Marina Resort is a recreational and historical destination in Calabar, the capital city of Cross River State, Nigeria.[1] It was built on May 26, 2007, by former governor Donald Duke, to promote tourism in the state.[2][3] The resort features a variety of attractions, such as a slave history museum, a cinema, a restaurant, a bar, and a waterfront area.[4]

A landscape view of Marina Resort in Calabar, Nigeria, with the Calabar River and former filmhouse Cinema in view. 2016

History edit

 
Anchor at Marina resort. 2017

Marina Resort was inaugurated on May 26, 2007, by former governor Donald Duke, as part of his vision to transform Calabar into a tourist hub. The resort was built on the site of a former slave port, where thousands of Africans were shipped across the Atlantic Ocean during the transatlantic slave trade.[5][6][7] The resort aims to preserve the memory of the slave trade and its impact on the region, as well as to provide a relaxing and entertaining place for visitors.[8]

Boat accident and temporary closure edit

On June 24, 2023, a tragic boat accident occurred at Marina Resort, involving 14 medical students who had boarded a cruise boat.[9][10] The boat capsized resulting in the death of three students and the rescue of 11 others.[11][12] The governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, ordered an immediate suspension of all cruise boat operations and other activities at the resort.[13][14]

Reopening edit

On September 6, 2023, Marina Resort reopened to the public after being closed for over two months due to a boat accident that claimed the lives of three medical students.[15][16]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Admin (2014-04-25). "The Calabar Marina Resort, Beauty By The River!". calitown. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  2. ^ Negroidhaven (2018-09-19). "Open Letter to His Excellency Donald Duke: those who live in Glass House… | Negroid Haven". Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  3. ^ Nwabufo, Dominica Ijeoma (2023-10-02). "Governor Reopens Cross River State Marina Resort". Voice of Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  4. ^ oyibougbo (2021-08-21). "Trip to Marina Resort Calabar". Ou Travel and Tour. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  5. ^ Agency Report (April 9, 2022). "Calabar Slave history museum in deplorable condition – Curator". premiumtimesng.com. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  6. ^ MCPHILIPS, NWACHUKWU (March 18, 2012). "Slavery in Calabar: A Psychic Journey …". vanguardngr.com.
  7. ^ Nigeria, Guardian (2020-06-14). "3 Historical Slavery Museums Every Nigerian Should Visit". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  8. ^ Visit to Marina Resort, Calabar | The Slave History Museum *I was scared* 😱 | Seraphic Divine, retrieved 2023-12-05
  9. ^ "Boat mishap: Medical students blame Calabar resort management - Daily Trust". dailytrust.com. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  10. ^ Team, Plu (2023-06-26). "Marina Resort Calabar: How Nigeria's second deadly boat accident in weeks happened". Pluboard. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  11. ^ "3 medical students feared dead in Calabar boat mishap - Ships & Ports". 2023-06-26. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  12. ^ Imukudo, Saviour (2023-06-25). "Three medical students missing, 11 rescued as boat capsizes in Cross River". Premium Times Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  13. ^ Ogbeche, Chizoba (2023-06-27). "Boat crash: Otu suspends cruise operations at Marina Resort". Blueprint Newspapers Limited. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  14. ^ Nigeria, News Agency Of (2023-06-26). "Gov Otu orders indefinite suspension of activities in Marina Resort due to boat mishap". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  15. ^ Ephraim, Joseph (2023-10-03). "Cross River govt rebrands Marina Resort, resumes cinema". Tribune Online. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  16. ^ Nigeria, News Agency of (2023-10-02). "Cross River: Life returns to Marina Resort after three-month shutdown". Peoples Gazette. Retrieved 2023-12-05.

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