I lived in Calabar and used to visit Tinapa when I was younger. The water park was incredible, always filled with families. The hotel was functional and tmart used to sell designer goods at lower prices than they sold in the US. Sad to see the hotel doors barricaded like that and what the place has fallen to. The whole of Calabar isn't the same even with the Calabar carnival where they would fly in performers from all over the globe. I remember standing in the street for hours to watch the beautiful costumes pass by. You can't try this now for safety reasons. I met so many Nigerian celebrities in the airport because my family attended the carnival several years in a row. A change in government shouldn't bring this level of instability. A country should function as an established system regardless of the people in power, we don't have the right physical or political infrastructure, and it's disheartening to see the effects
And the clueless governor there now doesn’t know that tourism was a major reason many Nigerians started spending their holidays in Nigeria of which Tinapa, Obudu ranch resort etc was a core part of it
@@Bigwillz. True most of them see Nigeria and Nigerians as commodities to be bought and sold. If the people just know how badly this politicians hate us , maybe we’ll receive sense and take politics more seriously. . Coz if things continue to depreciate and poverty and hopelessness increasing war or absolute breakdown of normalcy will occur
Big wills….felt your pain and looking at you almost brought tears to my eyes…you are not from Cross river but your heart breaks for the waste of the resources of Nigerians. Absolute shame but thanks for highlighting the situation and you’ve made a good impact. Be careful though and stay safe at all times 👍🏾
One of the problem of Tinapa was that it was not integrated into the city,to form part of the daily life of residence of Calabar. It like ikot ekpo housing project the lies in the middle of nowhere between odukpani & Calabar. One way to revive Tinapa is building a new housing estate close by,with dual carriageway through to Ayade industrial park. An economic corridor highway with Akwa ibom state can be built as Tinapa lies opposite Ibom golf resort on the other side of the river less than 40km away,it will create traffic and reduce travel time between Uyo & calabar.
This actually makes a lot of sense. I've been wondering why Uyo and Calabar cannot have a direct dual carriageway linking tinapa end of Calabar with Ibom golf resort end of Uyo
Because of Tinapa, I attended The University of Strathclyde Scotland to study Tourism in Developing Countries, leaving behind my lucrative law practice. Topic for my thesis was "Role of Image in tourism; A case study of Nigeria." By the time I was done with my coursework, the prediction was that the project would be another Ajaokuta Steel Company, a case of 'dead on arrival' This is the saddest video you have done to date. I cried watching this video. Only a Nigerian would understand the undertone, the subliminal message in the video. I cried for Donald Duke who went the full nine yards for this and myself who believed in Tinapa.
I feel your pain BigWills. This is just one of fundamental examples of what's wrong with Nigeria. Its even more tragic that there are hundreds of such monuments going to waste across the length and breath of the nation.
Nigeria has mostly mad people in public office who don’t love their people. There’re probably thousands of abandoned projects all over Nigeria . It’s one of the reasons Nigerians are poor when projects are abandoned with debts to be serviced killing the government income overtime
This is so sad. Everything Duke built was not sustained by the subsequent administrations. Now I understand why when Peter Obi was accused of not building state of the art "fantasy lands" like this, he said such things are for the private sector to build, because governments are very inefficient in profit making . If this stuff was built in calabar town, it would have been better. From the drive, it looks to be a bit distant from the city. I feel your pain my brother.
Man, tis sad! Take heart though, perhaps your coverage might be a catalyst for one of these modern millionaires to take a look at it's potential. Even I could see through the neglect, looks lovely.
Whenever i remember this place, i almost always shed some tear...its like my fears about it later came to past when i saw it for the first time a couple of years after it was built... Saw it last in January 2020 and felt sad to my stomach!
I personally believe that the reason Lagos has made more progress than other states since 1999 is because Tinupu installed his candidate Fashola, who continue and consolidated on the visionary work he started which have continued still now with the present governor. If Donald Duke have done the same, By now Calabar would have been a choices destination for the world for Tourism. Is unfortunate that both Imoke and Ayade could not consolidate on this state and national asset. But what is even more troubling is that people like Duke who should have been given the opportunity as Minister for culture to help develop our tourism potential, rather position are given to people with little or no capacity for visionary leadership. Very Pathetic
Not really Lagos is the economic nerve centre of Nigeria,good or bad governance,Lagos is on autopilot. Any foreign investor must consider Lagos Lagos first due to economic of scale.Liyel Imoke was Donald's choice,but vision is personal.Liyel had no vision,Ayade is confused.
@@ubongedison2834 But why should only a state be the economic nerve centre of a country of over 150 million people. In most developed countries like the US, most states can hold their own when it comes to economic development. It's about time the current status quo changes.
@@patrickizekor6463 Every country has its economic nerve-center & that is where investors first plant their root before expanding to other regions of the country. In America,its New York,like Lagos it's on autopilot, very few states can rival New York. It South Africa its Johannesburg,India=Mumbai,Japan=Tokyo. etc Cross river state comparative advantage is tourism & agriculture,but unfortunately Ayade & Imoke before him had zero vision.Rather than jamboree superhighway & calesvegas, Ayade should invest in mechanised Agriculture and solid minerals development.
@@ubongedison2834 I think Calabar competitive advantage is Eco-tourism, similar to what Gabon Rwanda are currently doing. The state has Nigeria last remaining rainforests and numerous wildlife like the cross-river gorillas. I think Tinapa is a brilliant concept if it was integrated with Eco-Tourism and backed by private interest and investment.
I visited the Tinapa on a group excursion 13 years ago. By the time we went round the shopping complex, the hotel and the artificial lake, we wondered what was going on, because the facility was grossly underutilised. We also imagined if such a project was sited in either Lagos, Abuja or any other commercially viable city. There's even a facility which can be used by Nollywood. The government of Cross River state should allow interested private sector to put it to use to create jobs and generate revenue
The project was not viable from it inception. Had the funds been sunk into a deepsea port project, eco-tourism project or electricity project it would have seen instance ROI. The fact that the project was trying to emulate Dubai is another red light. Why are Nigerians always trying to build the next Dubai? Why not the next silicon valley or life science hub
@@henryeghaghara9385 what I mean is that such a project should be used to create jobs, generate revenue, and add value to the citizens lives. I saw a video of abandoned projects in Nigeria. Most of them, very huge, completed projects, are located within that axis
The problem is most of the political leaders are full of greed, self centered and wicked and don’t consider their people when taking decisions. I can only imagine how many that place could have been employing if functional
My brother from Nigeria, I feel your pain!! That's our Nigeria for you! No oversight... politicians are just doing what they like. That project need to be probed and someone need to go to jail. That's what you called Ghost town/project. Nice content indeed!
Ayade is the creation of the former governor liyel imoke who obviously wanted to bring in his puppet to power not knowing he was bringing in a mad Professor
Thank you so so much for this unfiltered vlog… I came here immediately, after I listened to a certain “$450m” abandoned project “TINAPA RESORT”. It’s very sad 😞 to learn about this and support that your idea 💡 of a “continuity act” that’s the only way. I’m your newest subscriber 🎉cheers
I lived in calabar during the time of Gov Imoke and it was fun to visit. The arcade was my favorite outlet, my mom bought a lot of African prints and she always went to the beauty and fashion shows.
Big Wills, another kudos to you for your patriotism - bringing developments to your viewers. Perhaps by this episode, the Cross River government or citizens may come together to revamp this. Lack of continuity in Nigeria’s successive governments, state and federal, is most destructive to Nigeria’s development. Except for Lagos, that have strived to be on course with its Master vision/development.
