By Seyi Odewale
The Cross River State Government has appealed to stakeholders in Obanliku to support Living Curation Estate Limited as the concessionaire begins the process of rehabilitating and repositioning the Obudu Ranch Resort.
The Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Edet Otu on Obudu Ranch Resort, Sunday Michael, appealed on Friday at a stakeholders’ engagement on the concession in Sankwala, Obanliku Local Government Area.
Michael urged traditional rulers, community leaders, women and youths in the area to cooperate with the concessionaire and provide the peaceful environment necessary for the project to take off successfully.
He described the concession as a significant new phase in the history of the resort and an opportunity to restore the iconic tourist destination to its former status.
According to him, the project is expected to go beyond physical rehabilitation by creating jobs, attracting tourists and investors, supporting local businesses and contributing to economic development in Obanliku and the state.
“Today, we begin a new chapter. The concession represents a new phase in the life of the Ranch,” Michael said.
He explained that Living Curation Estate Limited would lead the rehabilitation, development and operation of the resort in accordance with the concession agreement, while the state government would continue to protect the interests of the state and host communities.
Michael commended Governor Otu for his commitment to reviving strategic state assets and restoring the Obudu Ranch Resort to its position as a major tourism destination.
He also praised Deputy Governor Peter Odey for leading the stakeholders’ engagement, describing his participation as evidence of the administration’s recognition of the importance of local stakeholders in the project.
The Special Adviser welcomed Living Curation Estate Limited as the concession partner, saying the state government recognised the company’s confidence in the tourism potential of the Ranch and Cross River State.
He assured the concessionaire of the cooperation of the state government, the Project Implementation Committee and the people of Obanliku throughout the implementation process.
Michael also acknowledged the support of host communities over the years, noting that their peace and cooperation remained important to the successful revival of the resort.
He urged community leaders to regard the concessionaire as a development partner and work with the company to ensure that the project delivers its expected benefits.
The Special Adviser appealed to stakeholders to resolve any disagreements or concerns through dialogue and established communication channels rather than allowing disputes to disrupt the concession.
He said his office, the Project Implementation Committee and designated community liaison structures would remain available to address concerns raised by stakeholders.
Michael said the government was committed to maintaining transparency, mutual respect and trust among all parties involved in the project.
He stressed that the concession should not be viewed simply as an exercise to renovate buildings and infrastructure, but as an opportunity to create sustainable economic opportunities for young people and residents of Obanliku.
The government, he added, expects the partnership to help restore the resort’s tourism potential while generating employment, stimulating local enterprise and contributing to the broader economic development of Cross River State
