Ambassador Omodele Adebola Calls for Urgent Overhaul of Cross River’s Aviation and Tourism Infrastructure
Ambassador Omodele Adebola, CEO of BAYS BAR/DE GRAND HOTEL AND ROOFTOP, has issued a passionate plea to the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, advocating for immediate and comprehensive reforms to enhance the state’s aviation and tourism infrastructure.
With more than 20 years of experience in the local hospitality industry and a strong commitment to the region’s economic well-being, Adebola’s insights come from a place of deep concern and optimism.
In his open letter, Adebola emphasizes the critical need to improve the functionality of Margaret Ekpo International Airport, which currently lacks essential landing facilities for night operations and inclement weather conditions.
He argues that these shortcomings severely limit the airport’s capacity, impacting not only healthcare and security but also the state’s ability to attract tourists and business travelers—key elements for economic growth.
Adebola also reflects on the economic challenges that have plagued Cross River State in recent years, such as the loss of Bakassi and the relinquishment of 76 oil wells, which have strained the state’s revenue base.
He applauds Governor Otu’s ongoing efforts to address these challenges and advocates for tourism as a vital avenue for economic diversification. “Tourism holds immense potential to create jobs, drive infrastructure development, and elevate the standard of living for our people,” Adebola states.
The letter also highlights the difficulties faced by residents who must often transit through Uyo Airport due to the limited services at Margaret Ekpo International Airport.
This situation, Adebola warns, is gradually shifting economic power from Cross River to neighboring Akwa Ibom State, a trend that must be reversed through strategic investments and policy reforms.
In addition to the urgent upgrades needed at Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Adebola calls for the completion of the Obudu Airport project, initiated by the previous administration.
He envisions this airport as a catalyst for economic growth in the northern region, providing critical infrastructure to support tourism and agriculture.
Adebola also proposes a collaborative approach, urging the state government to partner with private sector investors, international organizations, and other stakeholders to enhance tourism infrastructure.
He advocates for the development of a holistic policy framework to support the tourism sector, including measures to improve security, infrastructure, and cultural heritage, as well as initiatives to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) involved in tourism.
He expresses his confidence in Governor Otu’s leadership and urges swift action to address these pressing issues, and envisions a future where Cross River State is not only a premier tourist destination but also a model of economic resilience and growth.
He called on key stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation and tourism sectors, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Hon. Festus Keyamo, SAN, FCIArb; 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, urging them to support the state in revitalizing its tourism and aviation sectors.
He emphasized that their involvement would highlight the broader national interest in these reforms, which have the potential to significantly transform Cross River State’s economy and beyond.
