Paradise News

Category: Tourism

  • TOURISM COMMISSIONER CONGRATULATES ATSU

    By: Achiane Adams, CRS-MOI Officer reporting from Min. of Culture and Tourism Development
    Cross River State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Development, Mr. Eric Anderson, has congratulated Mr. Utsu John Atsu, on his appointment as Managing Director, Cross River State Tourism Bureau.
    Welcoming the new Managing Director to the monthly extra Ministerial meeting of the Tourism sub sector, Mr. Anderson told Staff of the Bureau that Mr. Atsu is capable and very resourceful while urging them to work closely with him in order to achieve Governor Ben Ayade’s tourism agenda. 
    The Commissioner informed the new Managing Director about the monthly extra Ministerial meeting,noting that the meeting is not intended as an  encroachment into any MDAs jurisdiction but to serve as a think-tank for the tourism cluster.
    Responding to the warm reception, the Managing Director, Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Mr. Utsu John Atsu, thanked the Commissioner, pledging the Bureau’s unwavering committment to the cluster.
    “As the destination marketer and regulator of the ‘destination’, the Bureau will energise the sector in its entirety” he added. 
    Other issues discussed during the course of the meeting include; the just concluded Tourism Stakeholders meeting, renovation of the Cultural Centre Complex, Marina Resort, Okoi Arikpo House and Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, security and sanitary conditions of all tourism sites, Tourism Action Plan, Arts and Crafts Centre, the Cinema at the Marina Resort and the Tourism Handbook.
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  • CALABAR TO HOST AIMS 2020

    By: Achiane Adams, CRS-MOI Officer reporting from Min. of Culture and Tourism Development

    The City of Calabar will play host to the maiden edition of the Africa International Music Summit 2020, scheduled to hold in September this year.

    This was made known when the Cross River State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Development, Mr. Eric Anderson, received members of the AIMS Local Organizing Committee, in his Office in Okoi Arikpo House, Calabar.

    Mr. Anderson, while applauding the Organizers for choosing Cross River State as the host for the maiden summit, said no mistake was made as the nation’s preferred tourism hub is known for setting standards and delivering in all ramifications, be it for business or leisure.

    ” Due to her vibrant tilt towards enterprising tourism, which is an embodiment of diverse elements such as entertainment which includes music, Calabar remains the cradle of all things second to none” .

    Endorsing the event, the Commissioner said ” the summit will unravel the business potentials in music, as music goes beyond just entertainment. The music industry is an economy and those involved need to know and understand the business aspect of it to be able to breakthrough in it.

    The Summit Director, AIMS LOC, Mr. Michael Odiong, said that Calabar repeatedly came up as the preferred choice and promised a smooth working relationship with the Ministry to make the event a successful one.

    The Lead Organizing Director, AIMS LOC, and Special Assistant to Governor Ben Ayade on Entertainment, Mr. Effiom ‘Trombone’ Bassey,said the music summit will educate musical Artistes especially in Cross River State to redefine their perspectives about the business of music and understanding that it goes beyond performances and their immediate environment as they can make it from anywhere.

    The 3-day music summit which is expected to hold in three locations ; the Cultural Centre Complex, Summit Hills and the Marina Resort, will have government dignitaries, renowned music artists, entertainment influencers, satellite cable music channels, creative content developers and more, grace the event.

    Courses scheduled to be taught include; Music Publishing, Copy Right and Enforcement, Digital Distribution and Music Marketing.
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  • CRSTB GETS NEW MD

    By: Achiane Adams, CRS-MOI Officer reporting from Cross River State Torism Bureau

    The Cross River State Governor,Sir Benedict Ayade has appointed Mr. Utsu, John Atsu, as the Managing Director, Cross River State Tourism Bureau.

    The appointment was made known in a Press Release marked Our Ref: GO/PRESS/012/VOL.1/147, signed by the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Christian Ita, on Friday, February 21, 2020.

