The Cross River State Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has reiterated his administration’s dedication to fostering a private-sector-driven economy. This involves creating a conducive environment and institutional framework to unlock the economic potential in the maritime sector and other private enterprises.
Otu who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt Hon. Peter Odey stated this at the commissioning of a newly acquired ‘MF Michael Eja-Enya, a ferry boat owned by the Chairman of Sea Express Ltd, Mr Thompson Eja, on Tuesday.
The Deputy Governor expressed gratitude to Mr. Eja, Chairman of Sea Express Ltd, commending his patriotism and investment in the maritime sector. The Deputy Governor also assured that the Cross River State Government values the blue economy, emphasizing that the waterways do not only serve as a gateway to the Gulf of Guinea but also a pathway to sustainable economic development for the state.
Speaking earlier, the Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Agency, NIWA, Engr. Stanley Onouha, commended the ‘People First’ Sen Bassey Otu for the appointment of Pst. Ekpenyong Cobham as Commissioner of Transportation. He described the Commissioner as unassuming and hardworking while urging the government to support Sea Express in the area of increased security and tax exemption, stating that despite being only 2 years old, the enterprise was already adding value to the state by employing Cross Riverians.
The Chairman of Sea Express Transit, Mr. Thompson Eja, while speaking at the event, expressed grateful to the present state government for her willingness to continually identify with private business. He said the gesture meant that Cross River was back on track.
He intimated that the ferry boat will commute passengers from Calabar, Nigeria and Limbe, Cameroon.
He narrated the motivation for the birth of Sea Express and announced that in just two and half years, the organization had recruited 40 employees. He pledged that the determination of he and his partners to work with the government for the improvement of the blue economy in CRS. He appreciated his partners and supporters particularly his wife whom he termed his biggest critic and biggest supporter.
The event was attended by members of the State Executive Council including the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff to the Governor and several commissioners.
Highpoint of the event was a symbolic voyage on the vessel MF Michael Eja-Enya with the Governor’s representative and other dignitaries who graced the event.
