Ukorebi Esien | 29th June 2023
CALABAR - Cross River State has unveiled a bold new initiative to boost its tourism sector through the CRAFTFEX Project, an agrotourism festival and international expo. The event, launched by Hon. Abubakar Ewa, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, aims to position Cross River State as a major player in the global agrotourism market.
In his address, Hon. Ewa stressed the strategic importance of the CRAFTFEX Project in showcasing Cross River State's rich cultural and agricultural heritage. He highlighted the project's potential to attract both local and international tourists, thereby boosting the state's economy and creating new opportunities for sustainable development.
"The highway from Sokoto to Bamenda in Cameroon and other countries shows our commitment to regional connectivity and economic integration," stated Hon. Ewa. "Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, Cross River State can become a hub for agrotourism in West Africa."
The commissioner invited partners and stakeholders to collaborate with the Cross River State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture. "Our doors are open," he affirmed, urging potential investors and partners to explore the vast opportunities presented by the CRAFTFEX Project.
The agrotourism festival and international expo will feature a variety of activities, including exhibitions, cultural performances, and tours of agricultural sites. The initiative aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices, enhance cultural exchange, and foster economic growth through tourism.
Mr. ASU Abang, Chief Executive Officer of Asurock Integrated Service and head of CRAFTFEX, stated that the goal is to build a strong food system to fight hunger and starvation in the region. "When the programme becomes fully operational, hunger and starvation will be a thing of the past," he said.
The event's theme was "Building Stronger Food Systems to Strengthen Resilience on the Fight Against Hunger in Nigeria," with a sub-theme of "Harmonising Agriculture, Arts, Culture and Tourism Development for Sustainable Development."
The CEO emphasized the need to prioritize agriculture to effectively combat hunger. "Today marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to harness the rich agricultural and tourism potentials of Cross River State. CRAFTFEX is not just a festival but a celebration of our heritage, an acknowledgment of our farmers' hard work, and a showcase of the boundless opportunities that lie within the fusion of agriculture and tourism," he stated.
With the launch of the CRAFTFEX Project, Cross River State is set to leverage its unique cultural and agricultural assets, creating a vibrant and dynamic tourism sector that will benefit both the local community and international visitors.
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