Cross River State has secured a major economic victory with the official announcement that its capital, Calabar, will host the prestigious African Sub-Sovereign Government’s Network (AfSNET) Investment Conference in 2026. The milestone is being hailed across the state as a decisive step in positioning Cross River as a prime hub for global trade and international investment.
The successful bid has drawn effusive praise for the state’s Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, who has made economic revival and attracting international partnerships a cornerstone of his administration.
Among the most prominent voices celebrating the achievement is Dame Senator Princess Florence Ita Giwa (OON).
In a congratulatory message, Senator Giwa described the hosting right as a “defining moment” for the state and a powerful confirmation of Governor Otu’s leadership and vision.
“This is indeed a proud milestone that makes Cross River a shining pride of Africa,” Ita Giwa stated. She lauded Governor Otu’s commitment to creating sustainable opportunities for Cross Riverians through “strategic reforms and purposeful governance.”
The senator emphasized that securing the AfSNET Conference—a major gathering of investors, policymakers, and business leaders—demonstrates the governor’s foresight in elevating Calabar beyond its traditional identity as a cultural tourism hub. It is now firmly established as an international investment destination.
According to Ita Giwa, the AfSNET 2026 Conference will provide an essential platform for international stakeholders to engage directly with Cross River’s unique economic potential in key sectors, including agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, and the emerging blue economy.
Furthermore, she noted that the event will globally project the state’s renowned hospitality, rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, ensuring a boost to the local economy and forging long-term partnerships.
State stakeholders view the successful bid as a reflection of the Otu administration’s proactive governance, which has placed a strong emphasis on economic diversification, youth empowerment, and global visibility. For many Cross Riverians, the AfSNET 2026 Conference is seen as a critical gateway to new opportunities that are expected to leave a lasting, positive impact on the state.
