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Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State
By Akpan David, Calabar
After suspending the famous Obudu international mountain race where East African athletes perpetually carted away the mouthwatering prizes, Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu has given indications that his government will resuscitate it eight years after.
Otu’s predecessor, Prof Ben Ayade completely abandoned the mountain race throughout his two tenures as governor.
The race was instituted by Mr Donald Duke who modernised the mountainous resort in his first term 1999-2003. Senator Liyel Imoke continued but incurred heavy debts and could barely pay the international athletes.
Speaking to journalists in his temporary office, Otu said even though he has not gotten the verve required to ignite and being back the race yet he is eager to revitalize it given the desires of President Bola Tinubu to turn the resort into some ‘Presidential Camp David’.
He said that as far as his government has established an aviation school at the nearby Bebi Airstrip and voted substantial funds to complete the Obudu International Cargo airport, he will source for sponsors to resuscitate the mountain race.
“We’re still looking at some foreign sponsors to take up the race. If we can find them, the state will be ready to resume the race soon.
“I can assure that we are looking seriously at the resort in all ramifications. Already we have settled the backlog of salaries for staff of the resort, which was a key issue. The resort is up again.
“To make it even livelier, Government will start construction of rail line from Calabar to Obudu to ease travels. We are about to complete the Obudu airport in six months. We have revived the nearby Bebi Airstrip to bolster local economy. So we need sponsors for the race…,” Governor Otu said.