You are so right. It's only Lagos that seem to have some sort of continuity. If this can done in all the states and federal level, our country will be great.
Well-done BigWillz for torch-lighting this evil we keep doing to ourselves. Tinapa is good thinking and should be resuscitated. Nonetheless, politicians should desist from shoving down projects the people lack the capacity to co-own & manage; instead, focus on building the enabling environment & vision for private investments to avoid stories that touch the heart.
I was here in 2013 or so. It was an amazing experience for me. I can not believe they didnt maintain this. This is becoming a thing in nigeria, they start something wonderful, raise Hopes high and then disappoint. Also, I had a feeling back then that the location of this resort did not help either. I hope they fix this but I know its wishful thinking.
I think it would be a wise decision to make the executive a five tenure thing, that way such projects could be managed and nurtured by the Initiators. It is the reason UAE and many gulf nations are successful.
@@Bigwillz I meant instead of the 2 four years tenure, the executive should be eligible for five tenures of 4 years each just like legislative arm. Infact the legislatives should be the ones doing 2 tenures max.
It breaks my heart to see how resources are wasted in Africa especially Nigeria look at ajiokuta steel I visited similar steel project in Cardiff. Project continuity from one government to the other kills progress.
So sad, I feel like crying. All this things is happening because the federal government is only concentrated on Lagos and Abuja. If the Calabar seaport is working like that of apapa in Lagos, a lot of businesses would have been going on in Calabar and the population of people living in the city will also be high, thereby Making every business bumming. May God help us in this country.
You’re absolutely right. It’s obvious the only way Nigeria can remain United is restructuring/ true federalism not the 419 federalism the north and their criminal apologist are supporting
Hey brother. I can feel the pain and disappointment in your heart about this project. Be encouraged. Nigeria shall rise from the ashes like the Phoenix. Great videos.
@@tmajec Firstly, my optimism is not necessarily borne out of my religious beliefs even though it gives me additional impetus to believe that Nigeria can rise. The determination to make Nigeria great is where my belief comes from. I do not know what everyone believe in but Nigeria becoming the country of our dream is what we all make out of it. How involved are we? passively? Or actively? If we believe the country is finished, then so be it. We might as well throw in the towel and emigrate elsewhere. But remember, nature abhors vacuums. New inhabitants will something out of what we discard.
I think Calabar competitive advantage is Eco-tourism, similar to what Gabon and Rwanda are currently doing. Calabar currently hosts Nigeria last remaining rainforests and numerous wildlife animals such as the Mandrill and Cross-River Gorillas. I think Tinapa is a brilliant concept if it was integrated with Eco-Tourism and backed by private investments. All is not lost, the like's of Bigwilz can continue to use their medium to alert and educate Nigerians of the opportunities that they shouldn't allow to waste. Regenerating Tinapa and developing an Eco-Tourism industry wouldn't cost a lot, just the will of the people to elect the right elites.
This was hard to watch. I was part of the film crew that made ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ at Tinapa studios. I also worked there for Ebony Life TV for a short while. The studios were basic but functional and the hotel was comfortable if rather poorly run. It really felt like we might have been kick starting the place into being a great centre for film making- I had a great little team of local carpenters and painters building sets with me. They were quick learners who could have had good jobs for life if the will had existed to promote and run the studios properly. It’s a real shame.
It's a shame that the place was allowed to go this way. Sometimes wish I had seen it in it's glory days. Anyways thanks for watching and commenting. Appreciated. Please help like and share the video. Thank you
This is enough to break anyone down to tears. Why such a grand scheme would be allowed to go down this path. Whoever will emerge governor of Cross River in 2023 must have have concrete plans to revitalise this place. Perhaps, concession it.
I really can't believe that this is the Tinapa I once visited on a summer vacay with my family! It was totally surreal, everything single thing worked, the malls were stocked, people were buying, the waterfalls, the Nollywood cinema, I could remember all these! It was pure joy for us, to see all these in shambles really draws tears to one's eyes. How can you let such a place that drew important people, conferences and high end meetings get to this state? How? The sense of ownership, continuity and promotion is just dead! Kai! It irks the hell out of me! You need to see Tinapa in its glory and Calabar in its prime! Mehn.
@@Bigwillz You should have seen it. It's a pity what potential the place hadd and how it has been mismanaged and it's greatness and opportunities dashed like other projects that are dead across the nation.
It is so sad. Most of these government officials travel abroad. But they decided that Nigeria can never progress. Look at Tinapa fine idea and a good project abandoned by Lyle Imoke and Ayade . I hope they give it to private individuals to develop for the next 50 years lease
I cried watching this video. Tinapa is a beautiful project that would have been another source of income for Cross Rjver state. It is so sad that politians because of their selfishness are the ones destroying Nigeria. Cross River use to be the cleanest state in the south. Tinapa was ready just completel the mono rail and it would have sold itself. Very very sad..............
Very sad indeed. I visited the place with my family in 2016 and stayed one night at the hotel which was obviously struggling to survive. As at then, the hotel services had become appalling. We had no electricity for most part of the night and the restaurant service was a shadow of what a hotel of such standard should offer. Going around the complex, you could see that the design and the execution of the project was of world class standard. I bet you the structures we found in Tinapa could stand out in any advanced country in the world. However, Nigerian nemesis of project abandonment and bad maintenance culture caught up with the complex and the rest is history. I wonder what successive Cross River state governments are really up to. If that singular project is revamped by any means available (Public, Private or Public /Private) coupled with adequate local and global publicity, the volume of trade and tourism that complex alone is capable of generating will significantly boost the economy of the state and the region generally.
My younger brother schooled in Scotland years ago and told me he met scots in tens heading to Cross river for holidays and he was surprised he didn’t even know some of the tourist attractions in the state and promised to visit at a later date but it’s obvious things have fallen apart
This is simply painful. This is unfair. This is wickedness. This is unfortunate. I can't imagine the volume of jobs lost here, and how many people were driven back to poverty. I always heard, and until now, I was still in hopes that some day I'll pay a visit to the "almighty Tinapa". This is just painful. I still have hope. Thank God buildings and lands don't run. If that place we're an Igbo man, it would have ran away since. So I want to believe that just as there are the wise at heart, and foolish at heart too, so also another wise man will arise to do yet some more good. This is the world for you. Thank you brother for showing me how this future I was hope at looks like. Hope Alive!
Sad doesn't even capture the feeling. Money can be made from this, but the political will to continue in the legacy/work of predecessor seems to be lacking. I hope the new VAT regime comes to stay and drive governors to be innovative.
Thanks for the video... the problem of Tinapa is a very strange one, but I will say this. Duke also has a share of the blame, his target for Tinapa was always foreign investors, rumour has it that Tmart was a personal plan for one of his relative to import clothes from the UK to sell there. The people of Cross River were not empowered enough to afford some of the goods at Tinapa because it is a civil servant state even till now. The target investors ideally is supposed to be the citizens or residents of the area... but in Africa, we always want foreign investors and leave out our people. A friend of mine put it well, he said, Donald Duke had friends who like to chop life and created everything around enjoyment and fun in the state. He should invited major industries and have institutions be headquatered in Calabar thereby improving massively the income level of the residents who can now be encouraged to invest by opening a small business in Tinapa or patronize the resort. This was the same problem with Obudu Resort, it was always pushed to foreign investors. The regular citizens were not exposed or in a position to afford going to those places. Disneyland/world, Las Vegas Strip, etc what move these industries are the American people who patronize or have businesses related to these institutions. When you are employed and get your paycheck every 2 weeks or some cases 1 week or when you can open your small business, a regular Californian can afford tickets to Disney or shopping in there. Donald was able to created to glamour and fun but after Christmas and new year, Cross River was dry. Unlike Rome that get tourists all year round, Cross River did not sustain itself as a year round tourist site. The residents were largely left with government jobs or politics; when you needed something serious, you go to Lagos, Abuja, or PH; now I hear Uyo is now an option.
