Cross River Signs Agreement On New Tourism Project
CALABAR, August 01, (THEWILL) - Cross River State Government took yet another bold step towards enhancing its tourism offering, Thursday by signing the design agreement for the Calabar Riviera Resort with Island Style Homes Inc of Florida, USA.
The Calabar Riviera Resort is jointly owned by the Cross River State Government and Vetiva Properties Limited and the agreement was signed on behalf of the holding company, Calabar Riviera Club by Mr. Kelly Ayamba, while Mr. Gordon Mock signed on behalf of Island Style Homes Inc, and witnessed by Chuka Eseka of Vetiva Properties.
Speaking after witnessing the signing of the agreement, Governor Liyel Imoke said the state envisages a high end resort of first class quality, adding that the agreement was the realization of the first step of the project.
Imoke described the project as a first class resort and the first of its kind in the West African sub region and expressed appreciation to all those that have worked towards the realization of the project, adding that certainly, it will enrich the landscape of Calabar, as well as attract more people to the state thereby boosting its position as the preferred destination in the region.
The Governor asserted that the project will accrue some benefits to Cross Riverians as its completion and commencement will act as a flood gate for other projects to take off while advising that the project be executed within its specification and completed within schedule.
"This is a project with tremendous potentials, one that will surely impact positively on the tourism offerings of the State", Imoke noted.
Mr. Gordon Mock of Island Style Homes Inc., who described the project as iconic, said the state will be proud of the facility when completed because of its enormous potentials to attract tourists.
Mock promised to put the expertise of Island Style Homes Inc, into use in their determination to partner the state to realize its dreams as a preferred destination.
"We would like to commend Governor Imoke for his wisdom and vision in developing this project. This will be a great legacy left in the State", Mock stated.
Mr. Chuka Eseka, Vetiva Properties Limited expressed their appreciation to the state for giving them the opportunity to prove their worth, explaining that they will work to specified timelines, and ensure the project is delivered on schedule.
Eseka commended the state for having confidence in them to contribute to its tourism programme as a stakeholder.
Mr. Nzan Ogbe, Special Adviser, Governor’s Office, in his introductory remarks, disclosed that discussion on the project commenced 18 months ago, saying that the resort will be a tourism edifice fitted with a spa, Events/Conference facilities, restaurants, boat club, mini shopping arcade, Golf driving range, wedding chapel etc. He stated that all these facilities will boost the tourism programme of the State.
Ogbe explained that the preliminary design has been analyzed and appraised by experts and would meet world class standards.
The Calabar Riviera Resort is an exotic and exclusive private resort, which would provide investors and holiday makers with the highest level of luxurious living and leisure facilities. To be situated along the waterfront of the Calabar River, the resort will be completed over a 24-month period.