…pays salaries of Obudu Ranch Resort staff from 2015-2018
Calabar – Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State has cleared arrears of staff of Obudu Ranch Resort staff owed salaries from 2015 – 2018, and all the 149 staff of Obudu Mountain Races have been paid salaries up till date, says the Executive Secretary, Austine Cobham.
He says further that international investors and corporate bodies will take up the sponsorship of different aspects of the carnival in the ensuing years from 2024, as the state is set to resume the Obudu Mountain Races.
The state government has given indications to hands off total sponsorship of the carnival, which started in 2001 by the government of Mr Donald Duke.
Executive Secretary of the state carnival commission said the state government has expanded the carnival with more creative additions and would want it to be self sustaining.
He said they have planned to hold luncheon with investors, sponsors and other critical stakeholders next month to outlines different areas of involvements, saying they are starting preparations for this year’s carnival earlier than usual because they have listed out arrays of programmes to energize the carnival.
“We have begun to develop carnival infrastructures all over Calabar, even as we strategise to expand and internationalize the carnival with different segments.
“These segments need sponsorships. We need more investors. The governor has disclosed that government can no longer fund all aspects of the carnival. The government wants it to be self sustaining.”
Commissioner for tourism and culture in the state, Abubakar Ewa, disclosed that ecotourism will be part of this year’s carnival, as many tour sites are to be developed to enhance the carnival in order to attract more tourists.
He said plans are afoot to train hoteliers and others in the tourism and hospitality business.
