Otu Showcases Cross River’s Tourism, Investment Potential to Foreign Defence Envoys
By Ebi COLLINS
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has showcased the state’s vast tourism and investment potential to Foreign Defence Advisers and Defence Attachés accredited to Nigeria, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to leveraging tourism, peace and strategic partnerships to drive economic growth and sustainable development.
The Governor, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, stated this on Wednesday during a banquet organised in honour of the visiting delegation at the International Conference Centre, Obudu Ranch Resort.
Governor Otu said his administration was deliberately repositioning the Obudu Ranch Resort into a world-class tourism destination through sustained investments in infrastructure, security and hospitality, noting that tourism remains a critical pillar of the state’s economic diversification agenda.
He described Cross River as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful and secure states, explaining that the prevailing atmosphere of peace has continued to attract investors and stimulate growth across key sectors of the economy. According to him, the state’s rich ecological resources, unique cultural heritage and tourism assets place it in a prime position to become a leading destination for leisure, business and investment.
The Governor noted that the visit by the Foreign Defence Advisers and Defence Attachés provided a valuable opportunity to showcase Cross River’s enormous potential in tourism, agriculture, solid minerals and other strategic sectors while strengthening international cooperation and promoting mutual understanding.
He commended the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for selecting Cross River for its geographical and cultural tour and assured the delegation of his administration’s unwavering commitment to sustaining peace, guaranteeing security and implementing policies that promote inclusive growth and development.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye, represented by the Director of Foreign Liaison, Defence Intelligence Agency, Major General Ojogbane Adegbe, said the tour was designed to expose the visiting diplomats and military representatives to Nigeria’s geography, culture, security environment and development priorities while fostering stronger relationships with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He said Cross River’s reputation as one of the country’s most peaceful states, coupled with its remarkable tourism attractions and hospitality, made it an ideal destination for the exercise. He also commended the Otu administration for its sustained investment in tourism infrastructure and efforts to preserve peace and security.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, urged the visiting delegation to take advantage of Cross River’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes and vast investment opportunities, describing the state as a welcoming destination for tourists and investors alike.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Obudu Ranch Resort, Mr. Sunday Michael, said the visit reflected growing international confidence in Cross River’s peaceful environment and tourism potential. He described the Obudu Ranch Resort as a symbol of the state’s tourism excellence and expressed optimism that the engagement would stimulate stronger partnerships and attract increased investment.
The event featured a guided tour of the Obudu Ranch Resort led by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, alongside the Special Adviser on Obudu Ranch Resort, Mr. Sunday Michael, and the Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon. Dr. Peter Akonfe Undiandeye. The delegates were also treated to colourful cultural performances, a bonfire ceremony and the presentation of souvenirs, offering them a memorable experience of Cross River’s rich cultural heritage and renowned hospitality.
