From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar

The Cross River State government has announced plans to relaunch its eco-tourism sector and revive the Obudu Mountain race competition.

Commissioner for Tourism Robert Ewa unveiled the plans during the unveiling of the state’s Carnival calendar in Calabar. He emphasised the state’s abundant potential in eco-tourism and outlined various initiatives to harness it.

“We will organise packages for tourists to enjoy the state’s rich eco-tourism offerings, including the Gorilla project in Akamkpa and Boki, home to the world’s only species of highland gorilla,” Ewa said. “We also aim to develop tour sites like the Qua Falls, Boki waterfalls, Drill Ranch, Monoliths, and the Marina resort.”

The commissioner also announced the return of the 11.25km Obudu Mountain Race competition, highlighting its potential to boost the tourism sector.

Austin Cobham, Executive Secretary of the state carnival commission, spoke about the creative innovations planned for this year’s Carnival. He emphasised the commission’s commitment to staging a better Carnival and highlighted the ongoing infrastructure expansion efforts.