As parts of deliberate measures aimed at rejiging and repositioning the tourism sector of Cross River, the state government has finally taken over the Obudu Ranch Resort.
The development is sequel to the formal termination of the concession agreement with CIBA Construction Company Limited entered into by the immediate past administration.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Calabar on the issue, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Obudu Ranch Resort, Sunday Micheal, described the development as a major breakthrough needed to usher in immediate renovation to restore the eroded glory of the prime tourism asset.
"We applaud the doggedness and determination demonstrated by our governor in rejuvenating our tourism sector as demonstrated in the formal takeover of the Ranch Resort.
'It's a pity that this prime tourism asset witnessed unprecedented deterioration under the concession agreement entered into by the last administration.The immediate priority of the present administration to mitigate the damage, reclaim our assets to enable us restore our lost glory in this sector. The Obudu Mountain Resort was a global destination. We are reclaiming that status.
Micheal who led the team comprising Tom Ikpeme, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism Development, Eme Afia, Permanent Secretary , Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture and other critical stakeholders for a formal takeover disclosed that the Ranch community is overwhelmed with joy over the development.
"The natives here are grateful. The lull experienced at the Ranch crippled the local economy"
On the next step, He stated "The team's primary objective is to ensure a seamless transition and commence massive renovation and upgrading of the facility to global standard".
Findings revealed that the resort suffered significant damages attributable to decay, neglect and massive vandalization with damages estimated at billions of naira.
Ekanem Asuquo, Beagle News
