Otu starts renovation of CICC, says facility a revenue earner for government, others
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, says facility at the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC), when fully functional will be a huge revenue source to the government.
Recall some part of the event arena had been burnt by some irate youths during the October 20, 2020 EndSars nationwide protest that turned violent in the state.
Speaking during an inspection of the facilities, Governor Otu said the Calabar International Convention Centre is one of the critical assets that Cross River prides herself of, hence the need to revitalize it.
The Governor who expressed shock at the extent of damage done to the facility, said revamping all the public facilities was more cost effective than building new ones.
“What I have seen here is a situation where this facility was badly damaged and it will take the state so much to fix this back. But we are determined to get this place back and even better.
“From what I am told, this place was ranked about the 3rd in Africa in terms of quality, ambience, but what I have seen here is rather sad. However, I assure the people of Cross River state that we will get it working again.”
Otu who expressed confidence that the ongoing renovation works at the CICC will be ready before the commencement of the Calabar International Investment Summit within the week, was confident that the consultant handling the renovation was doing a good job.
At the cultural center complex, the governor assured that the historical center will be remodeled to fit into a modern day facility that will make the center a beehive of activities in the South-South geo-political zone of the country. The Governor also inspected ongoing works at the Millennium Park.
By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)
Cleric charges men to ARISE to their responsibilities
Men have been advised to arise and take-up their responsibilities as leaders in whatever position they find themselves. Lead pastor of Gospel House, Home of The Gospel Deliverance Ministry International Pastor James John made the remark during the 2023 Men’s Convention held in the Church auditorium, Plot 14 Ntufam Donatus Etim Street, Off Parliamentary Extension by Ayade Power Plant, Ikot Ansa, Calabar in Cross River State.
John while leveraging on the Theme:- “ARISE” referencing Gen. 13:17 “Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breath of it; for I will give it unto thee” counselled that men should always arise and act to actualize their potentials in life and not be idle.
Doubling down, he defined ARISE in the context of an acronym to mean: A-Advance R-Respond, I-Invest, S-Sacrifice and E-Explode.
The convention started on Thursday 24th to Sunday 27th August 2023 with choir renditions, drama and word ministration by the men’s department of the church in the winding down of the four day spiritual convocation.
Dignitaries at the occasion were Evangelist Godswill Ayi, of NUPENG, NNPC Depot, Calabar, Pastor Samuel Peter, Bro. Emma Nnadozie, Head of Media Department Gospel House, Patron Eyo, Chairman of Men Association, Emmanuel Omokhaye, Elder Kenke among others too numerous to mention.
The Associate minister of the Gospel House, Evangelist (Mrs.) Dorathy James in her goodwill message charged men to always replicate the virtues of the patriarch Abraham in all their dealings in the home, family, work, community, society, state, country and world as God’s anointed heads to be a beacon of light and strength for others to follow citing 1st Corinthians 16:13-14 “watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, let all things be done in charity”, saying the men should arise with compassion and carry the family along in their exploits in life.
By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)
