We're Averaging about 3,000 Guests to Ranch Monthly, Says Otu's Aide, Michael
Judex OKORO
Dr. Sunday Michael is a dynamic personality. He is an entrepreneur, politician, and development strategist. Known for translating vision into tangible progress,
And since his appointment as Special Adviser to the Governor Bassey Otu on Obudu Ranch Resort, he has played a pivotal role in shaping initiatives that drive innovation and growth at the Ranch Resort. At Obudu Ranch, he oversees revitalization efforts that have elevated the resort into Nigeria’s top 100 hotels.
*In this interview Michael said: "We're Averaging about of 3,000
guests Per month to Ranch in the last twelve months" adding that the tourist sites have also experienced a significant increase in visitors.*
*Excerpts*
*How did you feel when you were appointed an SA on Obudu Ranch Resort?*
I was deeply humbled and honoured when His Excellency, the Governor, entrusted me with this role. Although I had not expected the appointment, I was determined to rise to the challenge and make a meaningful impact. I received the news with immense gratitude and a strong sense of responsibility, and I was eager to get started and give my best to the position.
*When you got there, what did you see?*
Upon my arrival, I encountered a complex set of challenges. Firstly, I faced resistance from the previous concessionaires, largely due to their underperformance and lack of accountability. Secondly, I was struck by the alarming state of infrastructure decay, which had been neglected for far too long. The overall system was characterized by a lack of order, organization, and transparency. Lastly, I was confronted with the daunting task of rehabilitating numerous dilapidated facilities, many of which seemed beyond repair. It was a sobering reality check, but I was determined to tackle these challenges head-on and restore the ranch to its former glory.
From what you met and now, how could you describe the Ranch in terms of infrastructures and other facilities?
Today, Obudu Ranch Resort has undergone a remarkable transformation. We approached the revitalization process with a holistic strategy, beginning with a comprehensive redesign of the entire resort. This included the development of a 3D concept plan, which guided our rehabilitation efforts. We prioritised the repair and upgrade of critical infrastructure, including the international conference center, the spa and wellness center, and the mini golf course.
We also enhanced the guests' experience by providing over 200 new beddings, 60 smart TVs, and ensuring a reliable power supply through the repair of existing power plants and the purchase of backup generators. The water park has been fully rehabilitated, and the entire resort has been thoroughly cleaned up. Our efforts have breathed new life into the resort, and we're proud of the progress we've made.
**In terms of IGR, what efforts have the management put in place to boost the revenue base?*
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To boost the revenue base and increase Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), we've implemented a multi-faceted strategy that focuses on enhancing the guest experience, improving operational efficiency, and expanding our revenue streams. Here are some of the key efforts we've made:
Firstly, we've invested heavily in upgrading our facilities and amenities to attract a wider range of guests and increase customer satisfaction. This includes the rehabilitation of our rooms, the development of new recreational activities, and the enhancement of our food and beverage services.
Secondly, we've implemented a robust marketing and sales strategy to increase our visibility and attract new customers. This includes social media marketing, targeted advertising, and partnerships with travel agencies and tour operators.
Thirdly, we've introduced new revenue streams, such as the development of our water park, which has become a major attraction for both local and international visitors. We've also introduced new activities and events, such as concerts, festivals, and corporate retreats, which have helped to increase our revenue base.
Fourthly, we've implemented a robust revenue management system to ensure that we're maximizing our revenue potential. This includes dynamic pricing, yield management, and revenue forecasting.
Lastly, we've ensured that our operations are efficient and cost-effective, which has helped to reduce our expenses and increase our profit margins.
As a result of these efforts, we've seen a significant increase in our revenue base, moving from less than 15 million Naira per month to up to 50 million Naira per month. This is a testament to the effectiveness of our strategy and the hard work of our team.
*What is the state of electricity on the ranch? Can visitors/guests be assured of constant power supply?*
When we first took over the management of Obudu Ranch Resort, the state of electricity was a major concern. We inherited a situation where power supply was available for less than 10 hours a day, which was not only inconvenient for our guests but also affected our operations. To address this challenge, we made a significant investment in upgrading our power infrastructure.
Firstly, we carried out a comprehensive assessment of our power generation and distribution systems to identify areas of inefficiency and opportunities for improvement. We then implemented a series of measures to enhance our power supply, including the repair and maintenance of our existing power plants, the purchase of new backup generators, and the upgrade of our distribution infrastructure.
As a result of these efforts, we've been able to increase the hours of power supply from less than 10 hours a day to between 15 to 18 hours a day. While we're not yet at 24/7 power supply, we're confident that our efforts will continue to yield positive results, and we're working towards achieving a situation where our guests can enjoy constant power supply throughout their stay.
We understand the importance of reliable power supply to our guests, and we're committed to providing a comfortable and convenient experience for them. We're proud of the progress we've made so far, and we're committed to continuing to work hard to ensure that our power supply meets the needs of our guests and supports the growth and development of the resort.
*There's news making the rounds that FG has invested about N5bn into the Ranch? How true is it and for what purpose?**
Yes, it is true that the Federal Government has invested about N5 billion into Obudu Ranch Resort. We're grateful for the support of the President and the Governor, whose collaborative efforts have made this investment possible.
The N5 billion investment is a significant boost to our efforts to develop the resort into a world-class tourist destination. A substantial portion of this investment is being used to develop a 3-megawatt hydropower plant, which will provide a reliable and sustainable source of electricity for the resort. This will not only enhance the guest experience but also support the growth and development of the local community.
In addition to the hydropower plant, the investment will also be used to upgrade our infrastructure, including our roads, bridges, and amenities. We're also investing in the development of new tourist attractions and activities, such as hiking trails, water sports, and cultural events, which will showcase the rich natural and cultural heritage of the region.
