Obudu Ranch Concession to Deliver Lasting Benefits to Obanliku, Says Otu
By Ebi COLLINS
The Cross River State Government has assured the people of Obanliku Local Government Area of meaningful and lasting benefits from the concession of the iconic Obudu Ranch Resort, describing the initiative as a strategic investment to restore the tourism destination to its former glory and reposition it as a leading eco-tourism destination in Africa.
Governor Bassey Edet Otu, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, gave the assurance on Friday at a stakeholders’ engagement in Sankwalla, Obanliku LGA, where he explained that the concession followed a transparent and competitive process designed to secure a competent partner to rehabilitate, modernise, operate and maintain the Ranch.
Odey said 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 tourist attractions. He added that the Bebi Airstrip would also be rehabilitated to improve accessibility and facilitate increased tourist and investment traffic to the area.
According to him, the Utanga Safari Lodge would be redeveloped into a modern flora and fauna conservation centre dedicated to wildlife conservation, biodiversity protection, environmental education and ecological tourism. He said the projects would create employment opportunities and stimulate economic activities for farmers, artisans, transport operators, traders and other businesses across Obanliku, Obudu and the wider Cross River State.
The Deputy Governor clarified that the concession does not amount to 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. He explained that the private investor had only been granted the right to finance, rehabilitate, modernise, operate and maintain the facilities for an agreed period, after which the assets, including improvements made during the concession, would revert fully to the State Government in line with the terms of the agreement.
Odey further disclosed that the State Government would maintain oversight through the Project Advisory Committee, which includes community liaison officers, to monitor implementation and safeguard the public interest. He appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, women, youths and other stakeholders to support the project, maintain peace and ensure an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual respect throughout its implementation.
He assured the people that the Otu administration would sustain engagement with the host communities and give prompt and fair consideration to genuine concerns raised through recognised traditional institutions, community liaison representatives and designated government channels, noting that the success of the concession depended on a strong partnership among government, the concessionaire and host communities.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Obudu Ranch Resort, Mr. Sunday Michael, welcomed the concession partners, Living Curation Real Estate Limited, and expressed appreciation for their confidence in the potential of the Resort and Cross River State. He assured the company of the State Government’s full cooperation and support, while urging the host communities to embrace the initiative through dialogue, mutual respect and partnership.
Speaking on behalf of Living Curation Real Estate Limited, the company’s representative and Team Lead, Mr. Amit Ghosh, said the firm had been working on the project for over a year, with plans to revive the Obudu Ranch and transform Utanga Safari into a world-class conservation and scientific research centre for the protection and breeding of endangered African species. He said the investment would create jobs, boost tourism and attract investment, adding that the company also planned to rehabilitate the Ranch and Village Public Health Centres within three months.
Representatives of the host communities, including Chief David Chris Ocha, youth representative Comrade Gabriel Ugbo, women representative Hon. Bridget Alina, and traditional rulers led by the Paramount Ruler of Obanliku, HRM Uchua Amos Item, commended Governor Otu for the initiative and his commitment to reviving the Ranch. They expressed optimism that the concession would create jobs, improve infrastructure and open new economic opportunities, assuring Living Curation Real Estate Limited of the cooperation of the communities while calling for transparency, dialogue and shared benefits.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by the Chairman of Obanliku LGA, Hon. Amb. Chief (Dr.) Sunny Ayang, JP; member representing Obanliku State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Ashakia Pius; Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Amb. Obi Ayuk; Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Think Cross River Project, Senior Papa DC Enamhe; Senior Special Adviser on Infrastructure and Director-General, BPPPP, Dr. Francis Ntamu; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Engagement, Ekpo Ada, Esq., among others.
