Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, outlines his administration’s plans for economic growth, tourism development, food security, and digital transformation, emphasising shared prosperity and sustainability

Governor **Bassey Otu** has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic growth and tourism, particularly through the **2024 Calabar Carnival**, themed **”Shared Prosperity.”** Emphasising the need for **economic inclusivity**, he stated:

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> *“Unless there’s some equality of purpose in every society, there will be no peace… Shared prosperity is the key to achieving progress.”*

Despite **economic challenges**, Otu assured that the **Calabar Carnival** remains a **major cultural and economic event**, attracting investment and boosting local businesses.

Plans are also underway to **reintroduce the international segment** in the coming years, including a **diaspora band** to enhance global participation.

Tourism Development: Upgrading Cross River’s Attractions

Tourism remains central to Otu’s **economic blueprint**, with significant efforts being made to:

Upgrade **key tourism sites**
Enhance **hotel and transport infrastructure**
Train tourism professionals **locally and internationally**
Stabilise **product pricing** to encourage investment

The governor assured that **Obudu Ranch**, one of Nigeria’s premier resorts, is undergoing **a major restoration project** in partnership with **Marriott Hotels** and **international investors**.

*“We are bringing our tourism infrastructure to 21st-century standards, ensuring easy access to tourism sites and stabilising product prices,”* he said.

Tackling Hunger and Revamping Agriculture

Governor Otu has prioritised **food security**, acknowledging that agriculture was once **Nigeria’s economic backbone**. His administration is:

Conducting **soil mapping** to determine ideal crops
Launching a **5,000-hectare cassava farm pilot project**
Expanding **oil palm and cocoa farming**
Providing **microcredit schemes** for smallholder farmers

*“We are doing everything to revamp agriculture,”* Otu emphasised.

**Digital Economy: Training Youth for the Future**

Recognising the importance of **technology in economic transformation**, Otu is spearheading initiatives to:

Train **youth in digital skills**
Establish **technology incubation centres**
Integrate **agriculture with digital innovations**
Combat **cybercrime and ensure ethical tech practices**

*“The future lies in balancing digital advancements with agricultural productivity,”* he stated.

**Cross River’s Economic Future: A Bold Vision**

Governor Otu remains **optimistic about Nigeria’s economic reforms**, drawing from his experience in the **Senate’s Finance and Banking Committee**. He assured citizens that despite **current economic hardships**, positive changes will emerge.

With ambitious plans for **tourism, agriculture, and digital transformation**, Cross River is poised for **sustainable growth and economic prosperity**.