In a detailed and urgent appeal, Ambassador Omodele Adebola, CEO of BAYS BAR/DE GRAND HOTEL AND ROOFTOP, has called upon the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, to prioritize critical reforms in the state’s aviation and tourism sectors.
With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry and a vested interest in the region’s economic future, Adebola presents a compelling case for immediate action to unlock Cross River’s full potential.
In his open letter, Adebola points to the suboptimal state of Margaret Ekpo International Airport as a significant bottleneck for the state’s economic development.
He outlines how the airport’s lack of landing facilities at night and during inclement weather has far-reaching consequences, not just for tourism, but also for healthcare, security, and overall economic activity. This deficiency, he argues, limits the influx of tourists, investors, and business travelers, thereby stifling the state’s growth prospects.
“The inability of aircraft to land at night and in poor weather is more than an inconvenience—it’s a strategic flaw that affects every sector of our economy,” Adebola stated.
He stresses that for a state with such rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, this situation is untenable and must be addressed with urgency.
Adebola’s plea is set against a backdrop of economic challenges that have plagued Cross River State in recent years, including the loss of Bakassi to Cameroon and the forfeiture of 76 oil wells. These events have severely impacted the state’s revenue streams.
However, Adebola is optimistic about the future under Governor Otu’s leadership, particularly if there is a focused effort to revitalize the tourism and hospitality sectors.
“Tourism has always been a cornerstone of our state’s economy. With the right infrastructure and strategic planning, it can once again become a major driver of economic growth, creating jobs, stimulating development, and improving the standard of living for our citizens,” he stated.
Adebola also highlights the logistical challenges faced by residents who often have to travel through Uyo Airport, dealing with poor road conditions or risky waterway journeys to reach major aviation hubs like Lagos and Abuja. This situation, he warns, is slowly shifting economic power and tourism traffic away from Cross River to neighboring Akwa Ibom State—a trend that must be reversed.
In addition to the immediate upgrades needed at Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Adebola calls for the completion of the Obudu Airport project, initiated by the previous administration under H.E Ben Ayade.
He argues that this airport could serve as a catalyst for economic growth in the northern region of the state, unlocking the potential for tourism, agriculture, and job creation.
“The Obudu Airport is more than just an infrastructure project—it’s a gateway to the untapped potential of our northern communities,” Adebola averred.
He urges the current administration to see this project through to completion, maximizing its benefits for the entire state.
Beyond infrastructure, Adebola advocates for strategic partnerships between the state government and private sector investors, international organizations, and other stakeholders to enhance tourism.
He proposes the development of a holistic policy framework that includes measures to improve security, upgrade infrastructure, promote cultural heritage, and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector.
“A holistic approach is needed to transform our tourism industry. This should include not only physical infrastructure but also policies that encourage investment, protect our cultural assets, and ensure that tourism growth is sustainable and inclusive,”he emphasized.
Adebola’s letter also touches on the importance of preparing for the upcoming Calabar Carnival, a significant event that draws tourists from across Nigeria and beyond.
He stresses that ensuring the readiness of the state’s aviation infrastructure for this event could set the stage for a successful peak tourist season and boost the revenue base of Cally Air, the state’s airline.
Adebola expresses his confidence in Governor Otu’s vision and leadership, urging swift action to address these critical issues. He envisions a future where Cross River State stands as a beacon of tourism excellence and economic resilience, drawing visitors and investors alike to its unique cultural and natural offerings.
He appealed to key stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation and tourism sectors, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Hon. Festus Keyamo, SAN, FCIArb; the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Sen. Buhari Abdulfatai; and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Hon. Abdullahi Idris Garba, to come to the aid of the state in revamping its tourism and aviation sectors.
He added that their involvement underscores the broader national interest in the success of these proposed reforms, which could have a transformative impact on Cross River State’s economy and beyond.
