The acting manager of Bebi Airstrip in Obudu LGA, Cross River State, Mr Oko Kelvin, has revealed that the facility will soon become fully operational.
He disclosed that within this year, three light aircraft have already landed on the airstrip.
He made this disclosure during an inspection of the facility by the Commissioner for Aviation, Captain Enoh Utum Inah.
The manager highlighted some challenges faced by the airstrip, including encroachment, willful destruction of government property due to a dilapidated fence, and obsolete equipment, among others.
Speaking during the tour, the commissioner said when fully resuscitated, the Bebi Airstrip will unlock economic opportunities due to the presence of the Obudu German Hospital and the Canadian University.
He stated that with the establishment of the Obudu German Hospital, it is vital to restore the Bebi Airstrip to attract tourists from around the world.
His words, “It is expedient to revamp the Bebi Airstrip to encourage the inflow of people from across the globe for tourism.
“I am impressed with the speed of development in Cross River State, particularly in Obudu LGA. With the establishment of the Canadian University and the German Hospital to complement the already existing Obudu Cattle Ranch, there’s a need for rehabilitation of the Bebi Airstrip to encourage tourism.”
“As a state, we are conscious of what we are doing, and we have sought the collaboration of investors both locally and internationally. We believe in action, and soonest, the fruits of what I am saying will be seen,” he stated.