Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, yesterday, unveiled the 19th Akwaaba African Travel Market 2023 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. 
   
Akwaaba African Travel Market is the West Africa’s biggest travel expo that brought in well over 30 African countries and stakeholders in the Nigerian hospitality and travel industry.
   
Yesterday, chefs in the hospitality business at the 5th edition of ‘Jollof Rice War’ with chefs in the hospitality treated participants to delicious and mouth-watering jollof rice at the opening ceremony.

The governor, who said he was happy to be part of the opening ceremony of the event, said Calabar Carnival, Africa’s biggest street party, has always led to cultural interface and ties with great cultural and artistic brands that have evolved distinct identities as Nigeria’s best foot forward in cultural diplomacy. He added that the carnival has, at the same time, acted as the pull factor that brings tourists to the state and Nigeria every year.  
  
Otu also said that he believes Calabar Carnival has come of age, and should be able to deploy all efforts at sustainability and inclusion to achieve set goals. exploring a robust Public Private Partnership framework to achieve mutually beneficial relations in naming rights, endorsements, sponsorships, merchandising and activations.