Gov Otu declares new economic dawn with Tinapa handover

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has described the formal return of the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort to the state government as “a battle fought and won for all Cross Riverians,” signaling a fresh start for the state’s economy.

Speaking at the handover ceremony over the weekend in Calabar, Governor Otu said the recovery of Tinapa was more than the reclaiming of a major asset, it represented the revival of a vision that once placed Cross River on the global economic map.

“The return of Tinapa is not merely an event; it is a rebirth, the triumph of faith, patience, and resilience,” he said.

Recounting its creation under former Governor Donald Duke, Otu noted that Tinapa once showcased the state’s bold, investment-driven development potential.

He assured that under his People First Agenda, the Free Zone would be repositioned as a hub for trade, tourism, and creative enterprise.

“We are breathing new life into Tinapa, not as a relic of abandoned ambition but as a living symbol of Cross River’s resilience,” Otu said.

The governor revealed that his administration is already engaging credible investors and partners to transform the facility into a vibrant centre for commerce and job creation, operating under a transparent and accountable management structure.

“This moment is a collective victory, for past leaders whose dreams gave it birth, for the government that fought to reclaim it, and for the future generations who will inherit its promise.”

“Together, we shall turn this symbol of struggle into a testament of triumph,” Otu added.

He also thanked the Federal Government and relevant agencies for their cooperation during the transition and commended all stakeholders who worked behind the scenes to make the return possible.

Governor Otu concluded on a note of optimism, promising that the revival of Tinapa would mark a new economic dawn for Cross River State.

“We are a people of faith and courage. Tinapa is once again ours, and under our watch, it shall flourish.”

“Let the world know that Cross River has reclaimed her pride, and from this soil, we shall build the future we have always dreamed of,” he said.

Reflecting on the history of Tinapa, Otu recalled that before its establishment in 2007, the state had few landmark projects to attract national and international attention.

Its creation by Donald Duke, he said, marked a turning point in Cross River’s development, earning global recognition as an investment-friendly destination.

“Then, like a dream that triumphed over doubt and circumstance, Tinapa emerged, radiant, ambitious, visionary, and became the spark that changed the narrative of our state forever,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Mike Odere, said the handover represented a revival of what many thought was lost.

“It means pride, it means reawakening, it means renewed hope,” he said, noting that full ownership would allow the government to attract investors and reposition the facility for maximum economic impact.

The Executive Director of AMCON, Mr. Shola Lamide, explained that the corporation acquired Tinapa in 2011 but struggled to attract private investors to revive the project.

He welcomed the handover, calling it “a win for both AMCON and the people of Cross River.”

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