Niger Delta
C’River To Partner UNESCO On Tourism Dev
The Cross River State Government says it will partner UNESCO in its tourism development programme to actualise its vision of becoming a destination of repute in the West African sub region.
Governor Liyel Imoke who stated this at a meeting with members of the UNESCO Slave Route project in Calabar, maintained that the partnership was imperative because the major challenge which the state faces is lack of capacity to develop some of its tourism programmes.
He contended that though some marks have been recorded in the state which also include museum and national heritage, a lot has to be done because of limited expertise and as such will listen to ideas to develop new dimension.
Imoke stated that with the Carnival Calabar receiving world acclamation as Africa’s Biggest Street Party, its theme for 2012 would be Internationalised to reflect African history and heritage, assuring that the State Carnival Commission would collaborate with UNESCO to attract international participation.
On the development of a tourism sight and memory project in the state, the governor remarked that Calabar historical places would be developed to boost its tourism potentials as the state intends to share ideas because it is willing to create an impression in that direction.
He stressed the need to form an historical society which will partner UNESCO to define its structure, function and membership in an environment like Cross River State, saying that for it to have a strong footing, the state will collaborate with UNESCO in drafting a roadmap on the opportunities and responsibilities which will involve areas of implementation and cost focused on understanding the levels of investment.
Imoke envisaged that in three years it would be possible to see what it has been able to achieve from the partnership because the state sees it as special project and has strong political will to execute it and is excited to work with UNESCO while appreciating the body for choosing to hold its one week conference in Calabar.
Prof Tunde Babawale, in an introductory remarks, said members of the committee were in Calabar for one week for its annual international conference during which they deliberated on issues related to the Slave Route Project, proffered solutions to problems, and the committee visited many historical sites in Calabar and beyond and interacted with the local communities.
The Coordinator, UNESCO Slave Route Project and Representative of UNESCO, Mr. Ali Moussa Iye said the heritage programme is of great importance to Africa and African in Diaspora as issues related to slave trade were widely discussed during their week stay in the state.
Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has approved the immediate dissolution of the leadership of the State Council of Chiefs.
Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, who announced this in a statement in Calabar on Friday, said the governor’s action was in line with Section 4(1) of the Cross River State Council of Chiefs Law, 2004.
“The Governor appreciates the Chairman and members of the dissolved Council for their meritorious service to the state.
“He wishes them the best in their roles as traditional rulers in their respective domains”, the statement read in part.
The Tide’s source recalls that the State House of Assembly recently passed a resolution for the change of the leadership of the council on the ground that it had overstayed its term in office.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Akwa Ibom State says it has deployed 670 personnel to enhance road safety across the state during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The Sector Commander, Mr Lasisi Ogundele, disclosed this in Uyo on Friday while speaking to newsmen on the agency’s preparation for the Islamic celebration.
Ogundele said out of the 670 personnel, 408 would be regular marshals while 226 would be special corp marshals.
He said the Command had made adequate preparations for both personnel and equipment in order to cope with the increase in traffic during the period.
The Sector Commander cautioned against overloading, speeding and other anti road safety activities during the celebration.
“Road users should strictly obey traffic rules, mobile courts shall be stationed at strategic locations, and offenders shall face immediate trial.
“It has become our practice to acquaint the public with our level of preparedness for festivities just like the Eid-el-kabir.
“Reflective jackets, traffic cones, tyre pressure gauges, extricating machines and digital breathalysers are part of the tools set aside for the special operations.
“There are also a total of 23 help areas mobilised to ensure prompt removal of obstructions and to rescue operations during the period”, he said.
Ogundele urged drivers to exude courtesy, civility and consideration while dealing with other road users.
He said with the corps’ level of preparation in terms of personnel deployment and logistics, the command was confident of a successful celebration in the state.
Edo Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 1,210 personnel to ensure maximum security during the forthcoming Eid-el Kabir celebrations.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Efosa Ogbebor, in a statement on Friday in Benin, said NSCDC would provide maximum security at various Eid praying grounds, palaces, monuments and recreational centres across the state during the festivities.
Ogbebor stated that the NSCDC Commandant in the state, Mr Gbenga Agun, assured residents of security of their lives and property before, during and after the festival.
“I have directed all commanders, heads of tactical units, Area Commanders and Divisional Officers to ensure smooth, crime-free and secure celebration before, during and after the Eid-el Kabir festival.
“The personnel deployed have been tasked with critical responsibilities of safeguarding national assets and infrastructure, a core mandate of the corps, protection of lives and property and crowd control, amongst others.
“NSCDC personnel will work in collaboration with other sister-agencies”, he said.
The NSCDC boss appealed to members of the public to give maximum cooperation to the personnel and support them with useful information about criminal elements.
The Commandant felicitated with all Muslims and wished them joyous Eid-el Kabir celebrations.
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