A major private sector investment on the Calabar waterfront has been described as a strong vote of confidence in the administration of Governor Bassey Otu and a clear indication that Cross River State is safe and ready for business.
By Victoria Omini- CALABAR
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Prince Ekpenyong Ojoi, made the assertion during an inspection of the multi billion naira BLEEC Entertainment Resort, a sprawling leisure and hospitality facility currently nearing completion on the state's waterfront.
According to Ojoi, the project, valued at over N5 billion, is the result of deliberate efforts to attract private investors into the tourism sector. He recalled that shortly after his appointment in 2023, he engaged the owner of a similar entertainment facility in Abuja and encouraged him to replicate the concept in Cross River.
"A few months later, he visited Calabar, saw the waterfront location and became interested. What you are seeing today is the result of that engagement. This investment sends a strong message to the world that Cross River is safe and that investors can confidently bring their money here," he said.
The tourism chief explained that the facility would offer a wide range of attractions including restaurants, grills, a club, music and entertainment lounges, conference spaces, event centres and family recreation areas.
He noted that beyond entertainment, the project would have a significant impact on the state's economy through job creation and support for local businesses.
"More than 400 Cross Riverians will be employed here when operations commence. During construction, over 100 people worked on site daily. The facility will create opportunities for farmers, fishermen, food suppliers, transporters and many others. Tourism is like a cobweb that pulls every sector along with it," he stated.
Ojoi added that the resort would require thousands of fish daily alongside other agricultural products, creating a steady market for local producers and encouraging growth in fish farming and related businesses.
Addressing concerns about the economic viability of such a massive investment, he expressed confidence that Cross River residents and visitors would sustain the business.
"If there is one sector that thrives in Cross River, it is food and entertainment. The investor carried out extensive feasibility studies and is convinced the business will succeed. The waterfront remains one of the most attractive destinations in the state," he said.
He further highlighted the state's growing tourism profile, noting that the 2025 Carnival Calabar attracted massive spending and demonstrated the economic value of tourism driven activities.
Also speaking during the inspection, the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, described the project as one of the clearest demonstrations of Governor Otu's achievements in the tourism sector.
Akiba said every visit to the facility had revealed remarkable progress and improvements, stressing that the development reflects the administration's commitment to quality infrastructure and economic growth.
"What we have seen here is mind blowing. This facility represents the future of tourism and hospitality in Cross River State. It is an integrated resort that combines leisure, recreation, accommodation, entertainment and commercial opportunities in one location," he said.
According to him, the investment has transformed a previously abandoned waterfront area into a thriving centre of economic activity and renewed hope.
"There was a time when this place was neglected and abandoned. Today it has become a symbol of development and investor confidence. Any investor willing to commit billions of naira to Cross River is affirming that the state is peaceful, secure and open for business," he added.
Akiba commended Governor Otu for creating an enabling environment for investors and praised the management of the Tourism Bureau for aggressively promoting the state's tourism potential.
He also called on more investors to take advantage of the opportunities available in Cross River, assuring them that their investments would be protected.
The officials expressed optimism that upon completion, the resort would become one of the state's leading tourism and hospitality destinations, attracting visitors from across Nigeria and beyond while generating jobs, revenue and economic growth for Cross River State.
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