Obudu Ranch Concession: Otu’s Aide, Sunday Michael, Seeks Community Support for Successful Take-Off
By Ebi COLLINS
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Obudu Ranch Resort, Mr. Sunday Michael, has appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, women and youths of Obanliku to extend their cooperation and goodwill to Living Curation Estate Limited, the concessionaire of the Obudu Ranch Resort, as the company begins the process of rehabilitating and repositioning the iconic tourist destination.
Michael made the appeal on Friday, August 7, 2026, at the stakeholders’ engagement on the concession of the Obudu Ranch Resort held in Sankwala, Obanliku Local Government Area, describing the concession as a new chapter in the history of the Ranch and an opportunity to restore the facility to its former glory.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Bassey Edet Otu for his commitment to reviving strategic state assets and restoring the Obudu Ranch Resort to its rightful position as one of Africa’s foremost tourism destinations, noting that the Governor’s vision and determination had brought the project to its present stage.
Michael also commended Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey for personally leading the stakeholders’ engagement, saying his presence demonstrated the importance the administration attaches to the views and aspirations of the people of Obanliku.
Welcoming Living Curation Estate Limited as the concession partner, the Special Adviser said the State Government appreciated the company’s confidence in the enormous potential of the Ranch and Cross River State, assuring that Government would work closely with the firm to restore the destination to international standards.
Michael, who said he had worked closely with the Ranch over the years, commended the host communities for their unwavering support, peace and confidence in the Government’s efforts to revive the facility despite the challenges it had faced.
“Today, we begin a new chapter. The concession represents a new phase in the life of the Ranch. While the concessionaire will take the lead in rehabilitating, developing and operating the Resort in accordance with the Concession Agreement, our collective objective remains unchanged: to create a Ranch that will generate employment, attract tourists and investors, stimulate local businesses and improve the lives of our people,” he said.
He assured that although the concessionaire would assume responsibility for the day-to-day implementation of the project, he would continue to work with Government to ensure that the objectives of the concession were achieved and the interests of both the State and host communities protected throughout the implementation process.
Michael therefore urged the traditional rulers, community leaders, women and youths to receive the concessionaire as a development partner and provide the peaceful environment, cooperation and hospitality required to deliver on its commitments.
He also assured Living Curation Estate Limited of the full cooperation of the State Government, the Project Implementation Committee and the people of Obanliku, while appealing to all parties to address concerns or misunderstandings through dialogue and established communication channels.
According to him, the Project Implementation Committee, his office and designated community liaison structures would remain accessible to stakeholders, stressing that Government was committed to listening to concerns, resolving issues promptly and ensuring that the partnership was sustained in an atmosphere of peace, transparency, mutual respect and trust.
Michael said the concession was about more than the rehabilitation of buildings and infrastructure, stressing that its broader objective was to restore hope, create opportunities for young people and lay the foundation for sustainable economic development in Obanliku and Cross River State.
