Obudu is a Local Government Area (LGA) in Cross River State, Nigeria. It is located in the northern part of Cross River State and shares boundaries with Bekwarra, Boki, and Ogoja LGAs. Obudu is widely known for the famous Obudu Mountain Resort (formerly Obudu Cattle Ranch), one of Nigeria’s top tourist attractions.
The major ethnic group in Obudu is the Bette people, and the dominant language spoken is Bette dialect, though English and Pidgin English are widely used. The people of Obudu are traditionally engaged in farming, trading, and livestock rearing, with the region having a history of cattle grazing, which led to the establishment of the Obudu Cattle Ranch in the 1950s.
The headquarters of Obudu LGA is in Obudu town, which serves as the commercial and administrative hub of the region. The local government is divided into several wards, including Begyel, Bebuagbong, Bebuatsuan, Begiaka, Betukwel, Ipong, Ukwortung, Utugwang North, Utugwang South, and Alege/Ubang.
Obudu has produced notable individuals in politics, academia, and business. Some prominent figures from Obudu include:
- Senator Liyel Imoke – Former Governor of Cross River State (2007–2015).
- Dr. Stephen Odey – Former Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and Senator.
- Prof. Florence Obi – Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar.
Obudu is also known for hosting the annual Obudu International Mountain Race, attracting top marathon runners from across the world.
Geography and Location
Obudu is a Local Government Area (LGA) situated in the northern part of Cross River State, Nigeria. It shares boundaries with Vandeikya LGA of Benue State to the north, Akwaya in the Republic of Cameroon to the east, and Boki and Bekwarra LGAs within Cross River State to the south and west, respectively. The administrative headquarters of Obudu LGA is located in Obudu town. Wikipedia
Historical Background
The Obudu area is home to six clans: Bette, Obanlikwu, Bendi, Utuwang, Ukpe-Alege, and Utanga-Becheve. These clans thrived as independent villages with strong kinship cultures before British colonial integration into the Ogoja province of the Eastern Region of Nigeria. Post-independence, following the 1976 local government review, Obudu became an autonomous local government council and has remained one of the eighteen LGAs of Cross River State.
Economic Activities
The economy of Obudu LGA is predominantly agrarian, with farming being the mainstay of the populace. Major crops cultivated include cassava, yams, maize, and vegetables. The region is also known for livestock rearing, particularly cattle, which led to the establishment of the Obudu Cattle Ranch in the 1950s. This ranch has since evolved into the Obudu Mountain Resort, a significant eco-tourism destination in Nigeria.
Tourism and Attractions
Obudu is renowned for the Obudu Mountain Resort, formerly known as Obudu Cattle Ranch. Located on the Obudu Plateau, the resort offers a temperate climate, breathtaking views, and diverse flora and fauna, making it a top tourist destination in Nigeria. The resort also hosts the annual Obudu Ranch International Mountain Race, attracting athletes and visitors from around the globe.
Notable Personalities from Obudu
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Goddy Jedy Agba: Born on August 20, 1958, in Obudu, Goddy Jedy Agba is a Nigerian bureaucrat and politician. He served as the Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and was appointed as the Minister of State for Power in 2019.
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Ben Ayade: Born on March 2, 1968, in Kakum, Obudu LGA, Ben Ayade is a Nigerian politician who served as the Governor of Cross River State from 2015 to 2023. Before his governorship, he was a Senator representing Cross River North from 2011 to 2015.
Cultural Heritage
The people of Obudu have a rich cultural heritage, with various festivals and traditional practices that reflect their history and beliefs. These cultural events not only serve as a means of preserving their heritage but also promote unity and attract tourism to the area.
Conclusion
Obudu LGA is a region rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Its transformation from an agrarian community to a notable tourist destination highlights the resilience and adaptability of its people. The contributions of prominent individuals from Obudu have also played a significant role in the development of Cross River State and Nigeria at large.
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