The Cross River State Government has assured the people of Obanliku Local Government Area that the concession of the Obudu Ranch Resort will deliver far-reaching economic and social benefits to the host communities, describing the initiative as a strategic intervention to restore the iconic destination and reposition it as one of Africa’s leading eco-tourism destinations.

Governor Bassey Edet Otu, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, gave the assurance on Friday during a stakeholders’ engagement in Sankwalla, Obanliku LGA, where he said the concession was the outcome of a transparent and competitive process undertaken to secure a capable partner to rehabilitate, modernise, operate and maintain the Ranch.

Odey said the investment would encompass 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 attractions capable of making the Ranch a globally competitive tourism destination.

He added that the Bebi Airstrip would also be rehabilitated to improve access and facilitate increased tourist and investment traffic to the area.

The Deputy Governor disclosed that the Utanga Safari Lodge would be redeveloped into a modern flora and fauna conservation centre, with facilities dedicated to wildlife conservation, biodiversity protection, environmental education and ecological tourism.

Beyond tourism, he said the investment was expected to create employment and expand economic opportunities for farmers, artisans, transport operators, traders and other businesses in Obanliku, Obudu and across Cross River State.

Odey stressed that the concession does not constitute the sale of the Obudu Ranch Resort, Bebi Airstrip or Utanga Safari Lodge, which remain assets of the Government and people of Cross River State.

He explained that the concessionaire was only granted the right to finance, rehabilitate, modernise, operate and maintain the facilities for an agreed period, after which the assets, including improvements undertaken during the concession period, would revert fully to the State Government in accordance with the agreement.

He said the State Government would retain oversight of the project through the Project Advisory Committee, which includes community liaison officers, to ensure compliance with the terms of the concession and protect the public interest.

Odey therefore appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, women, youths and other stakeholders to support the initiative, assuring them that government would continue to engage the communities and address genuine concerns through recognised traditional institutions, liaison representatives and designated government channels.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Obudu Ranch Resort, Mr. Sunday Michael, welcomed the concession partner, Living Curation Real Estate Limited, and expressed appreciation for the company’s confidence in the potential of the Ranch and Cross River State.

He assured the company of the State Government’s cooperation and support, while urging the host communities to embrace the project as a shared opportunity for economic transformation.

Speaking on behalf of Living Curation Real Estate Limited, the company’s Team Lead, Mr. Amit Ghosh, said the firm had spent over a year working on 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.

Ghosh said the investment would create jobs and attract tourism and investment to the area, adding that the company planned to rehabilitate the Ranch and Village Public Health Centres within three months. He appealed to traditional rulers, clan heads and residents to provide the peaceful environment required for the successful implementation of the project.

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 employment, improve infrastructure and stimulate local businesses, assuring the concessionaire of their cooperation while calling for transparency, dialogue and equitable benefits.