Africas biggest hamper

Senate president unveils Africa’s biggest hamper

Written by AUSTIN JACOBSON

Tuesday, 21 December 2010 22:30

As part of its commitment to promoting cultural tourism, the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) has unveiled Africa’s biggest hamper at the on-going Carnival Calabar. The unveiling of the hamper which coincided with the flag-off of this year’s edition of Carnival Calabar was officially done by the Senate President, Senator David Mark, who was represented by Senator Ewa Henshaw. The Governor of Cross River State, Governor Liyel Imoke, and his Deputy Barr. Effion Cobhan and their wives Obioma and Gloria respectively, as well as former Senator, Mrs Ita Giwa were also present at the occasion. Senator David Mark praised the NTDC for the innovation at this year’s Carnival Calabar, urging all stakeholders in various fields to develop special unique products that are capable of bringing into the country tourists from all over the world “This carnival stands out as one of the veritable platforms on which we can achieve this purpose.  An example is what we are witnessing today, this unique and biggest cultural hamper in Africa.  This cultural hamper represents all the 36 states and FCT,” he added. Senator Mark said that with the size of the hamper, Nigeria has scored another first in product development in tourism offerings, calling on all Nigerians to work together as a people to achieve successes and goals for the nation. He commended the NTDC under the leadership of Otunba Olusegun Runsewe for always introducing tourism innovative products including “this biggest cultural hamper.”  He also commended the governor of Cross River State for sustaining this yearly carnival which today stands out as a pride to Nigeria. Speaking at the occasion, the Director General of the NTDC, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, said the hamper contains a product each from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT. “This hamper which is the biggest on the continent of Africa contains everything about Nigeria, it is about our cultural values which we cherish a lot,” he said.