Following public calls for President Bola Tinubu to reduce frequent foreign travels and instead patronize domestic tourist destinations, the Obudu Plateau in Cross River State has emerged as a prime contender. Radio callers urging the president to visit Obudu highlight the plateau’s natural beauty and potential to boost national pride.
The Obudu Plateau, also known as Obudu Mountain Resort, is located on the Oshie Ridge of the Sankwala Mountains in southeastern Nigeria. The plateau rises approximately 1,576 meters (around 5,171 feet) above sea level, offering a temperate climate and stunning panoramic views. It is renowned for its lush, rolling green hills, misty mornings, and a semi-temperate climate that contrasts sharply with Nigeria’s typically tropical heat.
Tourism highlights include the famous Obudu Mountain Resort, featuring world-class chalets, culinary experiences, and Africa’s longest cable car ride which spans 4 kilometers and presents breathtaking views of valleys, forests, and waterfalls. The protected Becheve Nature Reserve on the plateau supports rich biodiversity, including over 250 bird species, and features a spectacular canopy walkway suspended high above the forest floor.
Outdoor enthusiasts also enjoy hiking trails, trekking to hidden waterfalls, and soaking in the cultural heritage of the local communities through festivals and traditional cuisines.
Advocates argue that President Tinubu’s patronage of Obudu could encourage domestic tourism, stimulate local economies, and project a positive image of Nigeria internationally, reducing the costly frequency of foreign trips. The plateau stands as a symbol of Nigeria’s natural and cultural wealth, calling for recognition and appreciation at home.