As part of the on-going efforts of the Governor Ben Ayade-led administration to revamp the tourism sector of the State, the Managing Director, Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Mr. Utsu John Atsu, and the Director General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Prof. Abba Isa Tijani, have engaged extensively on modalities for the prompt upgrade of major museums and monuments in the State, especially in respect to the Calabar Slave History Museum.
Established by the Cross River State Government and handed over to the Commission to manage, Mr. Atsu observed that the current state of the museum falls far short of the intended expectations and aspirations for it particularly in light of the fact that the facility is one of foremost tourism products of the State.
The Managing Director explained that the desire to ensure the museum meets international standards as well as the heightened expectations of visitors and guests, is the hallmark of the partnership between the Bureau and Commission.
According to him, the benefits accruing to both parties from this new partnership will not only ensure international standards are met but that they are maintained as it will increase the marketing potentials of ‘Destination Cross River’ brand, leading to increased revenue generation, aid educational and social consciousness, amongst others.
The Director General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Prof. Abba Isa Tijani, said that the tourism potentials of Cross River State is too valuable to be neglected and as such is very confident of what the partnership will achieve, going forward.
Prof. Tijani further assured the Bureau that the NCMM will continue to iron out modalities to ensure that the repositioning of the museum and other products, come to fruition.
Also, other historical sites discussed for possible attention include: the Old Residency Museum, Calabar, and the Alok Stone Monoliths, Ikom.
By: Achiane Adams
