By Balimwor Ekpe
The Cross River State Government has exemplified its promise of partnership with private sectors to encourage and develop programmes that are aimed at promoting and deepening domestic tourism in the state.
The commissioner for Tourism,Arts and Culture, Hon Chief. Robert Abubakar Ewa during the unveiling of Cross River Agrotourism Festival And International Expo(CRATFEX), in calabar, said the Asurock initiative for the annual Agrotourism Festival and international Expo is heartily embraced and endorsed by the ministry. He disclosed that the ministry in the exercise of her mandate and inline with her 2024 action plan has completed concept notes and have identified potential partners and stakeholders within the public and private sector to offer Cross Riverians and indeed the entire country another opportunity to visit Cross River and explore more fun, business opportunities and relish in the Cross River season of harvest festival.
The commissioner emphasized that the CRATFEX initiative is not only in compliance with the “people first” mantra of the Governor but a call for self realization to promote social and economic wellness, explore Cross River State and take advantage of unique and diverse quantifiable oasis of natural beauty, rich funa and flora and socialize with the warm welcoming smiles of the happy people of Cross River State.
He, Onbehalf of the Government of Cross River State, Unveiled and Endorsed, Cross River Agrotourism Festival And International Expo (CRATFEX).
Engr. Asu Abang’ managing director of Asurock integrated services and lead visionary of CRATFEX enunciated that CRATFEX is a transformative event that will feature, annual Culture festivals, The Agrotourism conference in Nigeria, Agro empowerment Initiative Let’s Go Green Environmental Awareness campaign, Queen of Agrotourism Pageant Nigeria, the African fabrics and masquerade float, the Agrotourism Farm and tourist shit tours, Agrotourism Awards and networking opportunities facilitating meaningful engagements and progression among industry leaders, policy makers and stakeholders. He cited the critical importance of building a strong Eco system that will improve the natural aesthetics of the states and create wealth for industries and individuals, as the festival will support farmers and enhance productivity amongst farmers and entrepreneurs, foster growth opportunities among all participants.
Speaking onbehalf of the Commissioner for Agriculture and irrigation in Cross River State, the project director of Project Grow, Mr. Dennis Ikpali celebrated the CRATFEX project and commended the organizers for their wonderful vision, said agrotourism is a big industry which the state through the ministry of agriculture is ready to commercialize, as most festival celebrations in the State are agriculture based. Mr. Ikpali announced the readiness of his ministry to key into the CRATFEX project for partnership with them in agrotourism drive.
Dignitaries at the event were, the commissioner, permanent secretary, directors and staff of Cross River ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, The commissioner for Agriculture, Management and staff of Sterling Bank, Chairman of NUJ, press men, Heads of MDA’s, private entrepreneurs and other well meaning participants across states in Nigeria who lauded the organizers of CRATFEX for their wonderful vision that is set to revolutionize the Economy and agricultural sector of the country.
