Cross River State is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, biodiversity, and tourism, The capital, Calabar, is a historic city known for its cleanliness and vibrant festivals.

Geography and Location

Area: Approximately 20,156 km2.

Location: Borders Benue (north), Ebonyi and Abia (west), Akwa Ibom (southwest), and Cameroon (east).

Terrain: Features rainforests, mountains (e.g., Obudu Plateau), and the Cross River, which flows into the Atlantic.

Climate: Tropical with wet (April - October) and dry (November - March) seasons.

History

Creation: Established as South-Eastern State in 1967; renamed Cross River in 1976.

Akwa Ibom Split: Lost territory to form Akwa Ibom State in 1987.

Historical Significance: Calabar was a major port during the colonial era and a hub for the transatlantic slave trade.

Economy

Agriculture: Key crops include cocoa, oil palm, rubber, cassava, and yam.

Tourism: Contributes significantly via attractions like Obudu Mountain Resort, Tinapa Free Trade Zone, and Carnival Calabar.

Commerce: Calabar Port and Tinapa Business Resort aim to boost trade and investment.

Culture and People

Ethnic Groups: Over twenty groups, including Efik, Ejagham, Bekwarra, and Yala.

Languages: Efik is widely spoken; others include Ejagham and Bekwarra.

Festivals: Carnival Clabar (December), Leboku Festival (Ugep), and New Yam Festival.

Cuisine: Dishes like Edikang Ikong soup and Afang soup.

Tourism and Attractions

Obudu Mountain Resort: Features a cable car, ranch, and annual festival.

Cross River National Park: Protects rainforests and endangered species like the Cross River gorilla.

Tinapa Resort: Leisure and business complex with shopping and entertainment.

Historical Sites: Slave History Museum and Dr. Alagoa's War Museum.

Education and Health

Institutions: University of Calabar, Cross River University of Technology, Arthur Jarvis University.

Healthcare: University of Calabar Teaching Hospital is a major facility.

Administration

Governor: Bassey Otu (as of 2023).

Local Government Areas (LGAs): 18 LGAs, including Calabar Municipal, Ogoja, and Ikom.

Challenges

Environmental: Deforestation, Illegal logging, and threats to biodiversity.

Economic: Infrastructure gaps and unemployment despite tourism potential.

Security: Border issues with Cameroon affecting stability.

Conservation Efforts

• Initiatives to protect the Cross River gorilla (critically endangered) and rainforests via NGOs and government programs.

Notable Figures

Donald Duke: Former governor who pioneered Carnival Calabar and Tinapa project.