The iconic Obudu Ranch Resort, located in the northern district of Cross River State, southern Nigeria, has finally received a boost from Governor Bassey Otu with the unveiling of a new design.
The completed long-anticipated redesign of the resort indicates that the facility is ready for reconstruction, a major step towards the revival of the once-thriving tourist destination in Nigeria.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Obudu Ranch Resort, Sunday Michael, disclosed to some journalists in Calabar, the Cross River capital, that the redesigned master plan was modern, eco-friendly, and aligned with Governor Otu’s commitment to revitalise tourism and boost the state’s economy.
According to Michael, the reconstruction work would be in phases, noting that the revival of the resort is to ultimately restore Obudu Ranch’s global appeal, create jobs for the local communities, and increase internally generated revenue (IGR) by boosting the growth of the Cross River economy.
He said, “This project is a testament to Governor Otu’s commitment to developing Cross River State’s tourism potential. We are excited to welcome visitors from across the globe to experience the breathtaking beauty of Obudu Ranch Resort.”
He further hinted that the reconstruction of the Obudu Ranch Resort would commence in a few weeks.
Background
The Obudu Cattle Ranch, which is located on the Obudu plateau at 1,716ft above sea level, was developed in 1951 by a Scottish national known as M. McCaughley, a Scot, alongside fellow ranchers, Hugh Jones and Dr Crawfeild, who were contracting for the then Premier of South-East Nigeria, Michael Okpara.
In the year 2000, the former governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke focused attention on further developments at the Obudu Cattle Ranch with the building of 20 mountain cabins, a state-of-the-art presidential lodge and by 2005, installed a cable car climbing 870 metres (2,850 ft) from the base to the top of the plateau.
Between 2015 and 2022, the facility would experience a lull in business and suffer devastatingly during the COVID-19 lockdown, which resulted in further degradation of once once-thriving tourism resort.
However, the reconstruction of the Obudu Ranch Resort on completion would restore Cross River State to the global tourism map and solidify its position as a premier destination for eco-tourism in Nigeria.
