The Obudu Mountain Resort once again came alive as members of the Healthy Billionaires Fitness Club returned for the seventh edition of their annual fitness challenge, tagged OMR 7.0 L’Aventure Edition, themed “Think Cross River,” blending physical endurance with tourism promotion in a vibrant showcase of Cross River State’s natural assets.
The four-day adventure attracted over 50 young professionals drawn from government establishments, corporate organisations, the private sector, business circles, the military and other professional backgrounds, reinforcing the growing convergence between fitness culture and destination tourism.
The journey from Calabar to Obudu also served as a visual tour of ongoing government interventions on the state’s road network, which have significantly improved access to the resort while reducing travel time and enhancing mobility along the tourism corridor.
Participants documented and engaged with the state’s rich natural endowments along the route and within the resort, highlighting its scenic landscapes, lush vegetation and biodiversity, which continue to position Cross River as a leading eco-tourism destination.
The programme commenced with a welcome bonfire and barbecue night at the resort, creating a lively atmosphere that set the tone for the blend of leisure, fitness and tourism engagement that defined the event.
A major highlight was the OMR 7.0 fitness walk, featuring a demanding 11-kilometre hike through the Obudu hills, including the famous 22 sharp bends, which tested participants’ stamina, discipline and mental resilience.
The hike was officially flagged off by the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Michael Odere, who represented Governor Bassey Otu, underscoring government’s support for initiatives that promote wellness and tourism development.
Chairman of the Healthy Billionaires Fitness Club, William Archibong Jnr., said the increasing turnout reflects growing interest in fitness tourism and commended the state government for its continued support and enabling environment.
He also acknowledged partners, including Nugi Tech and Odere Brothers, for their support through the “Think Cross River” initiative, which seeks to promote healthy living while projecting Cross River’s tourism assets.
Vice Chairman of the club, Mr. Great Ogban, noted that the Obudu experience reflects the club’s commitment to showcasing the ongoing revitalisation of the resort and positioning it as a global tourism and wellness destination.
The 11-kilometre hike proved grueling, with participants navigating steep terrain and winding paths, as the first group completed the challenge in about two hours and fifteen minutes, earning commendation for their endurance.
Chairman of the L’Aventure Edition, Mr. Effiom Effiwat, described the event as highly successful, highlighting a packed itinerary that included the welcome barbecue night, post-hike brunch, recreational activities and club parties held within the resort.
On the third day, participants marked Father’s Day with a “Brunch in the Clouds,” followed by relaxation and entertainment at the Obudu Centurion Hotel and Resort, featuring a pool party, club night and overnight stay.
The event concluded on the fourth day with a group breakfast session before participants departed for Calabar, bringing to a close what organisers described as one of the most seamless and memorable editions of the challenge.
The Healthy Billionaires Fitness Club reaffirmed its commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles while leveraging experiential tourism to spotlight Cross River State’s tourism potential, with Obudu Mountain Resort remaining central to its vision of fitness-driven destination branding.
By Kingsley Agim