Watching this again, came across your comment. You have a valid point. Infact it is whats happening all around the country, the vast majority can't afford this things, because they have no disposable incomes. Reason the hospitality industry will only hold potential but cannot be actualized. Imagine if 75% of the country were above the poverty level, then the tourism sector will blossom.
People always say 'abandoned' but the truth is that the place no longer generated enough money for its own upkeep. Imagine the money required just to maintain the grounds outside alone. The project was doomed when patrons left in droves.
@Bigwillz, Yeah what a waste. This place looks very nice and very well planned out. It's such a shame that the Government would not finish the project. Anywhere they have a monorail is a special place. Not too many places in the world can the public actually ride on one
We keep blaming only the politicians, but what about the Private sectors in that State? They can't give Excuses because the infrastrutures are there to do something better. Or bother the State authorities and the Private sectors in the State are not Creative enough to Use that place to generate Revenues for the State instead of always begging the Federal government. Really Sad.
@@roseeze166 That's why the right Creativity is needed to make everyone both the public and private sectors understand the win-win situations without compromising one's intergrity.We all really need a change to our Mindset.
@@yoobon5670 Creativity is not what is lacking. We have plenty of that. What is lacking is humanity. Many have returned only to have all their money wasted because of the numerous bribe they have to pay this one and that one and then deal with demonic politicians and rulers who sabotage their business. I would love to return and start one of my ideas. But I pass. I work too hard for my money to be wasted or someone to kill me for it. God must be guiding BigWillz because I dont know how he is able to do excellent work in that evil place.
I would suggest that the local governments should not be able to sign for projects higher than a certain limit, which should be fixed related to the GDP of the state in question. Greater investments should be taken away from them in any case. Projects like this one should be managed under the umbrella of the Federal Government and the ministries attached to it. I am aware that in the current state of mind in this wonderful country, officials will discuss and fight over them forever. Sad.
@@anidaniels5059 Yeah, this would have been a funny comment but it's actually deepens my sadness because even this one reflects the huge ethnic infected mind of existing internet/social media keyboard warriors ,who are part of the misery Nigeria is facing. If you try to mention Buhari's outfit during his last visit to Imo State than I am suggesting you to watch a few videos from the same event ,not photos. There is nothing which would support your small ethnic diseased mind and people with same mindset needed to photoshop a few screens from that visit and add it online . Their "followers" are ready to believe anything which might be "harming" to the current president. On the other hand, I have mentioned "federal government" so it could be any other president as Buhari government, if another party/person gets the necessary votes to become president. Wake up.
Brother, I feel your pain, I am as pained as you are - just with every other thing going on in Nigeria today; I lack words. I have always looked forward to visiting TINAPA (I did my NYSC in Calabar when TINAPA was still being built), but I was shocked to see the state of TINAPA today. Donald Duke did very well to introduce Cross River to the world as a tourist destination. They have everything going for them - Airport, Sea Port, Greenland, Relative Peace and Security compared to other states, very neat streets (trust Calabar is still like that - we used to say Calabar is an European town in Nigeria), and he built structures to support this tourism, but brother, I cant tell you what is wrong with an average African. What really happened with the successive governors? Why was this idea abandoned in a world where people are looking for tourist destinations? Well, I take one key suggestion from you: A law should be made that every governor can not start a new project until the existing ones are finalised (finished/completed/ or carefully retired in a managed fashion). This law will go a long way in bringing continuity to us. One confession - In as much as I hate the way the present Buhari government has run down Nigeria's economy, I give it to him that he has continued most of the projects that were started by Jonathan, and other previous govts. Government should be a continuum, but it seems Africans are not yet mature about what government is!
The project is not abandoned, but Gov Duke said about $200 millions need to complete it, therefore Crossriver government should look for the money or involve private sectors, Nija on the rise
Never any consistency with our leaders. And the people who did not benefit from this will keep on paying back the loan. I blame us as people who keep on voting in failures as our leaders.
This project is not abandoned but still on track, for Gov Duke said about $200 millions need to complete it, therefore Crossriver government should look for the money or involve private sectors, very simple
Cross River state has a lot of tourist attractions. In fact, the state is the number one tourist destination in Nigeria. The government of the state must invest in advertising these attractions to the world. The reason why TiNAPA failed was because it was just not marketed properly. Obudu Cattle Ranch, Drill Monkeys etc. are many of the other tourists attractions Cross River state has but no tourist visit any of these places because the government is not putting them out there.
All my thought was that the present governor is working very hard to make things right but now I feel totally disappointed to realize that tinapa is no more a trade ground like it usually be...God what is going on in my state no development nothing like any new infrastructure bush everywhere no good houses all I'm seeing is Bush bush everywhere God please bless my state and the entire people of the state so that they can be able to carry on with the proper responsibility and secondly God should give us a good leadership that willing to lead cross river state to a better level because to my notice nothing is working here in cross river state
Waste for the River state citizens, not Nigeria, because this would never happen in Lagos state, etc.. They should sell it to private individual. If they’re ready to sell it, please let us know.
Unfortunately it was a "White Element Project" that wasn't meant to be. At least I was in Calabar when the project started until it was commissioned. I will confess that it was a good initiative put up by the Cross River state government then but proper research of the business, the environmental scanning weren't carried out while the prevailing political and security situation weren't factored in. Donald Duke could have consulted the right local and international business men for advice. It was meant to be the international business hub of West Africa serving the region like the Dubai of Africa. However, due to some obvious problems the project wasn't meant to succeed. Access road to Calabar was bad and too far, while the journey was tortious. Manufacturers and suppliers weren't interested in coming to the extreme part of the country to invest their millions considering the distance and lack of basic infrastructure. Besides, Calabar people aren't business oriented. The Niger Delta security situation that erupted during that period was also a security obstacle. The People I interacted with from the North then wished to come to Tinapa but always complained about the distance, security situation and lack of business activities that was expected from a project of this nature.
The only reasons these magnificent edifices is going to waste is cos the govt at the center has refused to decongest Lagos and open up other seaports,if the Calabar seaport and Uyo seaport was functional investors would come into these places and these things won't go to waste
Every time I visit Calabar, sadness comes with with regards to the governments approach towards projects. The people at the helms of affair are clueless as they do not know what generate revenue in CRS. They only aspect of life in Calabar are the people whom you just can’t help but love regardless.
The subject is called "continuity". This is what they followed in South Korea. Technocrats came up with a "blue print" and regardless of what government came into power they had to do what was expected. You showed us another example of an abandoned hotel in Niger state that was close to Zuma Rock. Question is have any lessons been learned from this. I doubt it, but then again I maybe wrong. Thanks for bringing this to our attention. Cross River really looks beautiful. I prefer the green vegetation to the dusty red plains up north.
You have said it all. There needs to be a continuity clause in our laws coz of the uselessness of our political leaders who behave like children. Nigeria is probably the country with the highest number of abandoned projects in the world. Our political leaders are useless
This is a typical and clear example of the country called Nigeria, where politicians do whatever seems good to them and give no accounts of their actions. There're a thousand and one projects like this, scattered all over the country. A governor who claims to be educated and blows baseless grammar up and down, has totally destroyed Cross River State and ran to APC to avoid prosecution and Buhari "the so called Mr Intergrity and corruption fighter" cheerfully accepted him. Nigeria is a failed state that has no legal rights to continue to exist anymore, let everyone who wants to go be allowed to do that in peace, so that they might develop their own nations and live like human beings a little time, before everything gets consumed by the ALMIGHTY GOD soon. Well done BigWillz, more grease to your elbows, even though I feel your pain and bitterness of heart because of your love for Nigeria, I was more or less like you, but now I damm the stupid country. All the same, you've got to be watchful and very careful, because they don't want their evil deeds exposed.
