By CrossRiverWatch Admin
The Bakassi Fish Festival has received endorsement by the Cross River State government as part of ways to mark its tourism calendar.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Chief Robert Abubakar Ewa, on Tuesday 12th September, 2023 in his office received the festival’s Board of Trustees (BOT) during a courtesy call, saying that the endorsement will boost the growing tourism industry in the State.
He lauded the BOT for its vision and initiative in articulating the cultural heritage of the Bakassi people as well as expanding the tourism potential of the State.
He noted that Bakassi is known internationally as a fishing hub and the festival can be viewed globally since Cross River shares boundaries with the Republic of Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea with many other ethnic groups living within the State.
He appealed to the BOT to create a conducive environment in its community for tourism to thrive, stressing that tourism is about friendship and can not grow in a hostile environment.
The Chairman BOT Bakassi Fish Festival, Chief Ani Esin, disclosed that the purpose of the visit was to partner with the Cross River State Government and share his tourism views using its natural resources
Meanwhile, the Director General of the Bakassi Fish Festival organizing team, Frank Edima averred that their mission is focused on projecting and promoting stories that will glorify Bakassi with such events as boat racing and a beauty pageant.
She also added that the festival has the potential to open international opportunities for the State as well as deepen the existing peace and unity in Cross River.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the maiden edition of the festival magazine by the DG of the festival organizing team, Frank Edima to the Commissioner.