Gov Otu Vows To Support Private Investors In The State As Sea Express Commissions New Ferry Boat

By Missang AKPET

The Governor of Cross River State Sen. Bassey Otu, has stated that his administration's will support private investments to thrive in the state.

The Governor made this known at the commissioning of a new ferry MF Thompson Eja-Enya acquired by the management of Sea Express Limited in Calabar.

Speaking, Otu who was represented by his deputy Hon. Peter Odey disclosed that his administration identifies public private partnership as key to economic growth adding that his administration will create a conducive environment and a workable institutional framework that will unlock the economic potential in the state.

Commending the management of Sea Express Limited, the governor assured them that the Cross River State Government values the blue economy while emphasizing that the waterways is a pathway to sustainable economic development for the state.

Also speaking, the Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Agency (NIWA) Engr. Stanley Onouha, urged the government to ensure safety on the waterways for smooth operation of the ferrys stating that despite being only 2 years old, Sea Express was already adding value to the state by by creating job opportunities for Cross Riverians.

The Chairman of Sea Express Limited, Mr. Thompson Eja, who spoke after the commissioning said the new Ferry 'MF Michael Eja-Enya' is billed to ferry passengers between Calabar, Nigeria and Limbe, Cameroon.

He expressed gratitude to the present state government for her willingness to continually identify with private business and for creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

He hinted that Sea Express has recruited over 30 Cross Riverians in just two and a half years of its existence in the state while pledgeding the determination of the organization to work with the state government for the improvement of the blue economy in Cross River State.

Highpoint of the event was a symbolic voyage on the vessel MF Michael Eja-Enya with the Governor's representative and other dignitaries on board.