Healthy Billionaires Conquer Obudu Hills in Thrilling 11km Fitness Hike
By Ebi COLLINS
Members of the Healthy Billionaires Fitness Club have once again demonstrated endurance and camaraderie as they returned to the iconic Obudu Mountain Resort for the seventh edition of their annual fitness challenge tagged OMR 7.0 L’Aventure Edition, themed “Think Cross River.”
The four-day adventure attracted over 50 young professionals drawn from government establishments, corporate organisations, the private sector, business circles, the military and other professional backgrounds, reinforcing the growing appeal of fitness-driven tourism in Cross River State.
The journey from Calabar to Obudu also offered participants a real-time showcase of ongoing government interventions on the road network, which have significantly improved travel time to the resort while enhancing accessibility to one of Nigeria’s foremost tourism destinations.
Along the route and within the resort environment, participants captured and highlighted the rich natural endowments of the state, showcasing its lush vegetation, scenic landscapes and diverse ecological assets that continue to define Cross River as a leading eco-tourism hub.
The event opened with a vibrant welcome bonfire and barbecue night at the Obudu Mountain Resort, creating a relaxed and convivial atmosphere that set the tone for the adventure.
The highlight of the programme was the OMR 7.0 fitness challenge, which featured a demanding 11-kilometre hike through the Obudu hills, including the famous 22 sharp bends that test both physical endurance and mental resilience.
The hike was officially flagged off by the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Michael Odere, who represented Governor Bassey Otu at the event.
Chairman of the Healthy Billionaires Fitness Club, William Archibong Jnr., expressed satisfaction with the turnout and growth of the initiative, noting that the platform continues to promote healthy living while projecting Cross River State’s tourism assets.
He appreciated the state government for its support and acknowledged partners, including Nugi Tech and Odere Brothers, for backing the “Think Cross River” initiative, which promotes both wellness and destination branding.
Vice Chairman of the club, Mr. Great Ogban, said the Obudu experience reflects the club’s commitment to supporting the ongoing revitalisation of the resort while promoting it as a global tourism destination.
The grueling 11-kilometre ascent through the Obudu hills saw participants push their limits, with the first group completing the hike in approximately two hours and fifteen minutes despite the challenging terrain.
Chairman of the L’Aventure Edition, Mr. Effiom Effiwat, described the event as a success, highlighting activities such as the welcome barbecue night, post-hike brunch, club parties, and recreational experiences hosted within the resort.
The experience continued with a Father’s Day “Brunch in the Clouds” on the third day, followed by a visit to the Obudu Centurion Hotel and Resort, where participants enjoyed a pool party, club night and overnight relaxation.
The event concluded on the fourth day with a group breakfast session before participants departed for Calabar, bringing to a close what organisers described as one of the most memorable and well-executed editions of the fitness challenge.
The Healthy Billionaires Fitness Club reaffirmed its commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles while simultaneously showcasing Cross River State’s tourism potential, with the Obudu Mountain Resort remaining central to its advocacy for adventure, wellness and eco-tourism.
