The governor of Cross River State in southern Nigeria, Senator Bassey Otu has promised to refocus investment in developing and rehabilitating existing tourists’ sites to enhance internally generated revenue.
Governor Bassey Otu made the remark when he took an on-the-spot assessment of the once vibrant Obudu Ranch Resort and the recently completed 140-bed Obudu-German Specialist hospital.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche, indicated that while the governor poured encomiums on his predecessor for building and equipping the specialist hospital in the northern senatorial district, Otu stressed the need for the resort to be given a facelift.
According to the statement, the governor said that the two most important facilities in the area, would attract revenue for the government as well as income for the local business community.
Otu, who was in company of a cross section of prominent citizens said, “what I have come to meet here is a bit devastating. We have to get the Ranch resort back to the level it was with additional aesthetics as soon as possible. This facility is complementary to others in this area, as a government we are dedicated to ensuring that the enabling environment is created for businesses, I mean the local community to grow.
“Concerning the workers at this resort, I am fully aware of their plight as well as the union’s disagreement with the previous management due to the non-payment of their salaries. We will sort that out once the personnel audit is completed. Whether we like it or not, the people, who are working here must be accommodated and be carried along in the scheme of things if we must get this facility back to life,” the governor stated.
The best legacy
On the hospital, he described the strategically built and well-furnished hospital as one of the best legacies his predecessor, Professor Ben Ayade left behind and which they will continue to be proud of.
“It (Obudu-German Specialist Hospital) is one of the best facilities that can be found anywhere around the world today. As we speak, our people have started patronizing the facility and is offering world class medical services. We will remain grateful to our immediate past governor for his foresight and love for the wellbeing of our people.
“We have started discussions already with the relevant Nigerian Government agencies and I want to believe that not too long from now, the roads will be rehabilitated so that Nigerians can have unhindered access to this all-important facility.
“Do not forget that we are also constructing a world class cargo airport here in Obudu, which my dear brother Ayade started including the Canadian International School. All these facilities will not only service the Obudu Ranch resort, but will grant more elites access to the hospital,” the governor stated.
He assured of his government’s commitment to tackle the recurrent challenge of electricity supply, which may threaten the existence of all the tourism facilities in the area.
