I’m over the moon today! I’m deeply excited to see the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, taking bold steps to bring the Bakassi Deep Seaport project to life. The recent stakeholders’ endorsement signing is a monumental leap towards unlocking the vast economic potential of the state.
The Bakassi Deep Seaport is more than just an infrastructure project – it’s a game-changer for our people, our businesses, and our festival. With this seaport coming alive, more investments, businesses, and jobs will be attracted, bringing a rapid boost to the local economy, which, of course, will ultimately improve the lives of our people.
I have always advocated for the state to open up international trade opportunities with countries around the Gulf of Guinea, where Bakassi is situated. This was evident in our international partnerships at the secon edition of the festival last year, 2023. With this deep seaport, there will now be direct access to international markets, enabling our local businesses to compete globally in trade and commerce.
I will not forget to mention the fact that the seaport’s proximity to the festival grounds will make it easier for visitors to attend and will directly increase our chances at ecotourism development, as well as showcase our rich cultural heritage.
I’m particularly heartened by Governor Otu’s tireless efforts to secure funding for this project. The seed funding and billions of dollars in investment from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a testament to the project’s viability and potential.
As the founder of the Bakassi International Fish Festival, I envision a future where our festival becomes a catalyst for economic growth, cultural exchange, and community development. The Bakassi Deep Seaport is a crucial piece of this puzzle, and I’m honored to see this project coming alive in my lifetime.
To the Governor and all stakeholders involved, I say thank you for your unwavering commitment to our state’s progress. Today, I’m the happiest person on earth, knowing that our collective dreams are becoming a reality.
Let’s keep pushing forward, and I look forward to seeing the transformative impact of the Bakassi Deep Seaport on our beloved Cross River State!
About the Author
Frank Edima is a Strategist specializing in Communication and Performance, and the Founder of the Bakassi International Fish Festival.
This article was originally published on www.streetnews.ng
