SPEAKER AYAMBEM SHOWCASES CROSS RIVER’S TOURISM PRIDE, LEADS GOMBE ASSEMBLY ON STRATEGIC CITY TOUR
The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chief Elvert Ayambem, on Friday led the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Mohammed, and his full delegation on a strategic tour of key tourism landmarks across Calabar, aimed at promoting the state’s heritage, natural beauty, and expanding partnership between both legislatures.
The tour, which formed part of the Gombe lawmakers’ four-day budget retreat in Calabar, was designed to give the visiting team firsthand exposure to the rich tourism environment that has earned Cross River State national and international recognition.
Speaker Ayambem explained that the initiative was to present the city’s untapped opportunities, serene environment, and the uniqueness that sets Cross River apart as Nigeria’s most tourism-friendly state. He noted that Calabar remains a model for cultural preservation, investment attraction, and leisure development.
The delegation made its first stop at the Millennium Park, where they were received by the Director General of the State Electrification Agency (SEA), Hon. Francis Ekpo. Ekpo described the Millennium Cenotaph as a historical landmark that honours significant national events and pointed out the globally acclaimed Tallest Christmas Tree, a major attraction that continues to draw visitors from around the world.
The team proceeded to the Marina Resort, where the Director General of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Hon. Ekpenyong Ojoi, delivered an engaging breakdown of the resort’s history, structure, and economic prospects. The lawmakers also toured the Old Slave Museum, gaining deeper insight into documented accounts of the transatlantic slave era preserved within the historic facility. The stopover ended with the traditional fresh coconut drink, a Calabar signature the visitors insisted on taking back to Gombe.
The tour extended to the iconic Tinapa Resort, where Speaker Ayambem highlighted Governor Bassey Otu’s bold steps to revive major tourism assets in the state. He emphasized that the government’s successful recovery of Tinapa from AMCON after years of outstanding liabilities has opened new possibilities for commercial activity, tourism expansion, and investment drive.
Speaker Abubakar Mohammed commended the peaceful environment, hospitality, and depth of history embedded across Calabar’s tourist offerings. He expressed gratitude to Governor Bassey Otu and the people of Cross River State for the warm reception throughout their stay.
The Deputy Speaker of Gombe State House of Assembly, Hon. Sadam Bello Sale, Majority Leader Hon. Yaerima Ladan Gaule, Chief Whip Hon. Musa Buba, and other members of the Assembly were part of the tour. Members and leadership of the Cross River State House of Assembly were also in attendance.
