IN CROSS RIVER, HOSPITALITY IS A WAY OF LIFE
By Anthony EKPO BASSEY
The people of Cross River are as gentle as the morning breeze and as welcoming as the first rains after harmattan. To step into this state is to walk into open arms. As the saying goes, “a stranger does not remain a stranger for long in a warm house,” and indeed, the people here make strangers feel like long-lost kin. They smile easily, share generously, and speak with the kind of honesty that only comes from deep-seated dignity. In Cross River, hospitality isn’t only a habit, it’s a way of life.
The land itself is a canvas painted by the Creator in strokes of emerald green and sapphire blue. From the cool serenity of the Obudu Mountain Resort, where clouds kiss the hilltops and nature whispers its secrets, to the vast wetlands of the Calabar River where nature thrives in peaceful abundance, Cross River is a place where the earth sings. The winding Afi Mountain trails, home to rare primates like the drill monkey and the Cross River gorilla, remind us that nature is not to be conquered, but respected.
In Calabar, the capital city, cleanliness is more than a civic duty. It is a badge of honour. Streets are swept like living rooms, public spaces are tended like gardens, and orderliness is the silent music that underpins daily life. It is often said that “cleanliness is next to godliness,” and in Cross River, that philosophy is not only preached, it is practiced with pride.
Culture lives and breathes in every corner of the state. Whether it is the festive rhythm of the Ekpe masquerades or the regal dignity of traditional kingship, every step in Cross River is a dance with heritage. The Calabar Carnival, often hailed as “Africa’s biggest street party,” is not merely an event, it is a living celebration of colour, music, tradition, and unity. Here, costumes sparkle like stars, drums beat with ancestral memory, and spirits rise like morning sun.
And what shall we say about the food? Ah, the food! To taste the dishes of Cross River is to understand that flavour can carry history, and spices can sing. Afang soup, rich with leaves and meat, tells a story of harvest and patience. Edikang Ikong, thick and nourishing, is food that warms the bones and the hearts alike. Even the humble Ekpang Nkukwo is served with the love of a mother and the pride of a people who understand that food is more than sustenance. It is culture on a plate.
Dressing in Cross River is not merely about clothing the body, it is a graceful art of adorning the soul. From the elegant George wrappers to the coral beads worn like royal blessings, the attire here reflects both the beauty and depth of tradition. It is said that “fine feathers make fine birds,” and indeed, the people of Cross River wear their culture with dignity and flair.
But beyond all this beauty lies an invitation. Cross River is not just a place to visit, it is a place to stay. Investors will find fertile ground not just in the land, but in the hearts of the people. With a government that welcomes development and a populace that values peace and cooperation, Cross River is where ideas grow, businesses bloom, and partnerships thrive. The state says to the world, “bring your dreams here, and they will find a home.”
Security and peace are the twin pillars that support life in Cross River. Like a mother watching over her sleeping child, the state offers a sanctuary of calm in a world often overwhelmed by noise. It is here that one can plant both roots and seeds, knowing that the harvest will be safe.
In the end, Cross River State is a melody, gentle yet powerful, familiar yet new. It is a tapestry of nature, culture, and kindness, woven with threads of history and hope. To those seeking more than just a destination, to those desiring a second home or a new beginning, this land calls with an open heart and a steady hand.
As the wise say, “wherever the heart finds peace, the feet will follow.” And so, to the wanderers, the dreamers, the builders, and the seekers, come! Cross River is waiting, and it welcomes you not only with smiles, but with soul.
