The Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing cleanup and transformation of the Calabar Botanical Garden, describing the once-neglected site as a location that had become a hideout for criminal activities.
During an inspection of the garden, Governor Otu commended the progress made in restoring the facility and directed that work be accelerated to ensure the project is completed on schedule. He also called for the allocation of designated spaces to businesses to enable commercial activities to commence as part of efforts to revitalise the attraction.
“This used to be a hideout for whatever you can imagine,” the governor remarked, noting that the redevelopment of the Botanical Garden is part of his administration’s broader plan to improve public spaces, enhance tourism infrastructure and stimulate economic activities in the state.
He expressed confidence that, once completed, the revamped Botanical Garden would become a vibrant recreational and tourism destination while creating new opportunities for local businesses and visitors alike.
