Nelson Utip
Prince Ekpenyong Ojoi, The Managing Director of Cross River State Tourism Bureau, has disclosed that two private sector operators have established thriving businesses in the famous Marina Resort worth 8 billion naira within the last one year, he stated this while addressing Newsmen in Calabar, the state capital when Kulturama Entertainment unveiled programmes of a food festival in Calabar, he disclosed that the two investments have boosted the activities of the resort through promotion of local cultures and employment of citizens of the state.
Ojoi explained that the availability of a boat cruise services between Calabar and Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital has tremendously increased human traffic to the resort.
The MD of The Bureau was full of praises for the Kulturama group, for its initiative of a major foods festival aimed at promoting indigenous cuisines from different parts of the State, slated for February next year.
“They have our full support to grow talents, project our foods and culture. We need this type of complement where tourist traffic is pulled into the state soon after the annual carnival in December.” He said.
The state government has given the facility at Marina Resort to Kulturama free of charge for the coming event.
According to Festival Director , Harmony Odiwong, local cuisines have not been projected enough, hence the festival which will promote local foods and cultures to complement the government sponsored Calabar Christmas Carnival.
“We want to build on the brand and popularity of ‘Calabar Kitchen’ around and outside Nigeria and to complement the government’s effort in promoting local culture and cuisines.
“This is why we want to stage this four day food festival in Calabar where culinary skills would be put out. Different troupes will come and foods from the three senatorial districts will be cooked and tasted free of charge. Local cultures would be on display, too. Local talents will be discovered. Prizes will be won.
“Things Cross River is known for such as food, our beauty, will be promoted. We want to add to government efforts.” Odiwong said.