    The appointments also include members of the Tourism Bureau and  State Tourism Board.

    Members of the Tourism Bureau are; Ojoi Ekpenyong, Ada John Utogbo, Bassey Darlington Imeh, Ama Igba, Barr. Ettah Ukagu, Sylvester Agba, as members and an  Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation(NTDC) Representation as an Ex- Officio member.

    While Barr. Monday Ebiala, Williamson Edmund Otu, Favour Agabi Wonah, Vincent OkeyAgbor, Henry Nyanse, Augustine Abekam Adie, Gabriel Ngbor Isorshie and Sylvester Esem are members of the State Tourism Board.

    Other categories of appointments include; Secondary Education Board, Local Government Service Commission, Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Cross River State Planning Commission, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWATSSA), Sports Commission, Boarder Communities Development Commission (BOARDERCOM), Cross River State Social Housing Board, Sustainable Development Goals Board.
       

  • TOURISM:CROSS RIVER TO IMPLEMENT INT’L BEST PRACTICES

    By: Achiane Adams, CRS – MOI Officer reporting from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Development

    A one-day tourism Stakeholders interactive meeting has held in Calabar at the Main Bowl of the Cultural Centre Complex, with Standards and Licensing being the focal point to ensuring that key tourism international best parctises are met in the State.

    The meeting which was convened  by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Development, served as a platform for the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, to sensitize and re-orientate tourism Service Providers on Standards and Licensing.

    In his welcome speech, the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Development, Mr. Eric Anderson, said that the role of Standards and Licensing in the selling of any tourism product, can not be over emphasized as it makes marketing easier.

    “In the State, we have events all year round and people get to come in for business and leisure, but are we satisfied with the level of services rendered? Services have to be up to standard for the purpose of repeat visits and referrals. This and other issues are things we should be able to discuss in order to improve on our service delivery,”Mr.Anderson declared.

    The Commissioner assured participants that the meeting was not targeted at putting pressure on a particular section of the industry but intended to help Stakeholders see the need for Standard & L.iencing.

    He pledged the State  government’s continuous support to Stakeholders through regular interactions and solicited  for support from the stakeholders.

    Earlier, the General Manager, Marketing, Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Mr. Charles Omoregha, said the meeting was a conscious effort by the Bureau to make the process of Standards & Liciencing hassle free.

    Giving a detailed presentation on Standards & Licencing, the General Manager, Standards and Licensing, Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Mr. Emmanuel Ekpe, in the simplest of terms brought to light Standard & Liciencing in its entirety.

    Mr. Ekpe spoke on the legality of Tourism Licencing, criteria and processes for licencing, cost implications, penalties for regulation defaulters, amongst others.

    After the Questions and Answers segment of the meeting, the Manager, Corporate Services, Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Mr. Takon Eche, gave the vote of thanks and expressed optimism that both the Government and Stakeholders, would take the right steps in ensuring that  tourism flourishes for the benefit of all concerned.
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  • Ayade commends UNICAL’s inclusion of Carnival studies in curriculum

    …as ADSPON Holds AGM in Calabar

    By Kingsley Agim

    The State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade has commended the University of Calabar, under the dynamic leadership of Prof. Zana Akpagu, for including, the first-of-its-kind, Carnival Studies to the curriculum of the Department of Theatre and Film Studies.

    The Governor, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Orientation, Dr. Aye Henshaw, gave the commendation at the Association of Dance Scholars and Practitioners of Nigeria Conference and Annual General Meeting, held recently at the University of Calabar.

    Governor Ayade said the timing of the Conference was “auspicious,” as it comes at a period (December) where the State is meshed in the ecstasies of the month-long glitzy and glamorous Carnival Calabar festivities.

