Obudu Ranch Back to Life as Cross River Conducts Test Flight at Bebi Airstrip

The Cross River State Government has conducted a successful test flight at the Bebi Airstrip in Obanliku Local Government Area, as part of preparations to reposition the Obudu Ranch Resort as a world-class tourism destination.

The Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Obudu Ranch, Sunday Michael, disclosed this during an interview in Calabar on Saturday.

Michael said the test flight, conducted on Thursday, marked an important step in the government’s ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and reconstruct the Obudu Mountain Resort and its associated facilities.

According to him, the exercise was also aimed at assessing the readiness of the Bebi Airstrip ahead of the planned redevelopment of the tourism complex.

The Bebi Airstrip had remained largely inactive for years following safety concerns, regulatory restrictions and the withdrawal of essential services by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) over outstanding debts.

Michael said the entire resort complex would be temporarily closed from September 1 to allow for what he described as “massive rehabilitation and world-class reconstruction.”

Facilities affected by the planned intervention include the Obudu Mountain Resort, Waterpark, Safari Lodge and Bebi Airstrip.

He explained that the rehabilitation would involve the modernisation of existing facilities, improvement of access infrastructure and enhancement of the overall visitor experience.

“The development is being driven by the Cross River Government under the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu, as part of efforts to restore the resort to its former status as one of Nigeria’s foremost tourism destinations,” Michael said.

He added that the successful test flight was expected to pave the way for improved accessibility to the mountain resort once commercial flight operations eventually resume.

“The objective is to create a tourism destination capable of competing favourably with leading destinations in Nigeria and across the world,” he said.

The Obudu Ranch Resort, formerly known as Obudu Cattle Ranch, is one of Cross River’s most prominent tourism assets. It has historically attracted visitors with its mountainous terrain, cool climate and scenic landscape.

The state government has identified tourism as a key sector with the potential to drive economic growth, create jobs and diversify the state’s revenue base.

Michael said the planned rehabilitation would give the resort “a new lease of life” while strengthening its contribution to Cross River’s tourism economy.

He expressed appreciation to stakeholders and members of the public for their continued support of efforts to revive the resort.

The governor’s aide assured that visitors would be welcomed back after the rehabilitation, with upgraded facilities and improved tourism experiences.

The development comes shortly after the Cross River Government concessioned the Obudu Ranch Resort for 25 years to Living Curation Real Estate Limited.

At the signing of the concession agreement, the state government said the deal was designed to facilitate the holistic rehabilitation and development of the resort.