This video brought tears to my eyes, in a country with over 70% unemployment rate after spending billions of dollars on this project only to abandoned it to ROT, meanwhile the former governor is planning to run for presidency of Nigeria while the rest are busy campaigning for restructuring of Nigeria from the comport of their Abuja Mansions.
I cry for my state,this is the only project that suppose to industrialise the state as been abandoned, may God help us all and Africa in general.TINAPA has turned to a game reserve,as if they reared animals there.The worst part of it is that the formal governor Donald duke borrowed that $45000000 to do this project
Your state just like many other states in Nigeria hasn’t been lucky with leadership. It’s mostly the godless and touts that present themselves for public offices
Nigeria is very hopeless, useless country in the world, they loved other countries beauty and infrastructure but destroying and neglected their own country. Very sad and shameful!
@@roseeze166 Let is ask ourselves a simple question. Is it possible for mad and wicked people to gather together and elect a sane person to run public offices
The truth is, we shouldn't expect good things from these current crop of "politicians" . Many are not there to run a country in their own estimation. They are a government in name only. Things will be different in future though because no condition is permanent but Nigerians have to be careful who they give their support to and when they "eff up" Nigerians need to make sure there is a consequence for them.
The reason projects are abandoned in Nigeria is because of political affiliation. Any administration will prefer to pledge allegiance to his political party, getting things done on their terms, not what will be beneficial to citizens. If an APC candidate takes over from a PDP candidate, he will not like to continue the ongoing projects of the latter because he would prefer to attribute success to his incumbent administration. Any successful project, if at all, should come from their own administration even if it means abandoning world class projects from opposition party. It's as simple as that. Sigh...
In the case of cross river, it has always been a PDP state until recently when the failed governor Ayade decided to join APC to cover his tracks. It was obvious Ayade will fail from the start coz I remember reading in the papers how he locked up the state and went on world tour with olishos claiming he went to invite investors who never showed up.
Does Tinapa require government funding in order to be sustainable, or does Tinapa not generate sufficient revenues from business activities? If Tinapa was profitable from its operations, it would remain open; investors would invest if this is the case.
I don't know how it was operating in the past. As at my visit, the place was dead. I believe if the government give out the place to private businesses and encourage them with incentives the place will have some life injected into it.
Tinapa resort plus most of the other tourist attractions in Cross Rivers State was basically Donald Duke’s dream. After he left office; the subsequent governors showed little or no interest in continuity. Duke should have crowned himself a sort of godfather in his state and sponsored subsequent governorship candidates in order to ensure continuity etc… that’s basically what Tinubu does in Lagos State…
they should give it free to a developer so they can complete it. they may as well give it to the Chinese unfortunately it does not seem like nigerians is capable of developing its own country.
It's meant to be Public/Private partnership, where is the private part of the partnership? [robably in house fke partnership. This is why I'm for it when the government said they want to give out the main Airports under concession. They know they are incapable of running them and making money, the airport that makes most money in the world is Heathrow, owned by BAA making billions of pounds. This too should be offered to the private sector and they can share some of the profit with the government. Shame on those governors who followed Donald Duke, even though they were all from the same party, they still abandoned projects, they do it all over Nigeria, shame on them. The only exception is Lagos and maybe the current governor of Borno, in Lagos when the previous governor was abandoning projects and doing his own thing, his part kicked him out and no 2nd term for him. Just follow the general plan and you'll be alright.
Akwa Ibom apent 8billion on coconut factory thay is not functional.. This is why reasearch is done in the u.s and everywhere else in world.. You wont lose capital.
This is so sad to watch. Thanks for sharing this!
It is bro. Thanks for watching. Appreciated 🙏
I lived in Calabar and used to visit Tinapa when I was younger. The water park was incredible, always filled with families. The hotel was functional and tmart used to sell designer goods at lower prices than they sold in the US. Sad to see the hotel doors barricaded like that and what the place has fallen to. The whole of Calabar isn't the same even with the Calabar carnival where they would fly in performers from all over the globe. I remember standing in the street for hours to watch the beautiful costumes pass by. You can't try this now for safety reasons. I met so many Nigerian celebrities in the airport because my family attended the carnival several years in a row. A change in government shouldn't bring this level of instability. A country should function as an established system regardless of the people in power, we don't have the right physical or political infrastructure, and it's disheartening to see the effects
Thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts with us. Appreciated 🙏
Left to me, it needs to be sold off
And the clueless governor there now doesn’t know that tourism was a major reason many Nigerians started spending their holidays in Nigeria of which Tinapa, Obudu ranch resort etc was a core part of it
@@tundeodunlami_theProphet they are more concerned with the resources they are stealing. There is so much the state can generate from tourism.
@@Bigwillz. True most of them see Nigeria and Nigerians as commodities to be bought and sold. If the people just know how badly this politicians hate us , maybe we’ll receive sense and take politics more seriously. . Coz if things continue to depreciate and poverty and hopelessness increasing war or absolute breakdown of normalcy will occur
Big wills….felt your pain and looking at you almost brought tears to my eyes…you are not from Cross river but your heart breaks for the waste of the resources of Nigerians. Absolute shame but thanks for highlighting the situation and you’ve made a good impact. Be careful though and stay safe at all times 👍🏾
Thank you bro 🙏
One of the problem of Tinapa was that it was not integrated into the city,to form part of the daily life of residence of Calabar. It like ikot ekpo housing project the lies in the middle of nowhere between odukpani & Calabar. One way to revive Tinapa is building a new housing estate close by,with dual carriageway through to Ayade industrial park. An economic corridor highway with Akwa ibom state can be built as Tinapa lies opposite Ibom golf resort on the other side of the river less than 40km away,it will create traffic and reduce travel time between Uyo & calabar.
OK
This actually makes a lot of sense.
I've been wondering why Uyo and Calabar cannot have a direct dual carriageway linking tinapa end of Calabar with Ibom golf resort end of Uyo
This isn't really the best of things, places like this cause a lot of noise pollution. Traffic will be another thing.
Marina resort that lies in the city is it better? The cross river government is just clueless
Is All Political From Federal Government,
Because of Tinapa, I attended The University of Strathclyde Scotland to study Tourism in Developing Countries, leaving behind my lucrative law practice. Topic for my thesis was "Role of Image in tourism; A case study of Nigeria." By the time I was done with my coursework, the prediction was that the project would be another Ajaokuta Steel Company, a case of 'dead on arrival'
This is the saddest video you have done to date. I cried watching this video. Only a Nigerian would understand the undertone, the subliminal message in the video. I cried for Donald Duke who went the full nine yards for this and myself who believed in Tinapa.
Sis, it's a very sad story. I really wish I would find some signs of hope. That something is still happening there. 😭😭😭
Such a beautiful presentation but a sad story, i pray Nigeria becomes whole again.
I pray so too.
I feel your pain BigWills. This is just one of fundamental examples of what's wrong with Nigeria. Its even more tragic that there are hundreds of such monuments going to waste across the length and breath of the nation.
