"We Have Gorillas, Waterfalls and Cocoa, Yet Investors Are Missing Us" – Analyst

A Public Affairs Analyst, Peter Agi (FCA), has called on Governor Bassey Otu to launch an aggressive campaign to promote Cross River State to the rest of the world, saying the state has enormous natural and economic wealth but remains largely unknown because it is poorly advertised.

In an article titled "Sell Cross River to the World: Publicity Is the New Infrastructure," Agi argued that development is no longer about building roads and projects alone. According to him, states must deliberately market themselves to attract tourists, investors and international businesses.

He said Cross River is blessed with world-class tourist attractions, including Agbokim Waterfalls in Etung, Obudu Mountain Resort, Kwa Falls, Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary in Boki, the Drill Ranch in Calabar and the Ekuri rainforest, but lamented that many people outside Nigeria know little or nothing about them.

The analyst also pointed to the state's rich cultural heritage, including the Calabar Carnival, Leboku Festival, New Yam celebrations and the ancient Ikom Monoliths, insisting that these cultural assets should be promoted internationally to attract more visitors and create jobs for local communities.

Beyond tourism, Agi said Cross River has huge agricultural potential through its cocoa, rice, cassava, palm oil, plantain and pineapple production. He added that the state also possesses valuable mineral resources and a long coastline that could support fishing, marine transport and tourism if properly developed and marketed.

Drawing comparisons with the administration of former Governor Donald Duke, Agi said Cross River once enjoyed global attention because the government actively promoted the state on international media platforms. He urged the current administration to revive that strategy by showcasing the state's opportunities on global television networks, digital platforms and international investment forums.

He further advised the state government to establish a dedicated branding agency to promote Cross River, while also improving roads, electricity, security and the ease of doing business. According to him, publicity alone is not enough, as visitors and investors will only stay if the necessary infrastructure is in place.

Agi concluded by urging government, private organisations and residents to work together in telling positive stories about Cross River, stressing that the state has everything it needs to compete with leading tourism and investment destinations if it is properly presented to the world.

🚀 Advertise With Us

💡 Donate to Boki Blog Africa

🔥 Submit News