Cross River State Government takes over Obudu Mountain Resort, aiming to restore its legacy and boost tourism and economic growth through revitalisation efforts

In a bold move to restore one of Nigeria’s most iconic tourist destinations, the Cross River State Government has officially reclaimed Obudu Mountain Resort, previously known as Obudu Cattle Ranch.

Also read: Obudu Cattle Ranch Revamped For Tourism

The revitalisation plan aims to restore the resort to its former glory and transform it into a world-class tourism destination once again.

Located in the Obudu community of Cross River, on the Nigeria-Cameroon border, Obudu Mountain Resort has a rich history that dates back to its origins as a cattle ranch established in 1949 by Scottish rancher Hugh Jones.

Over the years, the ranch evolved into a major tourist attraction, offering breathtaking views, a temperate climate, and a wide range of recreational activities such as hiking, bird watching, and mountain biking.

The resort was privatised in 2005 and renamed Obudu Mountain Resort, but despite its early success, it has seen a decline in fortunes in recent years.

The Cross River State Government’s decision to take over the resort follows the termination of the concession agreement with CIBA Construction Company Limited, the previous managers of the facility.

The resort had suffered significant damages and vandalisation, amounting to an estimated ₦6.8 billion in losses. However, despite these setbacks, the state government remains committed to restoring the resort and positioning it as a key driver of tourism and economic development.

The plan to revitalise the resort is part of Governor Bassey Otu’s vision to boost tourism, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth in the state.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Obudu Ranch Resort, Sunday Michael, stated, “With a renewed sense of purpose, the Obudu Mountain Resort is set to rise again stronger, more vibrant, and ready to welcome visitors from around the world.”

Obudu’s potential as a tourism hub has long been recognised. In the 1990s, former Governor Donald Duke invested in the resort’s infrastructure, upgrading it into a world-class facility.

He added a cable car, helicopter landing pad, a water park, and 20 new mountain villas, making it a premier destination for both local and international tourists.

The new revitalisation project aims to rebuild the resort’s infrastructure and restore its status as one of Africa’s most popular tourist attractions.

This includes renovations to existing facilities, new investments in the region’s natural assets, and the introduction of new tourist attractions and events.

The government’s efforts are supported by a partnership with Marriott International and CIBA Construction Company Limited, which will oversee the redevelopment.

The resort’s restoration is expected to have significant economic benefits for the local community, creating employment opportunities and boosting the state’s tourism revenue.

In addition to its tourism potential, Obudu Mountain Resort is also seen as a key player in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The Federal Government has pledged to transform the Obudu Cattle Ranch into a major hub for livestock and dairy production.

This will contribute to Nigeria’s food security and reduce the country’s reliance on beef and dairy imports. Governor Otu has emphasised that the resort’s unique climate and vast landmass make it an ideal location for large-scale livestock farming.

Simon Ogbaji, an agricultural expert in Cross River State, highlighted the potential for the region to become a major producer of beef and dairy products if the ranch is revived.

“If the ranch is put to use, we will not depend on the North for beef production again,” Ogbaji said. “There will be enough production of milk and beef in Cross River.”

As part of the revitalisation plan, the government will engage local communities in cattle rearing and farming, further enhancing the socio-economic impact of the project.

With its stunning scenery, rich cultural heritage, and vast potential for tourism and agriculture, the Obudu Mountain Resort is poised for a new era.

The coronation of Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo will take place over two weeks, with pre-coronation, coronation, and post-coronation events

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) has announced the official schedule for the long-awaited coronation of Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo.

The celebrations will span two weeks, beginning on Monday, March 31, and concluding on Saturday, April 12, offering a rich blend of cultural, traditional, and spiritual events.

The festivities will be divided into three main phases: pre-coronation, coronation, and post-coronation. Each phase will showcase Oyo’s vibrant culture and community spirit, allowing both locals and visitors to experience the grandeur of the historic event.

**Pre-Coronation Events: March 31 to April 4**

The pre-coronation phase will begin with a grand cultural carnival parade on March 31 at 7:30 a.m., followed by the official opening ceremony at 10:00 a.m. at the Oba Adeyemi Mini Stadium, Ode Aremo.

The event will be graced by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun, and LOC Chairman, Kunle Ogunmola.

Throughout the pre-coronation week, there will be several key events, including:

– **Oyo Cultural Heritage Day**
– **A historic tree-planting ceremony**
– **Public lecture and coronation quiz competition**
– **Football match**

This vibrant series of events is designed to bring together the people of Oyo, celebrate their heritage, and prepare for the official coronation of the new monarch.