So true. So many
Nigeria has mostly mad people in public office who don’t love their people. There’re probably thousands of abandoned projects all over Nigeria . It’s one of the reasons Nigerians are poor when projects are abandoned with debts to be serviced killing the government income overtime
@@tundeodunlami_theProphet 💯👍
@@Bigwillz . Please be security conscious during your movements coz the level of poverty in Nigeria has made regular guys criminals
This is so sad. Everything Duke built was not sustained by the subsequent administrations.
Now I understand why when Peter Obi was accused of not building state of the art "fantasy lands" like this, he said such things are for the private sector to build, because governments are very inefficient in profit making .
If this stuff was built in calabar town, it would have been better. From the drive, it looks to be a bit distant from the city.
I feel your pain my brother.
Such a waste. If they privatize it, it will bring life to the place.
Man, tis sad! Take heart though, perhaps your coverage might be a catalyst for one of these modern millionaires to take a look at it's potential. Even I could see through the neglect, looks lovely.
Thank you bro. We hope so
Whenever i remember this place, i almost always shed some tear...its like my fears about it later came to past when i saw it for the first time a couple of years after it was built...
Saw it last in January 2020 and felt sad to my stomach!
It's not a good story. It's sad.
I personally believe that the reason Lagos has made more progress than other states since 1999 is because Tinupu installed his candidate Fashola, who continue and consolidated on the visionary work he started which have continued still now with the present governor.
If Donald Duke have done the same, By now Calabar would have been a choices destination for the world for Tourism.
Is unfortunate that both Imoke and Ayade could not consolidate on this state and national asset.
But what is even more troubling is that people like Duke who should have been given the opportunity as Minister for culture to help develop our tourism potential, rather position are given to people with little or no capacity for visionary leadership.
Very Pathetic
Not really Lagos is the economic nerve centre of Nigeria,good or bad governance,Lagos is on autopilot. Any foreign investor must consider Lagos Lagos first due to economic of scale.Liyel Imoke was Donald's choice,but vision is personal.Liyel had no vision,Ayade is confused.
Wawoo
@@ubongedison2834 But why should only a state be the economic nerve centre of a country of over 150 million people. In most developed countries like the US, most states can hold their own when it comes to economic development. It's about time the current status quo changes.
@@patrickizekor6463 Every country has its economic nerve-center & that is where investors first plant their root before expanding to other regions of the country. In America,its New York,like Lagos it's on autopilot, very few states can rival New York. It South Africa its Johannesburg,India=Mumbai,Japan=Tokyo. etc
Cross river state comparative advantage is tourism & agriculture,but unfortunately Ayade & Imoke before him had zero vision.Rather than jamboree superhighway & calesvegas, Ayade should invest in mechanised Agriculture and solid minerals development.
@@ubongedison2834 I think Calabar competitive advantage is Eco-tourism, similar to what Gabon Rwanda are currently doing. The state has Nigeria last remaining rainforests and numerous wildlife like the cross-river gorillas. I think Tinapa is a brilliant concept if it was integrated with Eco-Tourism and backed by private interest and investment.
I visited the Tinapa on a group excursion 13 years ago. By the time we went round the shopping complex, the hotel and the artificial lake, we wondered what was going on, because the facility was grossly underutilised. We also imagined if such a project was sited in either Lagos, Abuja or any other commercially viable city. There's even a facility which can be used by Nollywood. The government of Cross River state should allow interested private sector to put it to use to create jobs and generate revenue
The project was not viable from it inception. Had the funds been sunk into a deepsea port project, eco-tourism project or electricity project it would have seen instance ROI. The fact that the project was trying to emulate Dubai is another red light. Why are Nigerians always trying to build the next Dubai? Why not the next silicon valley or life science hub
Every project cannot be situated in Abuja or Lagos, like wtf we have 36 states for Christ sake..
@@sulaak goodluck convincing our leaders to think of silicon valley
@@henryeghaghara9385 what I mean is that such a project should be used to create jobs, generate revenue, and add value to the citizens lives. I saw a video of abandoned projects in Nigeria. Most of them, very huge, completed projects, are located within that axis
The problem is most of the political leaders are full of greed, self centered and wicked and don’t consider their people when taking decisions. I can only imagine how many that place could have been employing if functional
My brother from Nigeria, I feel your pain!! That's our Nigeria for you! No oversight... politicians are just doing what they like. That project need to be probed and someone need to go to jail. That's what you called Ghost town/project. Nice content indeed!
Thank you bro
Don't take it personal you have done your job keep doing more grace
Thank you @John Paul
Alade is a disappointment to Cross River. However it could be transformed into a hospital, University or Mall or install roller coasters.
So many things it can be used for
It should remain tinapa. Same purpose it was meant for
Ayade is the creation of the former governor liyel imoke who obviously wanted to bring in his puppet to power not knowing he was bringing in a mad Professor
Thank you so so much for this unfiltered vlog…
I came here immediately, after I listened to a certain “$450m” abandoned project “TINAPA RESORT”.
It’s very sad 😞 to learn about this and support that your idea 💡 of a “continuity act” that’s the only way.
I’m your newest subscriber 🎉cheers
Thank you bro and welcome to the family 💕
I lived in calabar during the time of Gov Imoke and it was fun to visit. The arcade was my favorite outlet, my mom bought a lot of African prints and she always went to the beauty and fashion shows.
Wao good old days. I wish I had visited then.
Its really sad and troubling....the inability to integrate Tinapa into the economic life of cross river state is really sad.
Sad
Big Wills, another kudos to you for your patriotism - bringing developments to your viewers. Perhaps by this episode, the Cross River government or citizens may come together to revamp this. Lack of continuity in Nigeria’s successive governments, state and federal, is most destructive to Nigeria’s development. Except for Lagos, that have strived to be on course with its Master vision/development.
You are so right. It's only Lagos that seem to have some sort of continuity. If this can done in all the states and federal level, our country will be great.
Well-done BigWillz for torch-lighting this evil we keep doing to ourselves.
Tinapa is good thinking and should be resuscitated. Nonetheless, politicians should desist from shoving down projects the people lack the capacity to co-own & manage; instead, focus on building the enabling environment & vision for private investments to avoid stories that touch the heart.
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Privatization is what will solve all this problems, we have that mindset that everything belonging to government is for everyone to waste
True
I was here in 2013 or so. It was an amazing experience for me. I can not believe they didnt maintain this. This is becoming a thing in nigeria, they start something wonderful, raise Hopes high and then disappoint. Also, I had a feeling back then that the location of this resort did not help either. I hope they fix this but I know its wishful thinking.
We hope they do soon
I think it would be a wise decision to make the executive a five tenure thing, that way such projects could be managed and nurtured by the Initiators. It is the reason UAE and many gulf nations are successful.
The initiator was governor for 8yrs and all went well until a new government came and they abandoned the project
@@Bigwillz I meant instead of the 2 four years tenure, the executive should be eligible for five tenures of 4 years each just like legislative arm. Infact the legislatives should be the ones doing 2 tenures max.
It breaks my heart to see how resources are wasted in Africa especially Nigeria look at ajiokuta steel I visited similar steel project in Cardiff. Project continuity from one government to the other kills progress.
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So sad, I feel like crying. All this things is happening because the federal government is only concentrated on Lagos and Abuja. If the Calabar seaport is working like that of apapa in Lagos, a lot of businesses would have been going on in Calabar and the population of people living in the city will also be high, thereby Making every business bumming.
May God help us in this country.
Amen
You’re absolutely right. It’s obvious the only way Nigeria can remain United is restructuring/ true federalism not the 419 federalism the north and their criminal apologist are supporting
Ethiopia doesn't have a seaport.
