Chairman of Abitto Global Service, Chief Akinaka Richard
By Ita Williams, Calabar
In a grand ceremony held in Calabar at weekend, a maiden Calabar To Uyo water transportation service courtesy, Abitto Ferry Service has been launched.
This launch, marks a historic milestone in the advancement of water transportation between Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.
With the launch of the ferry service, passengers or commuters from Calabar to Uyo and back will for the first time have a comfortable choice with a quick or fast travel time by water instead of the stress of spending hours passing through the deplorable Calabar-Itu highway currently under construction.
The Abitto Ferry Service is expected to load passengers at its Marina Resort jetty in Calabar and terminate at the Nwanagaiba beach jetty in Uyo within 30 minutes or less daily at an affordable price.
While inaugurating the Abitto Ferry Jetty Service of the luxurious and maritime safety boats, Chairman of the occasion, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Jnr, emphasized the pivotal role of waterways infrastructure in driving economic growth.
Ekpenyong who represents Cross River Southern Senatorial district in the senate, highlighted the cost-effectiveness of water transportation for heavy cargo and called for the expansion of the project across the Niger Delta region for enhanced connectivity.
He said, “this is the beginning of further development of our waterways infrastructure, it is very important that our waterways are developed, the most cost effective means of transporting goods and services especially, heavy cargo, we expect an expansion across other states of our region”.
On his part, the Managing Director of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Mr. Ojoi Ekpenyong, commended the Chairman of Abitto Global Service, Chief Akinaka Richard, the driving force behind the initiative for his visionary leadership.
He said, “today, we witness the realization of a standard waterways transportation system that will connect Calabar and Uyo, thanks to Chief Akinaka Richard’s capacity and business acumen.”
Equally speaking, Managing Director of the Nigeria Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, emphasized the significance of expanding the project to accentuate riverine transportation systems across the region.
Ogbuku who was the Special Guest of Honour at the ceremony stated, “our waterways transportation infrastructure requires technological improvements to foster economic growth and connectivity throughout the Niger Delta.”
Akinaka on his part, stressed the essence of the initiative in strengthening the cultural and ancestral ties between Cross River and Akwa Ibom.
He remarked, “Water transportation serves as a safe and vital driver of economic development, reflecting God’s original mode of travel predating land and air transport.”
Akinaka underscored the commitment to fostering collaboration with non-state actors to advance the water transportation sector and promote regional integration.
He affirmed that, “the launch of Abitto Ferry Service signifies a new era of partnership and progress, connecting the inseparable sister states of Cross River and Akwa Ibom.”
Guest of Honour and the Pioneer Special Adviser to the President on the Amnesty Programme for the Niger Delta ex-Militants, Mr. Timi Alaibe, commended Chief Akinaka Richard for his dedication to service and enterprise, lauding the initiative as a testament to innovation and commitment to the community.
He expressed his excitement stating, “I am delighted to witness the birth of a transformative idea that will enrich the lives of the people in this region.”
The launch of the Abitto Ferry Service heralds a new chapter in the development of water transportation, offering improved access between Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.