The Governor's announcement of an additional N18bn for tourism development is a further testament to the commitment of the state government to support the growth of the tourism sector. We're excited about the potential of this investment to create jobs, stimulate local economic growth, and promote cultural exchange between visitors and the local community. We're proud to be part of this effort and look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders to develop Obudu Ranch Resort into a premier tourist destination in Nigeria.
*How has the state of patronage been in the last one year*?
We're delighted to report that the state of patronage at Obudu Ranch Resort has experienced a significant surge in the last one year. Our efforts to upgrade the resort's infrastructure, enhance the guest experience, and increase our marketing efforts have yielded positive results.
In terms of accommodation, we've seen a remarkable increase in the number of guests. Last year, we were averaging around 400 to 500 guests per month. However, in the last 12 months, we've witnessed a steady growth in occupancy, with an average of 3,000 to 3,500 guests per month. This represents a staggering increase of over 600% in just one year.
Similarly, our tourist sites have also experienced a significant increase in visitors. The number of visitors to our sites has more than tripled, from around 400 to 500 per month to over 3,000 to 3,500 per month. This is a testament to the growing popularity of the resort and the increasing interest in domestic tourism.
We're proud of the progress we've made, and we're committed to continuing to work hard to ensure that Obudu Ranch Resort remains a premier tourist destination in Nigeria. We're confident that our efforts will continue to yield positive results and contribute to the growth and development of the local economy.
It's worth noting that this increase in patronage has also had a positive impact on the local community, with many local businesses benefiting from the increased foot traffic and economic activity. We're committed to continuing to work with the local community to ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared by all.
*What is the management doing in terms of staff welfare considering the state of the Ranch now?*
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At Obudu Ranch Resort, we recognize that our staff are our greatest asset, and we're committed to ensuring their welfare and well-being. Despite the challenges we faced when we took over the management of the resort, we've made a conscious effort to prioritize staff welfare and ensure that our employees are motivated, engaged, and empowered to deliver exceptional service to our guests.
One of the key areas we've focused on is ensuring that our staff are paid on time and in full. We're proud to say that we've not owed our staff any salaries or allowances since we took over the management of the resort. In fact, we've increased the allowances of our workers to ensure that they're able to meet their financial obligations and enjoy a decent standard of living.
In addition to increasing staff allowances, we've also increased security allowances for our staff who work in security-sensitive roles. This is a recognition of the critical role that our security staff play in ensuring the safety and security of our guests and assets, and we're committed to supporting them in their work.
We've also implemented a range of other initiatives to support staff welfare, including training and development programs, employee recognition schemes, and a range of benefits and perks. We believe that by investing in our staff, we can create a positive and supportive work environment that enables our employees to thrive and deliver exceptional service to our guests. Overall, we're committed to ensuring that our staff are happy,
*What efforts are being put in place to attract foreign investors?**
Attracting foreign investors is a key priority for us, and we're committed to creating an enabling environment that supports investment and growth. The commitment of His Excellency, Senator Bassey Otu, Governor of Cross River State, to revitalizing Obudu Ranch Resort has been instrumental in boosting investor confidence.
The Governor's personal efforts to woo investors have been tireless, and his travels around the world have yielded positive results. As a result, we've seen a significant increase in interest from foreign investors, and we've been hosting investors on a regular basis. In fact, in the last three months, I've been hosting investors almost every week, which is a testament to the growing interest in the resort.
To further attract foreign investors, we're implementing a range of initiatives, including
developing a comprehensive investment strategy that outlines the opportunities and benefits of investing in Obudu Ranch Resort
: creating a one-stop shop for investors, which provides a streamlined and efficient process for obtaining necessary permits and approvals as well as offering attractive incentives, such as tax breaks and concessions, to encourage investment.
Besides, would enhance our infrastructure, including our transportation links and telecommunications, to support business growth and provide support services, such as business registration and licensing, to help investors establish and grow their businesses
We're also working closely with a range of government agencies and stakeholders to promote the resort and attract foreign investment. These include the Office of the Special Adviser on International Development and Corporations, the Office of the Director General Bureau of Public Private Partnership, the Office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the Ministry of Tourism (both federal and state), and other relevant government agencies. By working together, we're able to provide a coordinated and effective approach to attracting foreign investment and supporting the growth and development of the local economy.
Overall, we're committed to creating an environment that supports investment and growth, and we're excited about the opportunities that foreign investment will bring to Obudu Ranch Resort and the wider community.
*Where do we expect the Ranch to be in the next five years?*
In the next five years, we envision Obudu Ranch Resort to be a fully recovered, renovated, and revitalized destination, functioning at its optimal capacity. We're working towards creating a world-class resort that offers a unique and unforgettable experience to our guests.
Some of the key developments we expect to see in the next five years include the completion of the cable car project, which will provide a scenic and convenient way for guests to access the resort; the development of a premium estate, which will offer luxury accommodation options for our guests; and the establishment of a museum, which will showcase the rich cultural and natural heritage of the region as well as the introduction of other world-class amenities, such as a spa, a fitness center, and a range of recreational activities
We also expect the resort to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, and the Nigerian Stock Exchange, which will provide us with the necessary funding to support our growth and development plans. Ultimately, our goal is to create a sustainable and self-sufficient resort that can run itself without any interference from government bureaucracy or external impediments. We believe that this will enable us to provide a consistent and high-quality experience for our guests, while also generating revenue and creating jobs for the local community.
We're committed to working towards this vision, and we're confident that with the support of His Excellency and other stakeholders, we can make Obudu Ranch Resort a premier tourist destination in Nigeria and beyond.