Hey brother. I can feel the pain and disappointment in your heart about this project. Be encouraged. Nigeria shall rise from the ashes like the Phoenix. Great videos.
Amen
When? In your life time or in another 2000 years
@Tola Bello, what indications give you confidence that Nigeria shall rise? And this has nothing to do with pseudo Judeo-Christian hope/faith.
@Tola Bello...You are right!!!
@@tmajec Firstly, my optimism is not necessarily borne out of my religious beliefs even though it gives me additional impetus to believe that Nigeria can rise. The determination to make Nigeria great is where my belief comes from. I do not know what everyone believe in but Nigeria becoming the country of our dream is what we all make out of it. How involved are we? passively? Or actively? If we believe the country is finished, then so be it. We might as well throw in the towel and emigrate elsewhere. But remember, nature abhors vacuums. New inhabitants will something out of what we discard.
I think Calabar competitive advantage is Eco-tourism, similar to what Gabon and Rwanda are currently doing. Calabar currently hosts Nigeria last remaining rainforests and numerous wildlife animals such as the Mandrill and Cross-River Gorillas. I think Tinapa is a brilliant concept if it was integrated with Eco-Tourism and backed by private investments. All is not lost, the like's of Bigwilz can continue to use their medium to alert and educate Nigerians of the opportunities that they shouldn't allow to waste. Regenerating Tinapa and developing an Eco-Tourism industry wouldn't cost a lot, just the will of the people to elect the right elites.
Thank you for talking time to share your thoughts with us. Appreciated
Sad state of affairs. Great video - thanks!
Thank you for watching.
This was hard to watch. I was part of the film crew that made ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ at Tinapa studios.
I also worked there for Ebony Life TV for a short while.
The studios were basic but functional and the hotel was comfortable if rather poorly run.
It really felt like we might have been kick starting the place into being a great centre for film making- I had a great little team of local carpenters and painters building sets with me.
They were quick learners who could have had good jobs for life if the will had existed to promote and run the studios properly.
It’s a real shame.
It's a shame that the place was allowed to go this way. Sometimes wish I had seen it in it's glory days.
Anyways thanks for watching and commenting. Appreciated.
Please help like and share the video. Thank you
Where have you been? I just love your authenticity. I just subscribed ☺
@Felicia thank you so much and welcome to the family 💕.
This is enough to break anyone down to tears. Why such a grand scheme would be allowed to go down this path.
Whoever will emerge governor of Cross River in 2023 must have have concrete plans to revitalise this place. Perhaps, concession it.
Exactly
I really can't believe that this is the Tinapa I once visited on a summer vacay with my family! It was totally surreal, everything single thing worked, the malls were stocked, people were buying, the waterfalls, the Nollywood cinema, I could remember all these! It was pure joy for us, to see all these in shambles really draws tears to one's eyes.
How can you let such a place that drew important people, conferences and high end meetings get to this state? How?
The sense of ownership, continuity and promotion is just dead! Kai! It irks the hell out of me! You need to see Tinapa in its glory and Calabar in its prime! Mehn.
I wish I had seen it then. It's just a sad place to be right now.
I wish I had seen it then. It's just a sad place to be right now.
@@Bigwillz You should have seen it. It's a pity what potential the place hadd and how it has been mismanaged and it's greatness and opportunities dashed like other projects that are dead across the nation.
Don’t let abandoned projects get you too down!
So many sorely needed employment and entertainment opportunities are being squandered!!
🙏
It is so sad. Most of these government officials travel abroad. But they decided that Nigeria can never progress. Look at Tinapa fine idea and a good project abandoned by Lyle Imoke and Ayade . I hope they give it to private individuals to develop for the next 50 years lease
I hope they do.
I cried watching this video. Tinapa is a beautiful project that would have been another source of income for Cross Rjver state. It is so sad that politians because of their selfishness are the ones destroying Nigeria. Cross River use to be the cleanest state in the south. Tinapa was ready just completel the mono rail and it would have sold itself. Very very sad..............
That's how exactly how I feel. It's so sad.
Very sad indeed.
I visited the place with my family in 2016 and stayed one night at the hotel which was obviously struggling to survive. As at then, the hotel services had become appalling. We had no electricity for most part of the night and the restaurant service was a shadow of what a hotel of such standard should offer.
Going around the complex, you could see that the design and the execution of the project was of world class standard. I bet you the structures we found in Tinapa could stand out in any advanced country in the world.
However, Nigerian nemesis of project abandonment and bad maintenance culture caught up with the complex and the rest is history.
I wonder what successive Cross River state governments are really up to. If that singular project is revamped by any means available (Public, Private or Public /Private) coupled with adequate local and global publicity, the volume of trade and tourism that complex alone is capable of generating will significantly boost the economy of the state and the region generally.
You've said it all.🙏🙏
My younger brother schooled in Scotland years ago and told me he met scots in tens heading to Cross river for holidays and he was surprised he didn’t even know some of the tourist attractions in the state and promised to visit at a later date but it’s obvious things have fallen apart
@@tundeodunlami_theProphet my dear things have really fallen apart.
This is simply painful.
This is unfair.
This is wickedness.
This is unfortunate.
I can't imagine the volume of jobs lost here, and how many people were driven back to poverty.
I always heard, and until now, I was still in hopes that some day I'll pay a visit to the "almighty Tinapa". This is just painful.
I still have hope. Thank God buildings and lands don't run. If that place we're an Igbo man, it would have ran away since. So I want to believe that just as there are the wise at heart, and foolish at heart too, so also another wise man will arise to do yet some more good.
This is the world for you.
Thank you brother for showing me how this future I was hope at looks like.
Hope Alive!
Thank you 🙏
Sad doesn't even capture the feeling. Money can be made from this, but the political will to continue in the legacy/work of predecessor seems to be lacking. I hope the new VAT regime comes to stay and drive governors to be innovative.
I hope so too. I truly do.
Our consistent unfortunate reality...
So true
Take heart bro, I feel your pain. We need to come together and maybe, just maybe .......................
Just maybe
There's no progress in cross river state and it's bad no improvement no changes
Thanks for the video...
the problem of Tinapa is a very strange one, but I will say this.
Duke also has a share of the blame, his target for Tinapa was always foreign investors, rumour has it that Tmart was a personal plan for one of his relative to import clothes from the UK to sell there.
The people of Cross River were not empowered enough to afford some of the goods at Tinapa because it is a civil servant state even till now. The target investors ideally is supposed to be the citizens or residents of the area... but in Africa, we always want foreign investors and leave out our people.
A friend of mine put it well, he said, Donald Duke had friends who like to chop life and created everything around enjoyment and fun in the state. He should invited major industries and have institutions be headquatered in Calabar thereby improving massively the income level of the residents who can now be encouraged to invest by opening a small business in Tinapa or patronize the resort. This was the same problem with Obudu Resort, it was always pushed to foreign investors.
The regular citizens were not exposed or in a position to afford going to those places.
Disneyland/world, Las Vegas Strip, etc what move these industries are the American people who patronize or have businesses related to these institutions. When you are employed and get your paycheck every 2 weeks or some cases 1 week or when you can open your small business, a regular Californian can afford tickets to Disney or shopping in there.
Donald was able to created to glamour and fun but after Christmas and new year, Cross River was dry. Unlike Rome that get tourists all year round, Cross River did not sustain itself as a year round tourist site. The residents were largely left with government jobs or politics; when you needed something serious, you go to Lagos, Abuja, or PH; now I hear Uyo is now an option.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Appreciated
Watching this again, came across your comment. You have a valid point. Infact it is whats happening all around the country, the vast majority can't afford this things, because they have no disposable incomes. Reason the hospitality industry will only hold potential but cannot be actualized. Imagine if 75% of the country were above the poverty level, then the tourism sector will blossom.
