The Abia State Government, under the leadership of Governor Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the globally renowned hospitality brand Radisson Blu for the reconstruction and expansion of Enyimba Hotel in Aba, along with the development of an International Conference and Exhibition Centre.
The hotel project is expected to be a hospitality masterpiece featuring a world-class Five-star hotel, event facilities, including a 2,500-seat main hall, multiple smaller halls, and a large exhibition space.
The MoU which was signed earlier today, Friday 7th February, 2025, at the Radisson Blu’s headquarters in Lagos, saw the Honourable Attorney General of the state, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna and the DG of Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), Architect Uche Ukeje represent the State Government.
The signing marks another turning point in the life of the Alex Otti led-government in its quest to revamp moribund industries and institutions in the state, a move that has continued to attract applause and commendations from Abians.
With its commendable achievements in road infrastructure, security and waste management, the state has seen a serious upsurge in the population of people trooping to Aba and Umuahia, a development that requires that the state invest massively in the hospitality industry.
The Enyimba Hotel which was started by the foremost former Governor of Old Imo State, Chief Sam Mbakwe was abandoned midway over four decades ago, following the overthrow of the democratic government of that time, sadly, subsequent military and democratic governments didn’t make any attempt to reclaim the iconic project.
To ensure that the project would be both massive and monumental on completion, the Abia State Chief Executive opted for a brand that is both renowned and reputable in the hospitality business, and gave a directive that the New Enyimba Hotel which will be a Five-star hotel, must have all the features that would make it a beauty to behold and destination point for business people and tourists.
Governor Otti’s vision to recover the structure and bring to fruition the Mabakwe vision, was manifested in the enormous efforts and passion he had put in, in resolving every legal and contractual issues that earlier threatened the plans he has concerning the project.
The signing of the MoU further underscores Governor Otti’s determination to fulfil his promise of complete turnaround of the state from the near slum-status it wore over the years to a model state with the requisite infrastructure, beauty, ambiance and the economic wherewithal to make the inhabitants comfortable and happy.