    “I like to commend the dynamic leadership of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Zana Akpagu, for the partnership which has led to the addition of Carnival Studies, first time in the country, to the curriculum of the Department of Theatre Arts. This, the State Government could not have done without, because apart from adding to the curriculum, the Carnival Calabar, in terms of content, has gained considerably from the partnership with resource persons from the University, serving as adjudicators and in several other capacities,” the Governor remarked.

    Governor Ayade, who emphasised on society’s dependence on the universities for new ideas and expansion of knowledge, expressed hope that recommendations from the conference to help enrich content of the carnival and add impetus to the development of Carnival Calabar and tourism in the State.

    In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Ani, welcomed participants to the conference, the University and the ancient city of Calabar, assuring them that in line with the theme – “Dance, Carnival and Tourism Development,” scholarly presentations and other deliberations at the event, would help in advancing these all-important areas in the entertainment and tourism industry.

    Also speaking, the Head of Department of the Theatre, Film and Carnival Studies Department, University of Calabar and Convener of the Conference, Prof. Emmy Ikanaba Idegu, who defined a dancer as “anybody that ever moves he body to synchronize to the given sound of music, said beyond that, ADSPON is a gathering of dancers, scholars and practitioners.

    Prof. Idegu expressed delight at the honour of hosting this year’s edition of the conference, adding that “when it comes to carnivals in Africa, Carnival Calabar is unrivalled.”

    He described the theme of the conference as apt, noting that at the end of the 3-day event, justice will be done to the theme and sub-themes, while welcoming delegates to the all-important event.

    Earlier in his address, the President of the Association, Prof. Jaleel Ojuade, pointed out that the choice of Calabar for the conference stemmed from its coincidence with the internationally-acclaimed Carnival Calabar Festival that draws tourists and fun-seekers from across the world to the ancient city at this time of the year.

    Prof. Ojuade said Carnival as a factor in our society’s development needs adequate promotion and support; hence the conference is for stakeholders, scholars and practitioners to interrogate the dance and carnival, to put a lens to their contributions to sustainable development of tourism in Nigeria’s socio-cultural and economic environment.

    He thanked all contributors towards the success of the conference for their painstaking contributions and wished delegates a memorable event in Calabar.

  • Carnival Calabar 2019 theme is “Humanity” – Ayade

    By Frank Ulom

    Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has today, Friday 16 August 2019, declared the Carnival Calabar 2019 theme, titled “Humanity” – challenging mankind that every human being has a right to existence.

    Speaking at the Exco chamber of the governor’s office, the governor said the participating bands must play out the theme of the 2019 carnival so the carnival doesn’t lose its value.

    According to him the intellectual content of the carnival should be beyond dance where it must pass a strong message that would make the world a better place for humanity.

    To this end, he stated that the story should be stronger than the impulse of the carnival.

    On the importance of the theme of humanity, Ayade said animals are becoming more human while humans are becoming more animalistic.

    An agitated governor Ayade, who was obviously saddened by man’s inhumanity to man, further echoed “it is the animal in you that denies you the sensibility to that neighbour that can’t send his child to school. Don’t be a source of pain to another person’s life.

    Governor Ayade, who also said artificial barriers are all created by humanity expressed bitterness that the dreaded Ebola is a man-made disease instigated by the discovery of wealth.

    In her submission at the event, former first lady, Mrs Onari Duke, who spoke on behalf of all the participating bands said the theme is insightful and would challenge the academia like never before.

    According to her, this deep message is something that will go across the world.

    She thanked the governor for the theme and his commitment to making the carnival bigger and better.

  • Cross River budgets N500m for Green Carnival

    By NAN

    Prof. Ben Ayade, Cross River State Gov. on Tuesday, disclosed that the state would budget N500 million for the “Cross River Green Carnival in 2020”.

    Ayade made the disclosure at the 2019 Green Carnival with the theme: “Calabar Green Canopy Scheme” on Tuesday in Calabar.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Cross River Green Carnival is an annual event that is usually held annually in December.

