BY: VITALIS UGOH, Calabar
The Chairman of Bakassi Local Government Area, Hon Chief Iyadim Amboni Iyadim, has described the forthcoming Bakassi Fish Festival as an agent of change which can revolutionize both the tourism and commercial fortunes of not only Bakassi but Cross River State as a whole
He made the remark while receiving organisers of the festival during the council’s executive meeting.
Iyadim disclosed that he allowed them to address them based on his belief in the potential of the festival to perform wonders
He commended them for their collective vision and deep thoughts birthing the festival because of its potential to rewrite the story of Bakassi and its numerous resources to create job and wealth, adding that “your coming together to initiate the festival will spur other youths with viable visions to come up with their own projects and programs to enable Bakassi Local government area reclaim its rightful place in the subregion as a conducive place for business”.
He pledged the council’s support and endorsement to the festival because of its power to turn things around in Bakassi Local Government Area, Cross River and the subregion.
Iyadim hoped Bakassi Fish Festival will grow in leaps and bounds within the region like the annual Arugungu Festival , Africa’s biggest fishing celebration.
Earlier, the team leader of those behind Bakassi Fish Festival, Frank Edima, said the festival , which will be an annual event, is imperative because of their vision that it will encourage fishing , empower those in fishing, create image for those involved in fishing, and create and register them as a union because they do not take fishing as an active business
It will also encourage them to appreciate the natural resources of Bakassi,
According to them, the two days festival scheduled at Esuk Mkparawa, ikang will include boat racing, wrestling, boat carnival, fishing competition, fisherman soup competition.
Others are fishing paintings, fish display, face of Bakassi Fish Festival, awards , lectures and exhibition.
Apart from from exposing the agricultural potential of Bakassi, it will also encourage ecotourism to bring more people and business to the area.
Highlight of the visit was the display of support and endorsement by the Chairman of Bakassi Local Government Area Hon Chief Iyadim Amboni Iyadim, the Vice Chairman Hon Etieka Mrs Lawrencia Ita and the Head of Local Government Administration HOLGA, Elder Paul Agboche.
