As part of ongoing discussions with prospective investors for the construction of the proposed Calabar Ultramodern International Market, Cross River State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, recently hosted a delegation from Mesotho Group Limited at his temporary office in the Glass House, Calabar.
Welcoming the team led by the company’s Co-Presidents and Managing Directors, Pst. Meso Dickson and Hon. Dr. Jerry Damara, Deputy Governor Odey commended their interest in investing in the state. He reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Bassey Otu’s administration to creating a secure and business-friendly environment, emphasizing Cross River’s reputation as Nigeria’s safest state.
The Deputy Governor noted the timeliness of the visit, highlighting key developments such as the recent approval of a $3.5 billion facility from AfriExim Bank for the Bakassi Deep Sea Port project and advancements in the state’s aviation sector with the acquisition of new aircraft to boost economic growth.
While acknowledging past challenges with investor commitments, Odey expressed confidence in Mesotho Group’s credibility and urged the firm to uphold its pledges as the state works toward establishing Cross River as a leading commercial hub in West Africa.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Commerce and facilitator of the meeting, Elder Hon. Dr. (Mrs.) Abigail Duke Orok (JP), stated that the visit served to formally introduce Mesotho Group and outline their investment plans. She confirmed that the company had been shortlisted for the market project and had already presented its proposal before the State’s Public-Private Partnership Council.
In their remarks, Pst. Meso Dickson showcased the company’s expertise in delivering large-scale commercial infrastructure, citing notable projects such as the Kefas International Market and Nigeria’s largest abattoir in Taraba State, as well as the newly commissioned Kugbo International Market in Abuja, developed on a 30-hectare land area. He revealed that Mesotho Group had allocated ₦150 billion in private investment for the Calabar project, including the construction of a jetty to facilitate international trade.
Similarly, Hon. Dr. Jerry Damara reiterated the company’s commitment to Cross River State, attributing their bid to the integrity of the current administration and the state’s vast economic potential. He assured that the Calabar project remains a top priority for the firm.
The meeting was also attended by senior management staff of Mesotho Group, including Brig. Gen. O. Iduniboye Obu (rtd), Deputy Director, Engr. Hassan Rizk, Head of Engineering, and Mr. Sam Markus, Head of Protocol, among others
