The Commissioner for Tourism, Cross River State, Eric Anderson has requested for the Federal Government’s support for the repair of 156 properties destroyed during the #Endsars protest in the state.
Anderson made this statement while speaking at the Federation of Tourism Associations in Nigeria (FTAN) Governing Council first Quarterly Council Meeting held in Calabar.
He told the FTAN members that 156 properties belonging to Individuals, firms, state government and Federal Government worth about N73 billion were badly affected.
He that the state has since repaired the Waterparks at Tinapa and the Art and Craft Village just in time for Christmas last year.
The Governing Council meeting holding in Calabar is the first physical meeting by any tourism association in Nigeria.
In his remarks, Ambassador Ikechi Uko a member of the Board of Trustees had earlier led the members to a courtesy call on the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon.William Eteng.
Receiving the members in the Chambers the Speaker explained why the Carnival Calabar was cancelled last year, adding that the tourism family was disappointed with the cancellation, a reason he needed to explain what the House of Assembly did.
The State House of Assembly had cancelled the hosting of the carnival based on the COVID-19 pandemic.
He thanked the members for choosing Calabar for its first physical meeting.
Also speaking, the First Deputy National President of FTAN, Mr Nkereuwem Onung representing the National President, Alhaji Rabo Saleh told the Speaker that FTAN decided to host a physical meeting to Kickstart tourism events across the nation.
He said that zoom meetings are not good for tourism business. “If people don’t move, tourism would not work, so the movement has to begin within the accepted health protocols.”
He pleaded with the Speaker that the state should host the carnival this year even if it will be controlled. He explained that tourism is the most affected Industry in Nigeria yet no support or subsidy has been extended to the members.
FTAN is the national umbrella organisation for practitioners in Nigeria made up of hoteliers, restaurateurs, travel agents, tour operators, car hire and cultural operators.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Cryptocurrency: Understanding The Craze, Threat
ON Friday, February 6, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) rocked the boat with a circular that inadvertently highlighted how popular cryptocurrency transactions have become among Nigerians in recent years, judging by…
ICYMI: Yoruba, Hausa Teachers Needed In US
The US Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria has announced that the services of Yoruba and Hausa teachers are needed in the United States. According to the Public Affairs Section of the US Mission Nigeria…
Controversy Over Man Who Jumped From 7th Floor Of 1004 During EFCC Raid
The police in Lagos State have begun investigations into the circumstances surrounding the alleged death of a man at 1004 Estate, Victoria Island, who allegedly jumped from the 7th floor of one of the buildings. The man was…
INEC Lists Five Challenges Ahead Of 2023 Elections
AS politicians step up horse-trading ahead of subsequent elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has listed five main areas of likely challenges…
After Two Years, Daddy Freeze Apologises To Bishop Oyedepo
Daddy Freeze whose real name is Ifedayo Olarinde has apologised to Bishop Oyedepo who is the presiding bishop and founder of Living Faith Church aka Winners Chapel…