If this project will be in the west, it will provide hundreds of job and millions of dollar returns every month. Its a shame and very painful.
It's really a shame
People always say 'abandoned' but the truth is that the place no longer generated enough money for its own upkeep.
Imagine the money required just to maintain the grounds outside alone. The project was doomed when patrons left in droves.
Wao
@Bigwillz, Yeah what a waste. This place looks very nice and very well planned out. It's such a shame that the Government would not finish the project. Anywhere they have a monorail is a special place. Not too many places in the world can the public actually ride on one
You are right
@@Bigwillz Cool... Great Work.
We keep blaming only the politicians, but what about the Private sectors in that State? They can't give Excuses because the infrastrutures are there to do something better. Or bother the State authorities and the Private sectors in the State are not Creative enough to Use that place to generate Revenues for the State instead of always begging the Federal government. Really Sad.
Private sectors need the permission of the governors. If they dont approve, you will waste time and money
@@roseeze166 That's why the right Creativity is needed to make everyone both the public and private sectors understand the win-win situations without compromising one's intergrity.We all really need a change to our Mindset.
@@yoobon5670 Creativity is not what is lacking. We have plenty of that. What is lacking is humanity. Many have returned only to have all their money wasted because of the numerous bribe they have to pay this one and that one and then deal with demonic politicians and rulers who sabotage their business.
I would love to return and start one of my ideas. But I pass. I work too hard for my money to be wasted or someone to kill me for it.
God must be guiding BigWillz because I dont know how he is able to do excellent work in that evil place.
Private sector can do not if the sitting government is corrupt and incompetent. Ayade is prove that education
@@roseeze166 you've already demonized the place, you're actually part of the problem too.
I would suggest that the local governments should not be able to sign for projects higher than a certain limit, which should be fixed related to the GDP of the state in question.
Greater investments should be taken away from them in any case.
Projects like this one should be managed under the umbrella of the Federal Government and the ministries attached to it.
I am aware that in the current state of mind in this wonderful country, officials will discuss and fight over them forever.
Sad.
Which Federal Government? Is it the one that did not iron thier trouser abi which one
@@anidaniels5059 Yeah, this would have been a funny comment but it's actually deepens my sadness because even this one reflects the huge ethnic infected mind of existing internet/social media keyboard warriors ,who are part of the misery Nigeria is facing.
If you try to mention Buhari's outfit during his last visit to Imo State than I am suggesting you to watch a few videos from the same event ,not photos. There is nothing which would support your small ethnic diseased mind and people with same mindset needed to photoshop a few screens from that visit and add it online . Their "followers" are ready to believe anything which might be "harming" to the current president.
On the other hand, I have mentioned "federal government" so it could be any other president as Buhari government, if another party/person gets the necessary votes to become president.
Wake up.
Have you been to ajaokuta steel company, gov at all level are rubbish on Naija , only private sector can make this place work again
Just like most Nigerians, I feel your pains. I wonder how the people that matter do not feel the pain.
I wonder if they don't see what the rest of us are seeing.
Such a beautiful place gone to waste 🥲
So sad
It’s not gone yet, just needs a visionary to revitalize it.
Brother, I feel your pain, I am as pained as you are - just with every other thing going on in Nigeria today; I lack words.
I have always looked forward to visiting TINAPA (I did my NYSC in Calabar when TINAPA was still being built), but I was shocked to see the state of TINAPA today. Donald Duke did very well to introduce Cross River to the world as a tourist destination. They have everything going for them - Airport, Sea Port, Greenland, Relative Peace and Security compared to other states, very neat streets (trust Calabar is still like that - we used to say Calabar is an European town in Nigeria), and he built structures to support this tourism, but brother, I cant tell you what is wrong with an average African. What really happened with the successive governors? Why was this idea abandoned in a world where people are looking for tourist destinations?
Well, I take one key suggestion from you: A law should be made that every governor can not start a new project until the existing ones are finalised (finished/completed/ or carefully retired in a managed fashion). This law will go a long way in bringing continuity to us.
One confession - In as much as I hate the way the present Buhari government has run down Nigeria's economy, I give it to him that he has continued most of the projects that were started by Jonathan, and other previous govts. Government should be a continuum, but it seems Africans are not yet mature about what government is!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Appreciated 🙏
The project is not abandoned, but Gov Duke said about $200 millions need to complete it, therefore Crossriver government should look for the money or involve private sectors, Nija on the rise
Bubu is just a devil. He only completed mostly projects in the north abandoned by previous governments
Never any consistency with our leaders. And the people who did not benefit from this will keep on paying back the loan. I blame us as people who keep on voting in failures as our leaders.
You nailed it
This project is not abandoned but still on track, for Gov Duke said about $200 millions need to complete it, therefore Crossriver government should look for the money or involve private sectors, very simple
Not from what I saw and what I learnt
Weldone sir...
Thank you dear
Cross River state has a lot of tourist attractions. In fact, the state is the number one tourist destination in Nigeria. The government of the state must invest in advertising these attractions to the world. The reason why TiNAPA failed was because it was just not marketed properly. Obudu Cattle Ranch, Drill Monkeys etc. are many of the other tourists attractions Cross River state has but no tourist visit any of these places because the government is not putting them out there.
I agree with you.
If they’re ready to sell it or rent it out for proper management, please do let us know in future
If they are ready, I will make a video about it.
@@Bigwillz Awesome! My team might have interest! Thanks for the wonderful work!
This was my second home back then, and it’s so sad to watch it go to ruins. I pray the incoming administration works toward restoring it.
We hope someone does fix the place.
All my thought was that the present governor is working very hard to make things right but now I feel totally disappointed to realize that tinapa is no more a trade ground like it usually be...God what is going on in my state no development nothing like any new infrastructure bush everywhere no good houses all I'm seeing is Bush bush everywhere God please bless my state and the entire people of the state so that they can be able to carry on with the proper responsibility and secondly God should give us a good leadership that willing to lead cross river state to a better level because to my notice nothing is working here in cross river state
We are all hopefully that someday soon, we will get visionary leaders.
Till now I was planning to visit Tinapa and Ogbudu resort.... Please can you visit Ogbudu?
I have plans to visit again in a few days time...hopefully
it’s a crime shame brother… may God help us we really need is intervention ☹️
Amen
Waste for the River state citizens, not Nigeria, because this would never happen in Lagos state, etc.. They should sell it to private individual. If they’re ready to sell it, please let us know.
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Interesting
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Unfortunately it was a "White Element Project" that wasn't meant to be. At least I was in Calabar when the project started until it was commissioned. I will confess that it was a good initiative put up by the Cross River state government then but proper research of the business, the environmental scanning weren't carried out while the prevailing political and security situation weren't factored in. Donald Duke could have consulted the right local and international business men for advice. It was meant to be the international business hub of West Africa serving the region like the Dubai of Africa. However, due to some obvious problems the project wasn't meant to succeed.
Access road to Calabar was bad and too far, while the journey was tortious. Manufacturers and suppliers weren't interested in coming to the extreme part of the country to invest their millions considering the distance and lack of basic infrastructure. Besides, Calabar people aren't business oriented. The Niger Delta security situation that erupted during that period was also a security obstacle. The People I interacted with from the North then wished to come to Tinapa but always complained about the distance, security situation and lack of business activities that was expected from a project of this nature.
