In a profound display of solidarity and shared grief, the entire Cross River State tourism cluster has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Managing Director of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Prince Ojoi Ekpenyong, following his untimely demise.
The delegation was led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Eme Affiah, and included key stakeholders, heads of tourism agencies, and private sector operators within the state's hospitality and tourism ecosystem.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation during the visit to the family residence in Calabar, the Permanent Secretary, Pastor Eme Affiah, expressed deep sorrow over the sudden passing of Prince Ekpenyong. She described the tourism cluster as an embodiment of the ministry, departments, and agencies working to promote the State's tourism sector, stressing that the loss of one member affects the entire community.
"Prince Ojoi was not just a colleague; he was a driving force who played a pivotal supervisory role in repositioning the hospitality industry.
Through his intervention, the state government injected millions of naira into various hotels to help them recover from the challenges of COVID-19, which had severely impacted the industry.
In his regulatory functions over the hospitality sector, he was responsible for enforcing standards and licensing, marketing the State’s tourism products, and providing critical data for the Calabar Carnival," she added.
Mrs. Affiah reiterated that while the entire sector is devastated by the loss, they stand firmly with the family during this dark hour.
The visit brought together an unprecedented gathering of the state's tourism community, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism Development, Mr. Tom Ikpeme, several special assistants within the sector, as well as various directors and staff members.
By Carolyn Ugbor
