The Executive Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, KSM, has expressed profound appreciation to the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Lieutenant General Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye, the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for the successful hosting of Foreign Defence Advisers and Defence Attachés accredited to Nigeria during their geographical and cultural tour of Obudu.
The Chairman, who was honoured by the Chief of Defence Intelligence at a gala night held at the Obudu Centurion Hotel and Resort to mark the conclusion of the tour on Wednesday, described the recognition as a humbling honour and a reflection of the collective commitment of the people of Obudu to peace, hospitality, and excellence.
Hon. Undiandeye said it was a privilege to partner with the state government in hosting the distinguished international delegation, noting that the visit showcased Obudu’s breathtaking scenery, rich cultural heritage, and tourism potential.
According to him, the recognition belongs not only to him but also to the people of Obudu, whose warmth, peaceful disposition, and hospitality contributed immensely to the success of the visit.
Hon. Undiandeye commended Governor Bassey Otu for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to promoting Cross River State as Nigeria’s premier tourism destination. He also applauded the Deputy Governor for effectively representing the Governor throughout the engagements and appreciated the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, for his support in ensuring the success of the event.
The Council Chairman further acknowledged the contributions of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Obudu Ranch Resort, Mr. Sunday Michael, and the Department of Culture and Heritage, Cross River State, for their professionalism in delivering a memorable cultural experience for the visiting diplomats.
Hon. Undiandeye equally thanked the Chief of Defence Intelligence and the Defence Intelligence Agency for choosing Obudu as part of the delegation’s itinerary, describing the visit as a significant endorsement of Cross River State’s peaceful environment and growing profile as a destination for tourism and international engagement.
He wished the Foreign Defence Advisers and Defence Attachés safe journeys to their respective countries and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting peace, strengthening strategic partnerships, expanding tourism opportunities, and supporting initiatives that will drive sustainable development and improve the well-being of the people of Obudu.
He expressed confidence that the successful visit would further boost Obudu’s profile on the global stage and encourage more international visitors to experience its unique blend of nature, culture, and hospitality.
Speaking at the gala night, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel A. Undiandeye, commended the Cross River State Government, Council Chairman of Obudu and his Obanliku counterpart and her people for the warm reception accorded to the foreign delegation. He described the geographical and cultural tour as an important component of Nigeria’s defence diplomacy, designed to give Foreign Defence Advisers and Defence Attachés a deeper understanding of the country’s cultural diversity, tourism potential, and peaceful environment while strengthening bilateral military cooperation and international partnerships.
Representing Governor Bassey Otu, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to leveraging tourism, culture, and strategic partnerships as catalysts for economic growth and sustainable development. He noted that the State remains one of Nigeria’s safest destinations for tourism and investment, adding that the visit reflected the confidence reposed in the state by the Defence Intelligence Agency and the Federal Government.
The gala night featured colourful cultural performances and the presentation of award plaques to the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey; the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh; the Executive Chairman of Obudu LGA, Hon. Dr. Peter Akonfe Undiandeye; the Executive Chairman of Obanliku LGA (represented by Obudu Chairman ), and other distinguished personalities for their contributions to the successful hosting of the international delegation.