    This is the first time the event will be held in July and part of the event is the 2019 carnival and planting of one million trees in the 18 local government areas of the State.

    The governor said that the state had earlier budgeted N100 million for the 2019 event.

    He said that the state planned to increase the budgetary allocation for the carnival in 2020 because of its importance as a business venture.

    “I know you look at this as a carnival, but I look at it like a business because by next year, every young resident of Cross River is expected to have a small nursery because they know the carnival is coming and we will need the trees.

    “We had to go to all the nursery farms from Benue to Abia, to be able to get the number of seedlings we have here today.

    “So if you know you are interested in making money out of that N500 million, you better start owning your own nursery, so that we can come to you and buy.

    “As young people you have the opportunity to do business with the state,” he said.

    According to him, the active cultivation of young trees is very critical for carbon dioxide assimilation and makes Cross River, the head quarters of the absorption of the deadly gas in the atmosphere.

    Ayade said that with the planting of one million trees, the state could go before the international community and Federal Government to ask for Green Bond for a financial reward.

    “You must note that Cross River has over 58 per cent of the entire forest cover of the country and our plan is to achieve 68 per cent. So we can go to the international community and ask for a Green Bond.

    “We will tell the world that we are indeed planting one million trees as a justification to support the deforestation process for construction of the super highway and industrial farms that are yet to come.

    “You cannot create a farm without causing deforestation,” he said.

    Similarly, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, Gov. of Abia, who was a guest at the carnival, said each time he came to Cross River, he learnt something new.

    He said that planting a million trees would once again put Cross River and Nigeria in the world map, adding that Nigeria should be marketed from the window of Cross River.

    He however added that Abia would be coming to purchase rice seedlings from the Cross River Rice Seedling Plant to enhance rice production in Bende LGA of Abia.

    The Chairman of the Green Carnival committee, Mrs Alice Ekwu, said that the Green Carnival was all about planting trees.

    Ekwu said 2000 trees would be planted during the carnival but the process would be continuous until a million trees were planted.

    She thanked the governor for creating a Ministry of Climate Change and Forestry that took care of trending issues of global warming. (NAN)

    Watch Video Below…

  • Carnival Calabar 2018 theme dubbed ‘Africanism’

    By Frank Ulom

    The theme of Carnival Calabar 2018 Festival has been unveiled and it was dubbed “Africanism”.

    Unveiling the theme on Monday, the Cross River State governor, Sen. Ben Ayade charged band leaders to ensure they promote the true African cultural heritage in their parades.

    He said, “This year’s carnival Calabar will tell the African story. Telling the African story from the African perspective. It will bring the global attention to the plight of Africa.”

    Governor Ayade further lamented the schemes of the Western world designed to ensure the continent remains the whipping dog of the world as well as under their political and economic control.

    Ayade has since assumption of office in 2015, chosen themes that deal with continental Africa for the 11th, 12th and 13th editions of what is been tagged ‘Africa’s largest street party.

    While commending the Cross River State Carnival Commission, organisers of the carnival for taking the Carnival from number 15 to number 2 in the world in just three years, Ayade also questioned, “Who said we can’t be number one in the world, who said Brazil must always be number one.”

    Speaking earlier, Mr. Gabe Onah, Chairman, Cross River State Carnival Commission, assured that the commission is making efforts to put everything in place to ensure that Carnival Calabar becomes one of the greatest events in Africa and beyond.

    He noted that the Carnival has offered an opportunity for the state to tell its own story to the world. “Your Excellency, you have been called a man of connectivity because you have brought the whole of Africa under one roof.”

    Mr. Onah also announced Botswana, the home of current Miss Africa winner will be attending the International Carnival for the first time.

    Some of the dignitaries at the unveiling include International Carnival Consultant and organiser of Akwaaba Travel Market, Mr. Ikechi Uko, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Eric Anderson,  Special Adviser Governor’s Office, Hon. Kenn Aklah, Miss Africa 2017, Miss Gaseangwe Balopi and a host of others.