**The Coronation Ceremony: April 5**

The grand coronation will take place on Saturday, April 5, at Olivet Baptist Heights (OBHSO), with festivities unfolding across various locations in the state.

The OBHSO field will host the Governor and other dignitaries, while VIP guests will be accommodated at Olivet Baptist Academy for parking, and the general public can access Ladigbolu Grammar School.

Additional venues for the ceremony include A.U.D. Primary School (Alagbon/Owode), Methodist Primary School (Apaara), L.A. Town School (Saabo, Oyo), N.A. Town School (Isale Oyo), Oba Adeyemi Mini Stadium (Ode Aremo), Old Oyo National Park, and ADS Primary School.

**Post-Coronation Activities: April 6 to April 12**

Following the coronation, the post-coronation period will include a series of inter-faith prayers, traditional rituals, and community services. Notable events include:

– **Christian Thanksgiving Service** at St Michael’s Anglican Cathedral on Sunday, April 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
– **Free eye tests and distribution of eyeglasses** on Monday, April 7.
– **Isese/Orisa worshippers’ Isure/Idupe ceremony** on Wednesday, April 9, at the Esu Akesan shrine, Akesan, Oyo.
– **Muslim special Jumat prayer** on Friday, April 11, at the Central Mosque, Oja, at 1:30 p.m.
– **Final Thanksgiving service** by the Isese/Orisa worshippers on Saturday, April 12, at Adinua, Ole Compound, Obe Apo, Oyo.

The LOC encourages residents and well-wishers to participate in these historic events, which mark the official installation of Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo.

This celebration will not only honour the new monarch but also offer a momentous occasion for all to engage with the rich cultural traditions of Oyo.

Nigeria’s National Policy on Culture is in its final review stage, 37 years after its last update, aimed at aligning with global creative economy trends

Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has announced that the review of the country’s National Policy on Culture is at its final stage, marking a significant milestone 37 years after the last update.

Also read: Nigeria’s Abuja creative city set to become Africa’s cultural hub

The policy has long remained in draft form since its last review in 1988, despite its critical role in shaping Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries.

In a statement released on Friday in Abuja, Musawa revealed that the review process, which began in collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is now nearing completion.

The document was last updated in 1988, but the evolving cultural landscape and the rapid growth of Nigeria’s creative economy have prompted the need for a new framework to guide future development.

A Cultural Policy Drafting Committee, which was inaugurated in July 2024, consists of over 100 members divided into sub-groups tasked with researching, developing, and refining the policy framework.

After successfully completing a virtual drafting process in December 2024, the committee moved to a physical drafting exercise to consolidate and refine the document, ensuring it aligns with contemporary trends in the global cultural and creative economy.

Musawa emphasized that the final stage of the process involves stakeholder engagement and validation, after which the policy will be submitted to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.

“In recognition of the urgency of these reforms, the ministry initiated this comprehensive review process to ensure that Nigeria’s cultural framework aligns with global best practices and reflects the evolving creative economy,” Musawa explained.

She added that the policy would address the shift from a creative industry to a creative economy, ensuring the sector’s growth and integration into the broader economic framework.

The review process is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, underscoring the administration’s commitment to advancing cultural development.

Musawa highlighted the importance of the policy as a legal framework that will guide the preservation, promotion, and development of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

Musawa also acknowledged the contributions of the NESG and UNESCO in facilitating a structured and inclusive review process. Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2024, NESG provided essential research, technical support, and strategies for stakeholder engagement, ensuring that the policy meets national and international standards.

UNESCO’s technical assistance has played a crucial role, offering workshops, expert guidance, and training to ensure that the revised policy aligns with global best practices and supports the growth of Nigeria’s creative economy.

Ikenna Nwosu, a facilitator at NESG who participated in the policy drafting process, commended the long-overdue intervention. “For 37 years, this policy remained unchanged despite the rapid transformation of the cultural and creative sectors. Ideally, such policies should be reviewed every five to ten years,” he said.

He further noted that the creative industry has outpaced governance, and the review would help ensure that policies catch up with the sector’s growing economic potential.

Nwosu also praised the leadership of Minister Musawa in driving the review, stating that it would reposition Nigeria’s cultural sector as a key contributor to the country’s GDP, ensuring that the creative economy is harnessed for national growth.