C'River: Blake Commences Construction of N4bn Diamond Entertainment Centre
From Judex OKORO
As part of effort to boost tourism in the stat Cross River, Blake has commenced the construction of a N4 billion Diamond Entertainment Center at the famous Tortuga Island at Marina Resort in Calabar.
Aside boosting revenue of the state, the entertainment center which is private sector driven, will create 250 permanent jobs upon completion and over 700 workers expected to see to the completion of the project.
Prince Ojoi Ekpenyong, Managing Director of the Cross River Tourism Bureau, who made this disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Calabar on Tuesday, said the center will be a replica of the Blake Entertainment Center in Abuja and will boast of facilities such as Lounge, VIP section, children arcade and water sports activities, that will attract people from all over the world.
Construction work begins at Tortuga Island. Marina Resort Calabar
According to Ekpenyong, "this is just one axpect of the Tourism Bureau and the intention is to bring back what the State is known for.
"It is purely private sector driven and will be better than what they have in Abuja because this location is at the water front.
"We want to use this to tell our story as Cross Riverians. We are hospitable people and with the hike in dollars, Cross River is a place to visit and relax."
The M/D said the center is expected to generate a minimum of N10 million daily and will also boost the local economy, adding that the whole value chain here is massive and unimaginable; from service providers and a whole lots of other chain.
Ekpenyong, who also disclosed plans for 30 rooms hotel at the Marina resort, further said plans have been perfected to concession the Qua Fall in Akamkpa local government area of the state.
"Qua Fall is an eco-tourism facility and we are on the verge of concluding plan with a private entity to take over the facility.
"We are already perfecting plans for them to develop 30-rooms accommodation, hiking facilities and swimming pool.
"Of course, you are already aware or the renovation we are carrying out in Obudu Ranch," he stated.