  • C/River First Lady hosts Southern Governors’ Wives in Calabar

    By Frank Ulom

    The First Lady of Cross River State, Dr. Linda Ayade on Thursday hosted all the First Ladies from the southern part of Nigeria at her maiden Southern Governors Wives’ Forum in Calabar, the state capital.

    The Southern Governors Wives’ Forum comprises of States in the South-South, South-East and South-West geopolitical zones.

    The wives of the Governors who could not take their eyes off the aesthetic nature of the state, right from the Margaret Ekpo International Airport through the beautiful city of Calabar to the Presidential Lodge, testified to the hospitality the state is known for.

    Mrs. Ayade who has been able to attract the meeting to the state amidst her predecessors through her pet projects, Mediatrix Development Foundation (MDF) and Cross River Women Empowerment Initiative (CROWEI) was filled with joy while meeting with her colleagues and their entourages.

    The meeting will be a 3-day event, with Thursday 26th 2017 (i.e. today) being the arrival of the Southern Governors Wives to Calabar.

    Friday, 27th October 2017 will feature a courtesy call on the Governor of Cross River State, interactive sessions with women, and an empowerment ceremony for women at Adiabo Town Hall, Tinapa. The meeting is expected to be rounded off with a Dinner/Gala Night at the Dome, Calabar Municipal Council.

    Meanwhile, Saturday will feature a get-together and departure of the guests.

    Elsewhere, the state Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade who is a gender-friendly Governor is pleased to welcome the Wives of his colleagues from the southern states of Nigeria.

    Ayade who felt many women would be touched and their lives lifted, commended his amiable wife for her empowerment initiative for women, which has been scheduled as a major feature of the Governors’ Wives meeting.

    The Forum is headed by Dr. Eneoma Nkechi Rochas Okorocha as Chairman.

  • CRSG reveals 2017 Carnival Calabar Theme

    By Achiane Adams

    Cross River State Government reveals the 2017 Carnival Calabar Theme as the first Dry Run kicks off.

    His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ivara Ejemot Esu, has revealed that the 2017 Carnival Calabar Theme is ‘MIGRATION’. Prof. Esu made this known during the flag-off of the 2017 Carnival Calabar’s first dry run at Millennium Park, Calabar.

    Welcoming visitors to the State, Esu promised that based on the progress recorded over the years, this year’s carnival will be bigger, better and bolder. He said everyone is welcome to join in the excitement.

    Speaking earlier, the representative of the Federal Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Grace Isu Gekpe, while apologizing for the Minister’s absence, thanked the people of Cross River State for the amazing reception given to her even though she is an indigene and promised to extend their warm regards to him.

    She said she was really impressed with the passion and effort put into the planning of the festival when she visited the Seagull and Freedom Bands camps.

    Mrs Gekpe added that in the area of costuming, more should be done to promote local textiles and pledged the Ministry’s support to publicise Cross River State’s local content to the rest of the world.

    The Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, while congratulating the State for maintaining her role as the nation’s leading tourism destination, said the monorail ride which was his first, from Tinapa Business Resort Limited to the Calabar International Conference Center is a project that deserves recognition and commendation.

    During his opening remarks earlier, the Chairman, Cross River State Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, lauded Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade’s spirit of carnival as he had in the last two years doubled the excitement and fun of the Carnival Calabar Festival with improved criteria and acrobatics.

    Onah said this year’s carnival promises to be more thrilling as all hands are on deck to ensure that the fun gets better.

    After the flag-off, Prof. Esu led dignitaries through the carnival route to Mary Slessor Roundabout, where they sat to watch the different bands.

    The Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Tina Banku Agbor, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. John Gaul Lebo, Chief of Staff, Hon. Martins Orim, amongst others, were also present at the event.

    This year’s carnival is expected to attract participants from 25 countries.