On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State, received the prestigious **Tourism and Hospitality Champion** award at the 2nd edition of The Nigeria Broadcasting Awards (TNBA).
The event, organised by the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), took place at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja. Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey accepted the award on behalf of Governor Otu in the presence of media leaders, industry professionals, and policymakers.
BON conferred the honour in recognition of Governor Otu’s transformative leadership in repositioning Cross River State as a premier tourism destination in Nigeria and a rising hub in Africa. Under his administration, the state has revived key attractions such as the Marina Resort (including its cinema), advanced upgrades at Obudu Mountain Resort (targeting five-star status), Kwa Falls, and Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort. Significant investments include an N18 billion boost for infrastructure rehabilitation and over ₦6.8 billion in private sector funding.
These efforts have driven measurable growth: tourist arrivals rose from about 62,000 in 2023 to over 300,000 in 2025, Calabar Carnival attendance grew by 42% (injecting over ₦14 billion into the local economy), registered hotels increased by 33%, and support reached 40 hotels and 16 restaurants. Initiatives like “Experience Calabar” tours and a Heritage Market further promote culture, arts, crafts, and job creation for youth and local businesses.
The ceremony also featured a posthumous award for Cross River-born broadcasting icon Okokon Ndem, recognised for his legendary contributions to Nigerian radio, particularly during the Biafran era.
Other honourees included Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal (Award of Excellence) and the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, for their support to the broadcasting industry. Lifetime and other category awards went to several media veterans.
Governor Otu’s high-powered delegation included Senator Eteng Jones Williams (Central Senatorial District), Hon. Mike Etaba (Obubra/Ikom Federal Constituency), Special Advisers Sarah Archibong, Hon. Chris Ogar, Emmanuel Ogbeche, Azogor Ideba, Chief Press Secretary Linus Obogo, and other senior officials.
This recognition highlights Cross River State’s enduring appeal — home to iconic sites like Obudu Mountain Resort, Calabar Carnival, and Cross River National Park — and Governor Otu’s commitment to sustainable tourism as a driver of economic growth, cultural preservation, and hospitality excellence in Nigeria.
Toho.ng congratulates Governor Bassey Otu and the people of Cross River State on this well-deserved honour. The award reinforces Nigeria’s rich tourism potential when visionary leadership meets strategic investment.
