…. Renovation to Boost Economic Activities Ongoing – Gov.
The Cross River State government has eventually reclaimed the Tinapa business and leisure resort previously managed by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), according to Governor Bassey Edet Ot u.
Otu, who disclosed this during an interactive session with newsmen yesterday in Calabar, said the decision was reached after an agreement with AMCON.
The resort, comprising a business center, water park, shopping mall, artificial lake, an hotel among others, was established by the administration of a former governor of the state, Mr. Donald Duke, to promote business and tourism.
It will be recalled that the management of Tinapa was temporarily ceded to AMCON in 2013 after an initial agreement with the past administration to transfer its statutory interest in the business entity.
While re-emphasizing the economic importance of Tinapa to the state and the region, the governor said renovation works had already commenced therein to ensure optimal utilization of the resort.
He expressed concern over the huge amount of money previous administrations in state had spent in the resort, adding that he cannot but ensure that such a viable project thrives.
“The state spent humongous amount to construct Tinapa and, I could not sit back and do nothing to put the place in order.
“We did not contemplate taking loan for it because no financial institution will grant such when there is an existing facility running on Tinapa.
“Our administration have concluded arrangements to resuscitate all moribund cottage industries including Tinapa resort set up by my predecessors.
“There shall be no wastage under my watch. We will get back the economy of the state by bringing back all these industries”, governor Otu stated in part.
In the same vein, the governor has expressed optimism over the possible reconstruction of the Calabar-Itu road, despite all odds against the project.
Otu said he was not unaware of the scheming of economic saboteurs to frustrate the road project, thereby subjecting motorists and the public to avoidable hardship.
He decried the adverse effect of the deplorable road on Cross River state economy, charging Nigerians to be patriotic in order guarantee rapid development.
The governor said: “I see that a lot of persons do not want that road done. We are, however, not going to rest until something concrete is done on that road.
“If not for the several interventions we have done on that road, it would have been completely impassable.”
In the meantime, the governor has hinted the public that his administration anticipates the delivery of additional aircrafts soon, in order to enhance the state air transport business.
He noted that the plan to revive the state airline company aims at providing alternative transportation system and a unique traveling experience among the populace.
“We have worked on the engines of the other aircrafts. We are also in the process of receiving additional two by March.
“We are working to have the biggest airline in the country and ultimately solve the Calabar route challenge. We are hoping to fly beyond Nigeria, when this starts,” Otu added..
