The Special Adviser to the Governor on Obudu Ranch Resort, Mr. Sunday Michael, has called on traditional rulers, community leaders, women, youths and other stakeholders in Obanliku to support the concession of the Obudu Ranch Resort and cooperate with Living Curation Estate Limited to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
Michael made the appeal on Friday during a stakeholders’ engagement on the Ranch concession held in Sankwalla, Obanliku Local Government Area, describing the concession as a new chapter in the effort to restore the iconic tourism destination to its former glory and reposition it as a major tourism and economic hub.
He expressed appreciation to the Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for his commitment to reviving the Obudu Ranch Resort and other strategic state assets, as well as to Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey for leading the stakeholders’ engagement.
The Special Adviser also welcomed Living Curation Real Estate Limited, expressing confidence in the company’s capacity and commitment to restoring the Resort to international standards. He assured the concessionaire of the cooperation of the State Government, the Project Implementation Committee and the people of Obanliku.
Michael acknowledged the support and peaceful cooperation the host communities had extended to Government over the years, noting that their continued partnership would be critical to the success of the concession.
He urged the people to receive the concessionaire as development partners and provide the peaceful and supportive environment required for the implementation of the project, stressing that the initiative was expected to create employment, attract tourists and investors, stimulate local businesses and improve livelihoods.
According to him, although the concessionaire would take responsibility for the day-to-day rehabilitation, development and operation of the Resort in line with the Concession Agreement, Government would continue to monitor implementation and ensure that the objectives of the concession were achieved.
Michael assured the communities that he would remain committed to protecting the interests of both the Government and host communities throughout the implementation process.
The Special Adviser stressed that the project goes beyond the rehabilitation of buildings and infrastructure, describing it as an opportunity to restore hope, create opportunities for young people and lay the foundation for sustainable economic development in Obanliku and Cross River State, while expressing appreciation to traditional rulers, community leaders, women, youths and other stakeholders for their continued support and commitment to the successful revival of the Obudu Ranch Resort.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, who represented Governor Otu at the engagement, said the concession followed a transparent and competitive process aimed at securing a capable partner with the financial capacity, technical expertise and operational experience required to rehabilitate, modernise, operate and maintain the Resort. He explained that the concession did not constitute the sale of the Obudu Ranch Resort, Bebi Airstrip or Utanga Safari Lodge, stressing that the assets remain the property of the Government and people of Cross River State.
Odey disclosed that the investment would cover the rehabilitation of the iconic cable car, upgrading of accommodation and hospitality facilities, improvement of internal infrastructure and recreational amenities, as well as the introduction of new attractions. He added that the Bebi Airstrip would be rehabilitated to improve accessibility, while the Utanga Safari Lodge would be redeveloped into a modern conservation centre, with the overall initiative expected to create jobs, attract tourists and investors and stimulate economic activities across Obanliku, Obudu and the wider state.
Speaking on behalf of Living Curation Real Estate Limited, the company’s representative and team lead, Mr. Amit Ghosh, said the firm was committed to reviving the Obudu Ranches and developing the Utanga Safari into a world-class conservation and scientific research centre. He disclosed that the company also planned to rehabilitate the Ranch and Village Public Health Centres within three months and appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to provide the necessary support and peaceful environment for the successful implementation of the project.
He further called for any concerns or misunderstandings arising during implementation to be addressed through dialogue and established communication channels, assuring stakeholders that his office, the Project Implementation Committee and designated community liaison structures would remain accessible to the people.
The event was attended by the Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Area, Hon. Amb. Chief (Dr.) Sunny Ayang, JP; the member representing Obanliku State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Ashakia Pius; the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Amb. Obi Ayuk; the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Think Cross River Project, Senior Papa DC Enamhe; the Senior Special Adviser on Infrastructure and Director-General, BPPPP, Dr. Francis Ntamu; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Engagement, Ekpo Ada, Esq.; traditional rulers, community leaders, women and youth representatives, government officials, other stakeholders and representatives of Living Curation Estate Limited, among others.
