The Cross River State tourism sector has been plunged into mourning following the sudden death of the Managing Director of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Prince Ekpenyong Ojoi.
Ojoi passed away yesterday at approximately 5pm in Calabar, sources close to the state government confirmed. While official statements regarding the cause of death have not yet been released, his unexpected collapse sent immediate shockwaves through the state's executive chambers and the broader hospitality industry.
Appointed by Governor Bassey Otu, Prince Ojoi was widely regarded as the driving force behind the administration's aggressive push to reposition Cross River as Nigeria's premier tourism destination through licencing In just a short tenure, he orchestrated what many industry watchers have called a "turnaround" for the state's long neglected tourism assets.
Under his stewardship, the Tourism Bureau successfully brokered multi-billion-naira private sector concessions for the Marina Resort in Calabar and was known as the hands-on approach and unrelenting energy beyond the headline grabbing investment deals.
Tributes have already begun pouring in from government officials, tourism operators, and entertainment stakeholders. Colleagues described him as a "visionary," "tireless," and "a rare breed of public servant who understood that tourism was not just about leisure but about livelihoods."
One senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: "Prince Ojoi didn't just manage a bureau he built a movement. He made us believe that Cross River could once again be the pride of Nigerian tourism. His loss is irreplaceable."
The Cross River State Government is expected to release an official statement in the coming hours. As of press time, funeral arrangements have not been announced, but sources indicate that the government is planning a state-assisted burial to honor his contributions.
Prince Ojoi is survived by his wife and children.
By Caroline Ugbor.
