Ben Eguzozie
Cross River government says the recent visit of former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to the state was “no more than an investment reconnaissance”. Hence, it was not political as had been interpreted in some quarters.
According to Linus Obogo, press secretary to Governor Bassey Otu, the visit by the former Kano State chief executive was an “investment visit by a prominent Nigerian who, like many others before him, has seen in our rich agrarian soil and vast natural endowments, a fertile ground for enterprise and growth”.
However, he did not disclose the type of investment being prospected by the Kano State strong man, known for his “Kankwasiya movement” a political storm which later gave rise to his New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), which has been governing the state with a subnational GDP in excess of $13.6 billion which economy is driven by the services sector followed by agriculture and light manufacturing.
The Cross River government spokesman dismissed the “notion that Governor Bassey Edet Otu, with clear political convictions, is “romancing” with the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) on account of this harmless visit” by Kwankwaso.
According to Obogo, Governor Otu was, at the moment, in Algiers where he is leading Cross River to global platforms, engaging the 5th Afreximbank African Sub-Sovereign Governments (AfSNET) business forum to attract meaningful investment into the state.
Recall that Otu signed up hosting rights with the Afreximbank’s management for the state government to host the Pan-African development financial institution’s upcoming 6th African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) investment conference in Calabar, the Cross River capital.
Calabar, a city with tourism reflexion, popular with its annual mammoth carnival, a Christmas season event, globally regarded as Africa’s largest street party, will join other AfSNET host cities like Durban (South Africa, Abuja (Nigeria), Cairo (Egypt), and Kisumu (Kenya).
Governor Otu said hosting the AfSNET 2026 by Calabar will be “a defining moment for our people…and showcase Cross River as a gateway to investment in Nigeria and West Africa. This event will catalyse economic growth, foster partnerships, and elevate our state’s profile on the continental stage.”
He said the hosting right was a testament to Cross River’s renewed relevance in Africa’s economic integration agenda, demonstrating that the state is ready to lead conversations and investments that will transform lives across the entire continent.
“Calabar is poised to welcome the world with unmatched hospitality, culture, and investment opportunities,” the governor said after signing the hosting agreement with Afreximbank management, further assuring that preparations were already underway to deliver a world-class summit.
AfSNET was launched by Afreximbank in 2021.
