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| Engr. Ben Akak during the visit to Calabar Museum |
Engr. Ben Akak (Otuekong Ukwa Eburutu), the CEO of Bengies Group of Companies and Chairman of the Ben Akak Foundation, has urged the Cross River state government to recognize the revenue potential of Museum Tourism and invest in its development.
During a visit to the renowned Calabar Museum, accompanied by former State Governor Chief Clement Ebri, Akak emphasized the need for the government to implement effective strategies to enhance the standards of the museum. He believes that the Calabar Museum has the capacity to become a lucrative enterprise, contributing significantly to the state’s economy and collaborating with other tourism assets in the region.
Addressing the museum curator and staff, Akak stressed that museums must no longer rely solely on visitors paying to see exhibits. He emphasized that modern museums must offer diverse activities to attract visitors in the 21st century.
For Akak, his visit to the Calabar Museum exemplifies his belief in citizens and the government working together to develop the state in their respective capacities. He also emphasized that museums, as custodians of our cultural heritage, play a crucial role in the tourism industry and serve as powerful tools for economic development. Museums have expanded their influence beyond the realm of art to encompass tourism and leisure activities.
Akak cited the success of Museums and Galleries in the United Kingdom, which generated approximately £108 million in income in 2002 and 2003 through fundraising, trading activities, and admission charges. He urged the authorities responsible for the Calabar Museum and the government to elevate their efforts.
Akak highlighted that Cross River State has the potential to become a major player in the global tourism industry. To achieve this, he proposed directing more resources toward improving the tourism calendar and collaborating with technical experts to enhance the financial rewards of these efforts, instead of solely focusing on entertainment and leisure activities.