The revival of the Obudu Ranch Resort is not happening by accident. Behind the renewed attention, strategic repositioning and growing confidence around the iconic tourism destination is a team of committed individuals working to translate Governor Bassey Otu’s vision into reality. Prominent among them is the Special Adviser to the Governor on Obudu Ranch Resort, Mr. Sunday Michael, whose role has been critical to the administration’s efforts to restore the Ranch to its rightful place on Nigeria’s tourism map.
Governor Otu’s decision to prioritize the revival of the Obudu Ranch Resort reflects his broader vision of transforming Cross River State into a destination for tourism, investment, conservation and sustainable economic development. For that vision to succeed, however, it requires dedicated coordination, persistent engagement and a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding the Ranch. This is where the Special Adviser’s role becomes particularly significant.
As Special Adviser on Obudu Ranch Resort, Sunday Michael has served as a key link between the Governor’s office, relevant government institutions, prospective investors, host communities and other stakeholders connected to the future of the iconic facility. His responsibilities extend beyond the routine administration of a government appointment; they involve helping to drive the strategic process required to reposition one of Cross River’s most valuable tourism assets.
The painstaking process that culminated in the concession of the Obudu Ranch Resort to Living Curation Real Estate Limited required sustained engagement, coordination and attention to detail. With the concession now secured, the focus has shifted to implementation – ensuring that the commitments made under the arrangement translate into tangible improvements in infrastructure, hospitality, accessibility, conservation and the overall visitor experience.
Sunday Michael’s contribution to this process deserves commendation. At a time when public assets can easily become victims of neglect, bureaucratic delays or competing interests, his stewardship has helped keep the Obudu Ranch conversation firmly anchored on revival, investment and sustainable development.
His role is also important in ensuring that the interests of the government and the people remain central to the concession arrangement. The Obudu Ranch Resort is not being sold. It remains a public asset, while the private partner brings in capital, expertise and operational capacity to rehabilitate and manage the facility within the agreed concession framework.
Beyond the Ranch itself, the vision encompasses the rehabilitation of the Bebi Airstrip, the redevelopment of the Utanga Safari Lodge, improved access infrastructure and the creation of new tourism and conservation attractions. These are interconnected components of a broader strategy to turn the Obudu axis into a vibrant, all-year-round tourism and investment destination.
The success of Obudu cannot be measured only by the number of tourists who visit the Ranch. It must also be measured by the jobs created, businesses stimulated, communities empowered, wildlife protected, infrastructure improved and investment attracted into the surrounding areas.
In this regard, Sunday Michael has demonstrated the importance of institutional continuity and focused leadership in the revival process. His engagement with stakeholders, attention to the Ranch’s development priorities and alignment with the Governor’s vision have contributed to keeping the project on course.
The economic possibilities are enormous. A vibrant Obudu Ranch Resort will not only benefit the immediate host communities in Obanliku but also create opportunities across Obudu and the wider Cross River economy. Farmers, artisans, traders, transport operators, young people and other local businesses stand to benefit from increased economic activity.
It is therefore important to acknowledge the people working behind the scenes to make Governor Otu’s vision possible. Public projects are often judged by their final outcomes, but successful outcomes are usually preceded by months and years of planning, negotiations, coordination and problem-solving.
Mr. Sunday Michael deserves recognition as one of the officials helping to provide that bridge between vision and implementation. His assignment is strategic because the Obudu Ranch Resort represents far more than a hotel or tourist attraction. It is a symbol of Cross River’s tourism heritage and a potentially powerful engine of economic diversification.
Governor Bassey Otu deserves commendation for having the political courage to pursue a sustainable pathway for the Ranch’s revival rather than allowing the iconic facility to continue deteriorating. Equally, those entrusted with the responsibility of helping to actualize that vision deserve support and encouragement.
As rehabilitation and redevelopment efforts gather momentum, the story of Obudu Ranch Resort is gradually changing — from one of decline and uncertainty to one of renewed hope and possibility. And in that emerging story, the contribution of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Obudu Ranch Resort, Mr. Sunday Michael, should not be overlooked.
The revival of Obudu is ultimately a collective effort. But every successful collective effort requires individuals who remain committed to the vision, work through the difficult processes and ensure that the destination does not lose sight of its promise.
For his role in advancing the Governor’s vision for the Obudu Ranch Resort and helping to position the project for a new era of investment, tourism and sustainable development, Sunday Michael deserves commendation.
