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…Says Cross River safe, open for maritime business
From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, on Saturday launched commercial ferry operations on the Calabar-Cameroon route, declaring the state’s waterways safe and open for local and international maritime business.
Otu flagged off the new vessel, MV-Eja, owned by SeaExpress Transit, during an inspection visit to the Calabar Marina Business Hub. The ferry is set to ply the Calabar-Cameroon commercial corridor as part of efforts to boost regional trade and tourism.
Accompanied by the Commissioner for Transportation, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham; Special Adviser on Blue Economy, Ms. Melodie Lebo; and other maritime stakeholders, the Governor described the investment as a bold vote of confidence in Cross River.
“You could have chosen anywhere else in the world, but you chose to come down from the United States to invest in your motherland,” Otu told the promoters. “On that note, we owe you all the necessary support as a people and as a government to ensure that this huge investment is not in vain.”
The Governor said his administration was deliberate about creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, with security as top priority.
“Security is the core responsibility of government,” he stated. “This administration has zero tolerance for any form of criminality. That is why we have invested heavily in strengthening security across Cross River. You have our full backing, and I assure you that you will never regret investing in the maritime sector of our state.”
Otu said Cross River’s strategic location within the Gulf of Guinea and its expanding blue economy offer enormous opportunities for commerce, transportation and regional integration.
He called on more investors to take advantage of the state’s coastal corridor, noting that government was committed to unlocking the full potential of the maritime sector.
Chairman and CEO of SeaExpress Transit, Dr. Thompson Eja, thanked the Governor for the visit and for his assurance of government support. He described Otu’s commitment to security as a major confidence booster for operators in the sector.
“We are deeply encouraged by Your Excellency’s visit and your unequivocal commitment to securing investments,” Eja said. “We look forward to partnering closely with the Cross River State Government to enhance service delivery and further expand maritime transportation in the region.”
The event climaxed with the presentation of a commemorative plaque to Governor Otu in recognition of his support for the maritime industry, after which he boarded the MV-Eja for a symbolic trip.
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Pic: Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SeaExpress Limited, Dr. Thompson Eja, presenting a commemorative plague to His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, during the latter’s inspection visit to the Calabar Marina Business Hub, at the weekend in Calabar.
