Obudu Mountain Resort which in past had the longest cable car network in the world as recorded by the Guinness Book of Records in 2005 which was eventually overunned by some other world record but has since remained the longest and most adventurous in Africa till date with an impeccable 11km travel experience, has been restored by the host State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade.
In a team of officials overseeing the system overhaul led by the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Mr Eric Anderson, the Special Adviser on Obudu Resort and the Managing Director of Tourism Bureau, the team confirmed to press that the system is up and ready for commercial use at the ranch.
Speaking during the test run of the cable car after the completion of maintenance, the Special Adviser on Obudu Ranch Resort, Honorable Bobby Ekpenyong stated that Governor Ben Ayade is fully committed to bring the Obudu Ranch Resort back to it’s pride of place in the tourism and hospitality sector in the country.
He said ” Governor Ayade has given his commitment of returning the facilities at the ranch to its best and we are delighted to announce to you that the cable car is ready for use by the public.”
Additionally, the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Mr Eric Anderson who had outleted his official vehicle for use in past weeks to engineers on site noted that it was part of their official responsibility to use all means available at their disposal to get results even at their inconvenience.
“Just when we were getting inundated by speculations, that our top of the bucket list destination is losing her essence. You may agree that not anymore could any traveller seeking to unravel the experience of the marvel up as high as 6000m would dare to.
“In my earlier official assessment tour, we had lost it and in trying to get it right, made few mistakes, though not a disaster. But when you have a never say die boss, who is indefatigable in faith, there is no other way than to share in his faith – Eric said
Nonetheless, Eric noted that a strong silent distress of communication distress between his office, the SA Ranch and the Management of Tourism which he said had tempered severely on the fabrics of tourism development as regards the facility.
However, showering encomiums of H E Sir Ben Ayade’s tireless leadership matrices in resolving the indifference to achieve optimal results.
Now, the welcoming petals of the Obudu Mountain Resort is open again for the pleasure of visitors; the rooms are fixed with present day expectations, the cable car is working, members of staff are back with smiles awaiting guest, menu is richer, community is cooperative, beautiful flora, fauna and trimmed green breath out fresh and clean air, power is fully capacitated, the linking roads are fixed, the weather is waiting to satisfy beyond imaginations, while other quarters are picking up progressively.
“His Excellency the Governor though has already made provisions for utility vehicle for use by engineers who travel back and forth the 11km driveway of the cable car route to ensure the system is restored, I had to sacrifice my official vehicle to give the job the speed it requires
“We have a duty to make sure things work accordingly and we must against all odds make it work
“Cross River State remains the destination of choice for everyone and the leadership of the tourism sector under the watch of His Excellency, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, will stop at nothing in preparing to give all and sundry the best experience anytime they visit either for leisure or business, after we have all come out of the Covid-19 pandemic” – Eric added
The team appreciated Governor Ayade’s keen gesture on the project and all the support given so far given to achieve it’s goal.
Commissioner for Tourism Devt. and Culture, Mr Eric Anderson and MD Tourism Bureau confirmed that they have been on ground to monitor and access progress.