By Sixtus Uket (Calabar)
The Port Manager of Calabar Port, Cross River, Mr. Iyke Olumati, has stated that the long-awaited dredging of the Port would commence this February.
Mr. Olumati, who stated this when he received the State Commissioner for Commerce, Mrs. RoseMary Archibong in his office in Calabar during a courtesy visit, noted that all contract formalities and the long drawn legal issues have been resolved.
The Port Manager also briefed the Commissioner on the bold actions taken by him and his team to resolve pending issues that were inimical to the optimal functioning of the Calabar Port.
He thanked the Commissioner for always showing interest in generating the much-desired cargo that would keep the Port busy, generate employment for the youths and improve the economic well-being of the people of Cross River.
Mrs. Archibong had led an indigenous company, Great Elim Resources Ltd, to the Calabar Port to explore the possibility of exporting iron ore and coal from the Port.
Expressing her excitement over the news of the commencement of the dredging, the Commissioner stated that the Governor Ben Ayade-led administration has always been committed to maximizing maritime trade out of Cross River State internationally and within the Gulf of Guinea trade sectors, which informed his Bakassi Deep Sea Port Agenda.
She added that she was personally sentimental about reactivating activities at the Calabar Port as the Port holds pleasant memories to the people.
“International Maritime trade is a veritable catalyst in the economic emancipation of any nation or state,” the Commissioner stressed.
Mrs. Archibong commended the Port Manager for his passion in ensuring that the Port regained her pride of place.
In the Commissioner’s entourage were, the Deputy President, Calabar Chamber of Commerce and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Great Elim Resources, Mr. David Etim and the Port Agent, Dr. Inyang Gabriel.
Cross River Commissioner, Mrs. RoseMary Archibong (2nd left) and other signatories during the visit
