The city of Calabar celebrated a significant milestone today with the official launch of the ABITTO Ferry Service at the Marina Resort. This new service, spearheaded by ABITTO Global Services Limited, will provide a vital link between Calabar and Uyo, connecting the ABITTO Ferry Jetty in Calabar’s Marina Resort with Nwaniba Timber Beach in Uyo.
The launch event attracted a host of prominent figures, including the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku; former NDDC MD, Timi Alaibe; Chairman of the Obong of Calabar Executive Forum, Chief Gershom Henshaw; and the Managing Director of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Prince Ojoi.
Richard Akinaka, CEO of ABITTO Global Services, expressed his deep appreciation for Calabar, reflecting on the numerous blessings he has received since his school days. He proudly shared that the company has created 28 jobs, evenly split between Cross River and Akwa Ibom, with 90% of the ferry’s production completed locally at their Henshaw Town Factory in Calabar. Akinaka praised Governor Sen. Prince Edet Bassey Otu for fostering a business-friendly environment and emphasized that safety is a top priority, supported by a partnership with the Nigerian Navy.
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, MD of NDDC, affirmed the commission’s commitment to supporting the new ferry service and called for more investments in the Niger Delta’s maritime infrastructure, emphasizing the NDDC’s dedication to the region’s long-term development.
Chief Timi Alaibe, a distinguished guest and elder statesman from the Niger Delta, praised Akinaka’s determination and resilience in the face of economic challenges and encouraged continued support for such innovative ventures.
Prince Ojoi, MD of the Cross River Tourism Bureau, highlighted Calabar’s rich cultural heritage and committed the state’s full support to the ferry service. Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South and chairing the Senate Committee on NDDC, also praised the initiative, pledging ongoing support.
The event was also attended by Hon. Mike Odere, Cross River State Commissioner of Finance; representatives from the FOC Eastern Naval Command, NN Victory, and NNS Jubilee; as well as traditional leaders, student groups, and numerous well-wishers.
The inauguration of the ABITTO Ferry Service marks a major step forward in improving connectivity and driving economic growth in the Niger Delta region, heralding a new era of maritime infrastructure development for Calabar and beyond.
