After 40 years of neglect, Governor Alex Otti has set Abia on the path of economic revival as his administration partners with Radisson Blu to rebuild the long-abandoned Enyimba Hotel. With a five-star hotel and a state-of-the-art conference center in the works, the future of Abia’s hospitality industry looks brighter than ever.
The Abia State Government, under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, OFR, has taken a major step towards repositioning the state as a hub for world-class hospitality and tourism. On Friday, February 7, 2025, the state signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with globally renowned hospitality giant, Radisson Blu, for the reconstruction and expansion of the iconic Enyimba Hotel in Aba, alongside the development of an International Conference and Exhibition Centre.
This ambitious project will see the construction of a five-star hotel featuring state-of-the-art event facilities, including a 2,500-seat main hall, multiple smaller halls, and a vast exhibition space. The agreement was signed at Radisson Blu’s headquarters in Lagos, with Abia State’s Attorney General, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, and the Director General of the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), Architect Uche Ukeje, representing the state government.
Governor Otti’s administration has been on a relentless mission to revamp critical infrastructure and reclaim abandoned landmark projects that hold immense economic potential for the state. With Abia already witnessing rapid transformation in road infrastructure, security, and waste management, the investment in hospitality is expected to further enhance the state’s appeal to investors, business owners, and tourists.
The Enyimba Hotel, originally conceptualized by the late Chief Sam Mbakwe, former Governor of Old Imo State, was abandoned over four decades ago after the overthrow of his administration. Successive governments failed to revive the project, leaving it to rot. However, Governor Otti, determined to fulfill his promise of restoring Abia’s lost glory, took decisive steps to resolve all legal and contractual disputes stalling its development, paving the way for its rebirth.
The strategic partnership with Radisson Blu, one of the world’s most reputable hotel brands, is expected to turn Enyimba Hotel into a landmark hospitality facility that will cater to high-end travelers, business executives, and tourists. The international conference center will position Aba as a key destination for business tourism and large-scale events, ultimately boosting economic activities in the state.
Governor Otti has mandated that the new Enyimba Hotel be nothing short of a world-class masterpiece, reflecting global best practices in luxury hospitality. This bold initiative underscores his administration’s commitment to transforming Abia from a state plagued by infrastructural decay into a model of excellence, progress, and prosperity.
The signing of this MoU is yet another testament to Governor Otti’s resolve to create a new Abia—one that is equipped with the necessary infrastructure to drive investment, create employment opportunities, and enhance the quality of life for its residents. As construction kicks off, expectations are high that the revitalized Enyimba Hotel will not only restore the legacy of the late Sam Mbakwe but also mark a new dawn in Abia’s economic resurgence.
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