Great contribution.🙏🙏
The only reasons these magnificent edifices is going to waste is cos the govt at the center has refused to decongest Lagos and open up other seaports,if the Calabar seaport and Uyo seaport was functional investors would come into these places and these things won't go to waste
Every time I visit Calabar, sadness comes with with regards to the governments approach towards projects. The people at the helms of affair are clueless as they do not know what generate revenue in CRS. They only aspect of life in Calabar are the people whom you just can’t help but love regardless.
True
The subject is called "continuity". This is what they followed in South Korea. Technocrats came up with a "blue print" and regardless of what government came into power they had to do what was expected.
You showed us another example of an abandoned hotel in Niger state that was close to Zuma Rock. Question is have any lessons been learned from this. I doubt it, but then again I maybe wrong. Thanks for bringing this to our attention. Cross River really looks beautiful. I prefer the green vegetation to the dusty red plains up north.
The state is a beautiful place to visit.
You have said it all. There needs to be a continuity clause in our laws coz of the uselessness of our political leaders who behave like children. Nigeria is probably the country with the highest number of abandoned projects in the world. Our political leaders are useless
This is why the Jagaban master plan must continue in Lagos. On his mandate we stand Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Seeing Tinapa look like this makes me sad, what a waste? I've been here several times back then when it was good.
It must have been super fine then
@@Bigwillz Yea, it was a mind-blowing place. A piece of paradise in the midst of the jungle.
This is a typical and clear example of the country called Nigeria, where politicians do whatever seems good to them and give no accounts of their actions.
There're a thousand and one projects like this, scattered all over the country.
A governor who claims to be educated and blows baseless grammar up and down, has totally destroyed Cross River State and ran to APC to avoid prosecution and Buhari "the so called Mr Intergrity and corruption fighter" cheerfully accepted him.
Nigeria is a failed state that has no legal rights to continue to exist anymore, let everyone who wants to go be allowed to do that in peace, so that they might develop their own nations and live like human beings a little time, before everything gets consumed by the ALMIGHTY GOD soon.
Well done BigWillz, more grease to your elbows, even though I feel your pain and bitterness of heart because of your love for Nigeria, I was more or less like you, but now I damm the stupid country.
All the same, you've got to be watchful and very careful, because they don't want their evil deeds exposed.
What you said is so true. I appreciate you taking the time to watch and commenting on it too.
This is so emotionally. Such a beautiful place to be this dry
You are 💯👍
This video brought tears to my eyes, in a country with over 70% unemployment rate after spending billions of dollars on this project only to abandoned it to ROT, meanwhile the former governor is planning to run for presidency of Nigeria while the rest are busy campaigning for restructuring of Nigeria from the comport of their Abuja Mansions.
Sad sad sad
I cry for my state,this is the only project that suppose to industrialise the state as been abandoned, may God help us all and Africa in general.TINAPA has turned to a game reserve,as if they reared animals there.The worst part of it is that the formal governor Donald duke borrowed that $45000000 to do this project
Who or which institution pumped that amount into this project? Any clue?
Donald Duke was the originator of the project
Your state just like many other states in Nigeria hasn’t been lucky with leadership. It’s mostly the godless and touts that present themselves for public offices
Politicians just wasting money…if you can’t operate it then privatize it all this waste is rubbish.
Privatization will solve most of these issues.
Nigeria is very hopeless, useless country in the world, they loved other countries beauty and infrastructure but destroying and neglected their own country. Very sad and shameful!
Very sad
nigeria has the most abandoned projects i every see anywhere in the world
Unfortunately true
This makes me so sad because this was my childhood 🥺
I can feel your sadness.🥲🥲🥲
Arthur Archibong will do well
We'll see.
We are a very wicked society period.The taste of anything foreign is the problem we have in Nigeria
👍
EXACTLY. Utter wickedness
@@roseeze166 you can say that again
@@Bigwillz 👍👍👍
@@roseeze166 Let is ask ourselves a simple question. Is it possible for mad and wicked people to gather together and elect a sane person to run public offices
A SHORT_LIVED BEAUTY
Sad
if you were there when it was working you will know how sad this is...................no accountability and these people are going about freely!
Sad sad sad
The truth is, we shouldn't expect good things from these current crop of "politicians" . Many are not there to run a country in their own estimation. They are a government in name only. Things will be different in future though because no condition is permanent but Nigerians have to be careful who they give their support to and when they "eff up" Nigerians need to make sure there is a consequence for them.
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I understand your pains
Thank you 👍
The reason projects are abandoned in Nigeria is because of political affiliation. Any administration will prefer to pledge allegiance to his political party, getting things done on their terms, not what will be beneficial to citizens. If an APC candidate takes over from a PDP candidate, he will not like to continue the ongoing projects of the latter because he would prefer to attribute success to his incumbent administration. Any successful project, if at all, should come from their own administration even if it means abandoning world class projects from opposition party. It's as simple as that. Sigh...
Well said.
In the case of cross river, it has always been a PDP state until recently when the failed governor Ayade decided to join APC to cover his tracks. It was obvious Ayade will fail from the start coz I remember reading in the papers how he locked up the state and went on world tour with olishos claiming he went to invite investors who never showed up.
Does Tinapa require government funding in order to be sustainable, or does Tinapa not generate sufficient revenues from business activities? If Tinapa was profitable from its operations, it would remain open; investors would invest if this is the case.
I don't know how it was operating in the past. As at my visit, the place was dead. I believe if the government give out the place to private businesses and encourage them with incentives the place will have some life injected into it.
Make me the Governor I’ll bring this to be the pride of cross river state
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Tinapa resort plus most of the other tourist attractions in Cross Rivers State was basically Donald Duke’s dream. After he left office; the subsequent governors showed little or no interest in continuity. Duke should have crowned himself a sort of godfather in his state and sponsored subsequent governorship candidates in order to ensure continuity etc… that’s basically what Tinubu does in Lagos State…
You are so right.
If it's possible for Duke to get a third term let him come back. Or let his wife contest.
Even if that is possible, what happens after he leaves again? It's sad.
So saddening 😪
It is very sad
Thank you so much for writing about this.
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I suggest the conversion of this place to a university and a research institute.
@Edward Hope, that's a good idea
Nigeria and abandon prprojects are like five and six
It's funny but it's true.
they should give it free to a developer so they can complete it. they may as well give it to the Chinese unfortunately it does not seem like nigerians is capable of developing its own country.
I have no idea what's wrong with us.
Damn! This is painful to watch!!!! 😭
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This video make me sad
It's a sad one
What a sad tale of failed leadership
Very very sad
It's meant to be Public/Private partnership, where is the private part of the partnership? [robably in house fke partnership. This is why I'm for it when the government said they want to give out the main Airports under concession. They know they are incapable of running them and making money, the airport that makes most money in the world is Heathrow, owned by BAA making billions of pounds. This too should be offered to the private sector and they can share some of the profit with the government.
Shame on those governors who followed Donald Duke, even though they were all from the same party, they still abandoned projects, they do it all over Nigeria, shame on them. The only exception is Lagos and maybe the current governor of Borno, in Lagos when the previous governor was abandoning projects and doing his own thing, his part kicked him out and no 2nd term for him. Just follow the general plan and you'll be alright.
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this is reallyyyy sad
Really sad
Shame everywhere in Nigeria
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dude protect this place at all cost, dont let it go to waste damn it !!
It saddens me to see it this way.
Real sad
It really is
Akwa Ibom apent 8billion on coconut factory thay is not functional.. This is why reasearch is done in the u.s and everywhere else in world.. You wont lose capital.
The leaders know exactly what they are doing. Believe me.
But really, this is so sad. what a waste.
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