Ambassador Omodele Adebola, CEO of BAYS BAR/DE GRAND HOTEL AND ROOFTOP, has issued a call to action to the Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, urging swift and strategic interventions to rejuvenate the state’s tourism sector.
Armed with deep roots in the local hospitality industry and over 100 employees under his leadership, Adebola’s commitment to the state’s economic prosperity is both personal and professional.
In an open letter, Adebola highlighted the pressing need for improvements at Margaret Ekpo International Airport, which he describes as critically underutilized due to its lack of landing facilities at night and in adverse weather conditions.
This limitation, he argued, not only poses risks to healthcare and security but also restricts the state’s ability to attract tourists, investors, and business travelers—key drivers of economic growth.
Reflecting on Cross River State’s recent economic setbacks, including the loss of Bakassi and the forfeiture of 76 oil wells, Adebola underscores the urgency of diversifying the state’s revenue streams.
He commended Governor Otu’s efforts to address these challenges but stressed the importance of tourism as a catalyst for economic revival.
“Tourism can create jobs, stimulate infrastructure development, and significantly enhance the standard of living for our citizens,” he stated.
Adebola also drew attention to the logistical hardships faced by residents who must travel through Uyo Airport and endure difficult road conditions or risky waterway journeys to reach major aviation hubs in Lagos and Abuja.
He warned that this situation is slowly eroding Cross River’s economic influence, shifting it toward neighboring Akwa Ibom State.
In his letter, Adebola advocated for the completion and commissioning of the Obudu Airport, a project initiated by the previous administration, as a crucial step toward unlocking the state’s tourism potential.
He believed that this airport could serve as a key economic driver for the northern region, fostering job creation, infrastructure development, and agricultural expansion.
Furthermore, Adebola urged the Governor to consider partnerships with private investors, international organizations, and other stakeholders to bolster the state’s tourism infrastructure.
He called for the development of a comprehensive policy framework that would enhance security, improve infrastructure, promote cultural heritage, and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector.
Adebola’s appealed is not only a call for immediate action but also a vision for the future of Cross River State as a leading tourist destination and a vibrant economic hub.
He expressed confidence in Governor Otu’s leadership and urges that these critical issues be treated with the urgency they deserve.
He urged key stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation and tourism sectors, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Hon. Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Sen. Buhari Abdulfatai; and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Hon. Abdullahi Idris Garba; to assist in revitalizing the state’s tourism and aviation sectors.
He pointed out that their participation would signal a strong national commitment to these reforms, which could lead to transformative changes in Cross River State’s economy and beyond.
