By Our Reporter
The Cross River State government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Zedici Capital limited to reactivate the Obudu mountain resort.
The MoU was signed in Calabar recently with the Governor, Senator Ben Ayade expressing optimism that the process will put the resort back at the lead on the world’s tourism map.
And, two challenges hindering the growth of the resort which Mr. Ayade said were been tackled.
“The bad nature of the road coupled with the difficult terrain and the inability of the state to maintain the Bebi Airstrip, have posed serious challenge to tourists who have to spend hours navigating terrible roads before getting to a tourism destination, while some after such experience may not wish to repeat their visit and discourage potential visitors,” said Mr. Ayade.
He explained that power up the ranch was generated and distributed up there due to the absence of the national grid.
However, this is been tackled as the state government is in talks with a Chinese firm to build windmills which will generate power with backup from solar systems that will be distributed up the ranch and other parts of Bebi.
Earlier, the team leader of Zedici Capital, Dr. Levi Odoe who is also the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ambassador to Nigeria commended the hospitality the team was accorded and announced the firm’s intention to to invest in the state’s tourism industry.
And, the revitalization of the ranch will add more jobs to the economy said Mr. Clement Umina, the Managing Director of the state’s tourism bureau.
He said more revenue will be generated and the government’s projection of getting a world standard five star rating in half a year.
“With God on our side and our passion to succeed, I remain optimistic that within six months there is going to be amazing achievements.” Umina added.
CrossRiverWatch also gathered that pending the execution of the agreement which will be a build, operate and transfer concession will see the firm which though, is not a tourism operator but an investment capital venture whose scope is the rehabilitation, finance, operation and transfer of the resort as well as work with experts within the tourism sector through the guidance of the state’s tourism bureau, pending the execution of the concession agreement.
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