By Magnus Effiong
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has restated his determination to revamp the Obudu Ranch resort and complete the cargo airport in the council area to aid tourists and fun lovers in patronising the once popular resort.
Gov Otu, who said this while touring the northern senatorial district of the state, weekend, noted that the Ranch Resort, which was hitherto described as one of Nigeria’s seven wonders, would once again become a major tourism destination in the country.
“What I have come to meet here is a bit devastating. We have to get the Ranch back to the level it was with additional aesthetics as soon as possible.
“I am fully aware of the plight of the former staff as well as the union disagreement due to non-payment of their salaries. We will sort that out once the personnel audit is completed.
“Whether we like it or not, the people who are working here must be accommodated and be carried along in the scheme of things if we must get it back to life again,” the governor stated.
Also speaking while visiting the 140-bed Obudu-German Specialist Hospital, Gov Otu described the facility as a wonder piece which services would promote medical tourism in Nigeria.
Commending his predecessor, Prof Ben Ayade, for the vision to build the hospital, Otu said, “It is one of the best facilities that can be found anywhere around the world today.
“As we speak, our people have started patronizing the facility and is offering world class medical services, we will remain grateful to our immediate past governor for his foresight and love for the wellbeing of our people.
“We have started discussion already with relevant Federal Government agencies and I want to believe that not too long from now, the roads will be rehabilitated so that Nigerians can have unhindered access to this all important facility.
“Don’t forget that we are also constructing a world class cargo airport here in Obudu which my dear brother Ayade started, including the Canadian International School. All these facilities will not only service the Obudu Ranch resort but will grant more elites access to the hospital.”
He assured that the issue of power which may threaten the existence of these facilities, would be looked into as soon as possible.
