Marina Resort alone has attracted N8 billion investment to Cross River State through the private sector. For instance, it has brought the safest, most affordable and safe transport means to and fro Calabar to Uyo.
“We are set to commission an all-inclusive entertainment center inside the Marina by December. What we are doing with Kulturama is to add to what we already have to bring people back to Cross River State.
“Kulturama has our full support to grow talents, project our foods and culture. We need this type of complementary strides where tourist traffic is pulled into the state soon after the annual carnival in December,” he stated.
Ojoi explained further that the tourism initiative of the State government was not just about Carnival festivities alone but all-round programmes of activities which starts from January through December every year.
In his remarks, the festival director, Mr Harmony Odwong opined that Cross River state cuisines and cultural heritage had not been projected enough to the outside world and that this explained why Kulturama was out to complement the Calabar Christmas Carnival with food competition and other side attractions.
“We want to build on the brand and popularity of ‘Calabar Kitchen’ around and outside Nigeria and to complement the government’s effort in promoting local culture and cuisines.
“This is why we want to stage this 4-day food festival in Calabar where culinary skills would be put out. Different troupes will come and foods from the three senatorial districts will be cooked and tasted free of charge. Local cultures would be on display too. Local talents will be discovered. Prizes will be won.
“Let me reiterate that with Kulturama, we hope to contribute to increased visitor traffic and showcase the state’s creative talent. The festival shall feature food competition, music, stage plays/drama, comedy show, cultural displays, bikers’ parade and love,” Odwong, who is the Managing Director of Delfaro Production, stated.
He disclosed that the 4-day event, billed for February 13th to 16th, 2025, is planned to be an annual exercise.
