By: Vitalis Ugoh, Calabar
Proclamations were in the affirmative at the Calabar International Trade Fair 2024, that Obubra local government area remains the food basket of Cross River.
Speaking at the event which held at the main pitch of U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, Commissioner for Commerce, Dr (Mrs) Abigail Duke Orok, aplauded the state Governor Prince Bassey Otu, for reawakening the Calabar Trade Fair which could not hold in the past three years.
Duke who extolled the virtues of Obubra Council Chairman, further eulogised him for honouring the invitation that was given at short notice.
In a remark, the Commissioner called on the people of Obubra to unite and minimise the spate of internal crisis that have in recent times painted a nagetive picture on the people.
Congratulating the people for their feat in Agriculture and ecotourism potentials, Mrs Duke encouraged the people to embrace peace as no meaningful development can thrive in a crisis situation.
Earlier, the executive Chairman of Obubra, Hon Kingsley Ibon Arikpo thanked the Governor, in his words,, Arikpo said, ” let me use this opportunity to thank the Governor, our Sweet Prince, His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for re-enacting the famous Calabar International Trade Fair.”
Arikpo stated that Obubra Local Government Area is blessed with arable land for cultivation of crops and rearing of livestock.
The Chairman described Obubra as a land that is full of bright opportunities on the account of its vast and robust natural endowments that are of comparative advantage.
Arikpo intimated that the location of Obubra at the evaquating corridor that navigates the Calabar Seaport and the sub-Sahara Africa, gives her a middleman position for trade and industry.
The Chairman maintained that as a prime stakehoder and facilitator of grassroot development, Obubra under his administration will experience a face lift in all value chains of Agriculture and eco-tourism to enhace food secutity in line with the policy trust of Prince Bassey Otu, the state Governor.
The Chairman who ordered the imediate renovation of all dilapidated quarters for principal officers at the Obubra council secretariat barely 24 hours before the exhibition, showcased large samples of both agricultural produce and solid minerals including: Gold, lead, timber, granite, barite, Palm oil, Yams, rice, gari, plantain , banana, potato, cocoyam, sugar cane, cane ropes palm fruits and kenel among others.
Hihglights of the occasion goodwill messages and performance by Igban cultural group that thrilled the audience with facinating dance stepst
