By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Gov. Alex Otti of Abia on Wednesday flagged off the rehabilitation of the Radisson Blu Enyimba International Hotel into a five-star hospitality ecosystem.
Speaking during the occasion in Aba, Otti said that the project, formerly known as Enyimba Hotel, was originally conceived in 1972 by the then Administrator of the East Central State, Ajie Ukpabi Asika.
The governor noted that the hotel project which was initiated 54 years ago by Asika, symbolised resilience and faith in the future despite the social and economic challenges of the era.
Otti added that the governor of old Imo, Chief Sam Mbakwe, in 1981 reinitiated the construction works on the hotel, which produced a gigantic structure, but it was cut short by the military takeover in 1983.
He described the initiative as a “phoenix rising,” noting that the hotel project represented the enduring spirit and ambitions of the people of Aba.
“The vision of Enyimba Hotel was a rallying cry to our people to look beyond the misery of the moment and pursue the opportunities of the day with boundless optimism,” Otti said.
The governor called for a minute’s silence in honour of the late Sam Mbakwe and Asika, acknowledging their roles in laying foundations for development in the state.
Otti said that although the structure had remained uncompleted for decades, it stood as a metaphor for Aba’s story of endurance and eventual rebirth.
He said that the revived project would deliver a 120-room five-star facility alongside a modern convention centre designed to cater to businesses and public institutions.
He disclosed that the hotel would be operated in partnership with Radisson Blu, adding that the administration projected rapid demand growth within 18 months of opening.
Otti said that the long delay in executing the project was due to the need to establish a strong operational framework and improve the enabling environment in Aba.
He noted that over the past 33 months, Abia Government had invested heavily in road infrastructure, sanitation, security, healthcare and other critical sectors to align the city with the standards required for a five-star hospitality business.
“Business decisions are driven by infrastructure, security and service quality and nobody travels to destinations defined by poor roads and insecurity,” Otti said.
The governor said that Aba had emerged as one of the cleanest and most secure urban centres in the region.
Otti also said that the question was no longer whether a five-star hotel could survive in the city, but whether available capacity would meet demand.
He projected that the venture would expand to a 250-room facility within four years, creating jobs and stimulating growth in connected industries, including entertainment and commerce.
Otti urged residents and business operators to embrace higher standards and adapt to emerging opportunities, saying the days of mediocrity were over.
He also reiterated his call for improved tax compliance, describing taxes as investments necessary to sustain infrastructure and economic expansion.
Otti thanked development partners and stakeholders for supporting the revival of the project, expressing confidence that the initiative would reset Aba’s business landscape over the next decade.
In his speech, the Lawmaker representing Abia South Senatorial District, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, commended the governor for his infrastructural development across the state.
Abaribe said that the projects executed in various parts clearly demonstrate Otti’s commitment to delivering on his mandate.
He urged the governor to sustain the momentum, commending him for what he called the visible progress achieved so far.
In his speech, the Senior Director, Development, Africa, Radisson Blu, Mr Erwan Garnier, described the project as a milestone reflecting Abia Government’s vision to reposition Aba as a modern commercial and hospitality destination.
Garnier assured state government that Radisson would deliver global standards, operational excellence and sustainable returns, while building a long-term partnership with the government and people of Abia.
In his speech, the Managing Director of Amico Universal, Dr Hassan Mehdi, said that his organisation was honoured to contribute to Abia’s development through the landmark project, describing it as economically transformative.
Mehdi assured the governor of his company’s would deliver within schedule, strictly observing international standards, quality benchmarks and professional best practices throughout construction.
In his remark, the Chairman, Greater Aba Development Authority(GADA), Chief John Udeagbala, said that the hotel revival marked restoration of a strategic economic asset poised to stimulate investment, conferences and regional commercial growth.
Udegbala commended the governor’s decisive leadership and reaffirmed GADA’s commitment to sustainable initiatives that unlock value and create employment opportunities.
The Chairman, Aba North Local Government Area, Mr Timothy Iheke, said that the transformation in infrastructure, security and commerce reflected fulfilled expectations since the administration’s inception.
Iheke noted Aba’s growing peace and extended business hours, thanking the governor and expressing optimism for sustained development benefiting future generations.
Earlier, an Aba Industrialist, Chief Leo Okoye, described the project as a welcome development and Aba’s business community was encouraged by ongoing transformation across the city.
Okoye thanked the state government for visible progress and pledged sustained cooperation from entrepreneurs to strengthen Aba’s position as a leading commercial hub.
Earlier, the Director-General of GADA, Mr Uche Ukeje, said that the hotel would create about 2,000 construction jobs and 3,000 permanent positions, including opportunities along the proposed hospitality corridor by the Aba River.
Ukeje thanked the government and partners, including Radisson Blu, for sustaining the vision, and appreciated the host community’s cooperation, describing the milestone as promises faithfully fulfilled.
The project is being executed through a public-private partnership arrangement between Abia Government and Radisson Blu.
