The Governor of Cross River State, Apostle Bassey Edet Otu, has expressed great joy over the final return of the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort to the state government by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).
AMCON had assumed control of the resort in 2013, after taking on the resort’s debts, which amounted to N18.5 billion.
But Apostle Otu, in his determination to revive the vision that once placed Cross River on the global economic map, took up the battle to recover the valued asset in the interest of state.
After the official handover last weekend, Governor Otu posted on his Facebook page, “My dear people of Cross River, i am happy to announce that Tinapa is finally back in the hands of our state.
“This is a victory for all of us, a dream that has come back to life.
“Tinapa is not just a building but a symbol of our pride, our strength, and our hope.
“Years ago, it showed the world what Cross River could achieve.
Now, we are bringing that dream back, stronger and better.
“Under our People First Agenda, we will work with trusted investors to make Tinapa a busy centre for trade, tourism, and jobs for our people.
“This success belongs to every Cross Riverian, past, present, and future.
“Together, we’ll make Tinapa shine again and bring new life to our economy.
“Cross River is rising once more!”
Tinapa Business Resort, a 265-hectare free trade zone, was inaugurated in 2007 by ex-Governor Donald Duke with the purpose of promoting and boosting business and tourism not only in the state but also in the entire region.
The facility features a business centre, shopping mall, water park, m artificial tidal lake, hotel, Studio Tinapa, a film production studio and an entertainment strip with a casino.