By: Achiane Adams, CRS-MOI Officer reporting from Min. of Culture and Tourism Development
As preparations towards the hosting of the first ever AKWACROSS Cycling Parade in Calabar intensifies, the Cross River State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Development, Mr. Eric Anderson, has met with the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC), Cross River State Command, Barr. Chidiebere Nkwonta, to discuss road safety for the 500 cyclers and spectators along the cycling routes, come Saturday, March 14, 2020.
The safety talks was made possible when the Commissioner in company of the Managing Director, Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Mr. Utsu John Atsu, the Special Assistant, Tourism, Mr. Romance Ikwen as well as the Management Staff of the Ministry, paid a courtesy call on the Sector Commander at his office, in Calabar.
Mr. Anderson intimated the Sector Commander of the line up of activities for the upcoming Cycling showpiece,adding ” the Ministry understands the important role the Corps plays in road safety hence the need to interface with you to ensure that the cycling event is safe for the cyclers, spectators and other road users.
“The Cycling routes is mapped out between Calabar Municipality and Calabar South Local Government Areas but the contingents from Akwa Ibom State, will be welcomed at the head bridge leading into Cross River State”.
Mr. Anderson stated that apart from acting as a unifying force to foster peace between the two States, the event will serve as a tourism product that will connect the State with the rest of the world within the year leading up to the annual Carnival Calabar.
In his welcome remarks, the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Barr. Chidiebere Nkwonta, described the Cycling concept as innovative, pointing out that such tourism oriented programnes should not only happen in December but throughout the year.
He lauded the Commissioner for thinking out of the box in order to ensure that the Ministry achieves her set goals and mandate of expanding the tourism offerings of Cross River State.
Barr. Nkwonta pledged the Command’s total support to the cycling parade and called on the residents of Calabar Metropolis to be part of the parade as the health benefits of Cycling are enormous.
He further advised that adequate sensitization and publicity should be done so that people are aware of the up coming event.
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