Enyimba Hospitality Zone: Examining Otti’s Vision, Prospects and the Future
Ebere Uzoukwa, Ph.D
Governor Alex Chioma Otti’s administration is poised to transform Aba, the great Enyimba city, into a hub of hospitality, tourism, and entertainment. At the heart of this vision is the Enyimba Hospitality Zone, a comprehensive project that will revitalize the abandoned Enyima hotel and create new facilities to boost the local economy. This ambitious project is a testament to Governor Otti’s commitment to transforming Abia State into a hub of economic growth and development.
According to Architect Uche Ukeje, General Manager of the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), the idea of constructing Enyimba hotel dates back to the era of Late Ukpabi Asika, then Governor of Eastern Region. Located at the popular Waterside, Ogborhill, Late Asika’s vision would translate to a reality when Late Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe, then Governor of old Imo State, finally constructed the Enyimba hotel. Unfortunately, the project stalled under subsequent administrations, including that of Orji Uzor Kalu, due to lack of clarity and purpose. The administrations of Theodore Orji and Okezie Ikpeazu equally failed in that direction. The previous administrations’ inability to complete the project resulted in the hotel remaining abandoned for decades, a symbol of missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential.
Governor Otti’s administration has taken a thoughtful approach to revive the project. By engaging with the previous owners, establishing the value of their investments, and securing their consent, the governor has demonstrated a commitment to doing the right thing. This move has paved the way for the Radisson Group, a renowned investor in the hospitality industry, to partner with the Abia State Government. The Radisson Group’s involvement in the project is a significant endorsement of Governor Otti’s vision and a testament to the potential of Aba as a hub for tourism and hospitality.
The Enyimba Hospitality Zone will comprise several facilities, including a 250-room Radisson Blue hotel, a 1000-capacity exhibition hall, a 2,500-capacity conference hall, an Aba Leisure Park, and a banquet hall. These facilities will be executed under a mixture of funding plans, including Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects and investments from the Government of Abia State. The project’s funding model is designed to ensure its sustainability and viability, while also providing opportunities for local businesses to participate and benefit from the project.
The Enyimba Hospitality project is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy. The project will generate employment opportunities for the people of Aba, both during the construction phase and in the long term. The hospitality zone will also attract visitors and investors from across the globe, putting Aba and its business and economic potentials on the global map. As the project takes shape, it is expected to stimulate economic growth, increase revenue generation, and improve the standard of living for the people of Aba and Abia State as a whole.
Furthermore, the Enyimba Hospitality Zone will play a crucial role in turning around the hospitality industry in Abia State. The project will create and sustain a hospitality supply chain in the City of Aba, providing opportunities for local businesses to thrive. The zone will also boost the State’s Agricultural value chain by promoting the use of local produce in the hospitality industry. This approach will not only support local farmers but also provide visitors with a unique and authentic experience of Abia State’s cuisine and culture.
In addition to its economic benefits, the Enyimba Hospitality Zone will also contribute to the social and cultural development of Aba. The project will provide a platform for the promotion of Abia State’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing the state’s music, art, and cuisine to a global audience. The zone will also host various cultural events and festivals, celebrating the diversity and creativity of Abia State’s people.
With the Enyimba Hotel set to become the only Radisson Blue in the East of the Niger, Governor Otti is committed to delivering this landmark project in record time. The governor’s vision for the Enyimba Hospitality Zone is a testament to his administration’s commitment to transforming Abia State into a hub of economic growth and development. As the project takes shape, it is clear that Governor Otti’s administration is on the right path, and the Enyimba Hospitality Zone is poised to become a model for sustainable tourism and economic growth in Nigeria.
The Enyimba Hospitality Zone is a shining example of what can be achieved through vision, determination, and good governance. Governor Otti’s commitment to transforming Abia State’s economy and improving the lives of its people is evident in every aspect of the project. As the people of Abia State look to the future, they can be confident that the Enyimba Hospitality Zone will play a significant role in shaping the state’s economic and social development.
Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa is the SSA to the Governor on Public Affairs.