Cross River enjoys highest number of tourists courtesy of BCS – Governor Otu says, assures steady partnership
Governor Otu in a handshake with Senator Biobarakuma Degi, left, after the courtesy visit
By Akpan David, Calabar
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has expressed happiness with a religious organization with international headquarters in Calabar which has made the state to lead as the most visited state in Nigeria by tourists.
The Governor said that Brotherhood of the Cross and Star through its programmes has boosted internal revenues of the state due to constant visits of international and local tourists and worshippers to their religious sites.
He also commended them for education and employment generation in the state.
He spoke when he received a 7-man delegation from the spiritual organisation led by Senator Biobarakuma Degi who is the General Secretary of the fold.
“We have tourists across the globe who visit Calabar at regular intervals for pilgrimage and spiritual satisfaction and these have continued to boost our name internationally,” Otu said.
“Brotherhood has contributed to the revenues and growth of Cross River State immensely. As government, we appreciate its contribution in education, spiritual empowerment and tourism potentials.”
Otu enjoined the religious organization not to relent in propagating the word of God, encouraging the hearers to remain Godly and never derail from the path of truth, justice and fair play.
Otu assured the spiritual leader, His Holiness, Leader Olumba Olumba Obu, of his administration’s commitment to continue to partner with him.
The governor also sued for prayers for the people of the state, nation and the world at large in view of the precarious situation and challenges being faced by all.
He assured the delegation that he would give attention to their request which bordered on land claims, and ensure that justice which were hitherto denied corrected.
Addressing the governor, Senator Biobarakuma Degi, appealed for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Akpet-Ugbem-Etono road which leads to Biakpan community, Biase local government area, the birthplace of their spiritual leader in order to create access for both local and foreign tourists who visit for pilgrimage.
Deji also solicited for support on the 36 hectares proposed mega city in Adiabo, Odukpani local government area, a project, he remarked, is aimed at boosting the spiritual and economic values of the state and its inhabitants.
Other members of the Brotherhood delegation included Archbishops Samuel Boms, Victor Ebong, Matriarch Christ Shepherd Cecilia Mong, Prof Bassey Bassey, Christian Achok and Justice Ahiakwo.