Culture and Tourism

Cross River govt signs over N2bn deal on entertainment centre

Published

3 years ago

February 1, 2024

The Government of Cross River State, through one of its agencies, the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, signed an expandable N2 billion deal on Friday with a development partner, Blake Excellency Resort Limited, for the establishment of a one-stop entertainment centre.

The Managing Director of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Prince Ojoi Ekpenyong, revealed that the entertainment centre would be located in the Tortulga Island area of the Marina Resort, which has remained deserted for the past two decades.

He described the investment as an additional benefit because it would take people off the streets while providing more than 200 job opportunities for the state’s people.

He stressed that the state’s revenue would increase.

Ojoi maintained that the state is ready to open up to business and is willing to cooperate with any investor who can create job opportunities and significantly develop the state’s economy.On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Blake Excellency Resort Limited, Mr. Uzochukwu Akunedozi, said the entertainment center would accommodate kids, youths, and senior citizens.

He noted that the facilities expected in the entertainment center include a dining restaurant, lounge, a pool, boat cruise, water slides, gaming center for kids, and a floater that can accommodate 50 to 60 people who wish to celebrate their birthdays or any events on top of the water, among other features.

“Blake Resort is meant for entertainment; it has hosted people from across the globe, and the testimonies are there to verify. We are here to add value to what has been done in Cross River State. I’m excited because I feel privileged to be part of what the Cross River State government is doing, which is tourism, and without an iota of doubt, Cross River State is the number one tourist destination in West Africa.

“I’m in a hurry to deliver, and I’m in a hurry to do more than I have said. Our duty is to exceed your expectations. We are looking at between now and October; we should be hitting the ground running”, he added.

Witnessing the signing, the Special Adviser to the Governor on general duties, Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, expressed satisfaction with the partnership deal and assured that the state government would continue to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state

Share on Facebook

Culture and Tourism

Awakan Marks First Anniversary as NTDA DG, Charts New Course for Tourism Sector

Published

1 week ago

September 24, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

As the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) enters its second year under the leadership of the Director-General, Mr. Ola Awakan, the focus will remain on building partnerships and converting Nigeria’s tourism assets into greater opportunities for investment and accelerated economic growth.

That simple message framed the one year scorecard presented on Wednesday by Mr. Awakan during NTDA Tourism Week 2026 and activities leading to World Tourism Day held in Abuja.

“Nigeria does not lack tourism assets,” Awakan said. “What is required is a system that connects these assets to investments, jobs, technology, enterprise and sustainable economic value.” He added.

Reeling out his scorecard, Awakan observed that over the past year, the Authority concentrated on stakeholder engagement, innovation, investment facilitation, digital transformation, destination marketing, tourism intelligence and institution building.

He explained that efforts have been made towards deeper collaboration with government institutions, traditional institutions, private-sector operators, development partners, financial institutions, professional bodies, communities and international partners.

On the digital front, the NTDA boss said the Authority has advanced NITOUREY, a dedicated tourism streaming platform and content ecosystem meant to take Nigerian destinations, culture and experiences to wider audiences, in alignment with this year’s World Tourism Day theme, “Digital agenda and artificial intelligence to redesign Tourism”.

He also identified Naija Flavour as a flagship project to position Nigerian cuisine as both a tourism asset and a tool for cultural diplomacy, linking tourism to Nollywood, music, fashion, food, festivals and digital creativity.

Speaking further, Awakan reiterated that the NTDA is also digitising tourism enterprise accreditation and regulatory processes while developing a grassroots tourism framework to identify, document and promote assets across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.

Internationally, NTDA has expanded ties with tourism institutions, diplomatic missions, development partners and global organisations on technical cooperation, investment, destination marketing, capacity building, cultural diplomacy and market access.

The NTDA helmsman however recognised that challenges remain such as infrastructure gaps, weak tourism data, limited connectivity to some destinations, security concerns in certain locations, regulatory compliance shortfalls and the need for stronger private-sector participation.

Awakan remained positive looking ahead with his priorities including the mobilisation of more tourism investment, accelerating the development of viable assets, expanding domestic and international marketing through deeper digital transformation, strengthening regulation, increasing community participation, building capacity of tourism professionals and deepening partnerships with international tourism institutions.

The DG also announced plans for the expanded Naija Flavour International Tourism Expo to be unveiled in Abuja later this year making it the ultimate platform aimed at drawing international participation, investors and development partners into the sector.

While thanking President Bola Tinubu GCFR for giving him the opportunity to serve, he added that, “One year in office is not the destination. It is a checkpoint,” reiterating that the next phase would require stronger partnerships, greater investment and sustained institutional commitment.

Earlier, the Director of Marketing and Promotion of NTDA Mr. Olufemi Akinyele, said the milestone was being marked as part of NTDA Tourism Week, which began with a road walk and a guided tour of Abuja under the theme “Digital Vibes, Nigerian Pride: Celebrating Tourism, Culture and People.”

Government and industry representatives at the event congratulated the Director General and commended the Authority’s increased engagement with tourism stakeholders.

Share on Facebook