Chief Edem Duke, a former Minister of Culture and Tourism and governorship aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Cross River State, has restated his commitment to rejuvenating the tourism sector of the state.

Duke also lauded the ingenuity of the Yoruba nation, describing them as the engine room of Nigeria's economy.

The former Minister, during a courtesy call on him by the Yoruba community in the state, said that there was hardly any sector of the economy without a Yoruba indigene as a frontliner and acknowledged their foremost contributions to the development of the state.

His words : "I want to make sure that Cross River State becomes the tourism hub of sub- Saharan Africa because we are endowed from the Northern hills of Obanliku to the southern waters of Bakassi and we have barley harnessed these potentials.

"We will ensure that the business atmosphere, leisure and hospitality Cross River is known for, are completely re-branded and brought back to life," he said.

The gubernatorial aspirant said that his aspiration to take over Cross River State Government House was driven by a burning desire to re-position the state, turn around its fortunes having seen clearly that the state was not on the path of progress.

He acknowledged the strengths in other aspirants but noted that as a humble individual who has the fear of God in addition to his wealth of experience, he has all it takes to take the state to a higher level.