Oct 14: DAY III
When I walk into the hall today, the air is electric with barely contained anticipation. Everyone is waiting for that magic word to be uttered that will usher all into the sightseer’s heaven promised by the organisers today. No, it’s not “tea break” – that’s not even a word – and while the served meat-pie and drinks do quell noisy tummies that have long rumbled through Jerry Nwigwe’s lengthy last words of exhortation and encouragement to cap an eventful three days, the curiosity of the participants is yet to be sated. Yes, everyone wants to see that tourist delight that has placed Cross River State on the world map, the place that keeps darting across our TV screens when adverts are aired in premier league games, that humongous shopping emporium-slash-gaming paradise: Tinapa…

…But first things first, there are certificates of participation to present. The mood remains boisterous though and several hours later at about 2.00pm or thereabout, we’re hauled in two buses towards the ultimate tourist resort this side of the continent…There’s a lot to be said about the lax scheduling and somewhat shoddy stage-managing of the trip itself, which riles quite a number of people, especially those intending to journey back to their bases that very day.

But all is momentarily forgotten when the picturesque vista of Tinapa reveals itself. Participants swarm into the grounds excitedly and start taking mental inventory of the breathtaking scenery (I’ve already got my trusty camera cocked and ready to roll!). There’s the famous Nollywood edifice, with a statuesque swan overlooking the entrance, its wings crafted cunningly to form the ceiling of the structure. Fabulous creatures bay under its blood-red beak, and further inwards, a spherical quarter of the structure is mounted by a gigantic gorilla holding up the gilded plaque that reads Nollywood. We’re not let in of course; the complex is still under construction in many parts. But the emporia are open- though stark empty, like prettified mausoleums. They’re beautifully situated near serene creeks, and for once the word ‘creek’ finds association with something better than militants and kidnappings here in the Niger Delta…

At long last curiosity is satisfied and all the photos taken. World-weary travellers board the buses and head for home. I guess one could truthfully at the end of it all echo the mantra made famous by Vanguard columnist Victor Gotevbe, “Oh my God! This is good!”

(For more views of the tantalising Tinapa visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/11844614@N02/ and seek pictures tagged 't' in the Day III collection. Enjoy!)