Otu Doles Out N10m Grant To 10 In Cross River Central
By Judex OKORO
In continuation of its commitment to rejigging the hospitality industry, Cross River State government has doles out the sum of N10m grant to ten hotels in central senatorial district.
The government had earlier give the same N10m grant to ten hostels in Southern Senatorial district, promising to do same in the northern senatorial zone of the state.
The initiative is part of an innovation package by the Cross River State Tourism Bureau tagged "Empowering Hotels, Investing In Excellence, Our Commitment to Sustainable Tourism”aimed at resuscitating the industry.
Presenting the cheques at a ceremony held at the Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar, the Managing Director of the Bureau, Prince Ojoi Ekpenyong, said the incentive is meant to buttress the unwavering commitment of the Bureau to sustainable tourism and belief in the potential of local businesses.
Ojoi said; “Today's recognition is not merely a financial grant; it's a vote of confidence in your commitment to excellence, service quality, and the advancement of our State's tourism landscape.
"The ten hotels will be closely monitored in alignment with the grant criteria and the minimum requirements of industry standards.
"The package which started in the South with 10 hoteliers benefiting and now in the central, will be replicated in northern Senatorial district.
"We commend Governor’s promise to continue the gesture throughout his administration. We
commend him for his dedication to fulfilling promises outlined in the "People's First mantra.
"The award is a tangible demonstration of the governor's commitment to fostering economic growth and empowerment within the state," Ojoi pointed out.
Stating the basis of the selection, the chairman of the selection committee, Mr Ugba Murphy said,: "These ten exceptional hotels in the central senatorial district were carefully selected based on their commendable efforts in staying up to date with licensing requirements and their potential for remarkable growth."
Presenting the cheque to some of the beneficiaries, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, said: The grant is a welcome development and promised that the Assembly will come up with strong legislation on security and cleanliness to boost the sector.
"We in the 10th Assembly will cooperate with the Tourism Bureau and work with stakeholders to ensure the success of the industry in the state."
On his part, the State Commissioner for Tourism, Abubakar Ewa, you gave it to me yesterday advised the beneficiaries to make the most of what they have received and join hands with the government to move the sector from strength to strength.
In his remark, the chairman of Cross River State Hoteliers Association, Mr Charles Ogar, also commended the government for the gesture, saying "we will form a team to monitor and ensure that funds are judiciously used for the purposes intended."
In separate interviews, officials of the benefiting hotels who described the gesture as unprecedented, adding that no government in the state has ever done what Governor Otu has done with the grant.
They promised to use the grant to improve their facilities to standard.
