Niger Delta
C’River: Marina Resort Resumes After Over Three-Month Shutdown
Life has returned to Cross River State’s prestigious Marina Resort which was shut down months ago following a boat mishap that claimed the lives of three students.
Reopening the resort in the late hours of Sunday, Governor Bassey Otu said the relaxation and tourist centre was back and they would continue to develop it to international standards.
The Tide’s source reports that the Marina Resort, which houses the Slavery Museum and a moribund cinema hall, was shut down on Saturday, June 24.
This followed a boat accident that claimed the lives of three medical students from Ahmadu Bello University, Niger Delta University and University of Uyo, who visited Calabar for their annual health week, hosted by the University of Calabar.
Represented by Mr Elvert Ayambem, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Governor Otu said apart from carrying out some major plbeefed up security with a gunboat ready, 24 hours.
“What we have done here is very impressive, as you can see, fun seekers are already trooping in and I am specially happy with the presence of security from the navy and police.
“To residents of Cross River, a lot has been sunk into this resort, please add value and not destroy, learn to respect government policies which are for the good of everyone”, he said.
On his part, Mr Ojoi Ekpenyong, Managing Director, Cross River Tourism Bureau, said he was elated with the rebranding of the resort with 24-hour electricity, clean environment and ready service providers.
He called on people both within and outside the state to visit the resort and enjoy all it had to offer in a serene and secured environment.
One of the fun seekers, Dr. Fidelia Esu, who came with her family, told the source that from what she saw in the rebranded resort, there is hope that the facility would go back the way it used to be.
“In those days, this resort was always lively, people were providing various services and making their money, it was an exciting time.
“I still believe we can boost tourism more in Cross River by going back to our rural communities and take up tourism activities from there.
“We have a lot in our local communities that can attract tourists to the state, this will go a long way in bringing development into our rural communities”, Esu said.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.