JUBILATION IN ABA AS OTTI FLAGS OFF RECONSTRUCTION OF LONG ABANDONED ENYIMBA INTERNATIONAL HOTEL
JUBILATION IN ABA AS OTTI FLAGS OFF RECONSTRUCTION OF LONG-ABANDONED ENYIMBA HOTEL
There was widespread jubilation in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, on Wednesday, February 25, 2025, as Governor Alex Chioma Otti formally performed the ground-breaking flag-off ceremony for the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Enyimba International Hotel.
The event marked the rebirth of a historic landmark that had remained neglected for decades.
It drew a large crowd of distinguished personalities from within and outside the state, including traditional rulers, notable politicians, top government officials, clergy, members of academia, captains of industry, market leaders, pro-groups, and members of the host community—Ogbor Ancient Kingdom—led by its traditional ruler, HRM Eze Sylvanus Azu Ukaegbu Egege.
Abia-born musicians, cultural troupes, and other entertainment groups added colour and excitement to the historic ceremony.
In his address, titled “The Phoenix Rises,” Governor Alex Chioma Otti said the reconstruction of the hotel was the fulfillment of a dream conceived in 1972 by the then Administrator of East Central State, Ukpabi Asika.
He disclosed that the project would be executed in phases in partnership with Radisson Blu, with the first phase of the seven-storey structure delivering a 120-room facility and a world-class convention centre, while subsequent phases would expand it into a 250-room hospitality complex capable of hosting both local and international guests.
In a chat with journalists, the Crown Prince of Ogbor Ancient Kingdom, Prince Izu Azu Ukaegbu Egege, described Governor Otti as a “God-sent leader,” praising his capacity for governance and his commitment to transforming the state, especially Aba and Umuahia.
He said the historic flag-off ceremony for the reconstruction of the hotel marked the end of decades of neglect and a turning point in the history of Ogbor Ancient Kingdom, Aba, and Abia State at large.
He recalled that the project was initiated in the 1970s and later advanced by the late Sam Onunaka Mbakwe before being abandoned in the mid-1980s.
According to him, it took a prepared and people-oriented leader like Governor Otti to finally revive the iconic landmark.
The Crown Prince assured investors of safety and the host community’s full support, describing Ogbor youths as enlightened, disciplined, and hardworking.
He also commended the governor for his timely intervention at the devastating Ovom Road gully erosion, which destroyed homes, businesses, and livelihoods, noting that previous administrations ignored repeated appeals for help.
He described the intervention as another reason the community would continue to support his administration.
On the 2027 election, the Crown Prince reaffirmed the unwavering support of the Ogbor people for Governor Otti, stressing that the host community would stand solidly behind him.
On his part, the President-General of the Abia State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), Hon. Chief Alphonsus E. Udeigbo, lauded Governor Alex Otti for his numerous achievements across the state within a short period in office.
He described the Enyimba International Hotel as a major landmark that would boost socio-economic activities, create jobs, attract investors, enhance tourism in the state, and restore Aba’s pride when completed.
On the re-election of Governor Alex Otti, Hon. Chief Udeigbo declared that there would be “No Vacancy in Government House, Umuahia, come 2027,” insisting that the governor had already delivered on his mandate.
He said the business community across the state is solidly behind the governor and urged Abians and other residents of the state to obtain or update their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and sustain prayers for his good health, long life, and continued success.
Similarly, Innocent Anosike, Coordinator of Abia Arise, Ekeoha Shopping Centre, Aba, expressed excitement that the long-abandoned Enyimba International Hotel was finally receiving attention.
He said traders and residents were happy to witness such a bold step for the first time since the creation of Abia State, describing it as a radical departure from the past.
On 2027, Anosike said that anyone attempting to reverse the gains recorded under Governor Otti or “Take the state back to Egypt” would be an enemy of Abia State.
He cited improved road networks, traffic lights, and solar-powered street lighting across Aba and other parts of the state as reasons the governor deserved a second term, stressing that traders and their families would use their PVCs to show overwhelming support at the polls.
Former Leader of Aba North Legislative Council (1999–2002), Hon. Bishop Collins Chikezie Ogbonna, said Governor Otti had turned around Abia State within two years, achieving what previous administrations failed to do in decades.
He described the flag-off of the hotel reconstruction as unbelievable and clear evidence of purposeful leadership.
On the 2027 election, Hon. Chikezie openly declared his support for Governor Otti’s re-election, stating that another four years would transform Abia State even further.
He described the governor as a prepared leader with vision, likening his leadership style to that of the late Sam Mbakwe.
Also speaking, Hon. Emeka Iheduru, former councillor of Eziama Ward 1, Aba North LGA (1999–2002), recalled how the hotel site had been abandoned and overtaken by hoodlums for decades.
He described the ceremony as epoch-making and a clear sign that Abia State had finally embraced good governance.
On re-election, Hon. Duru said the enthusiasm of the people showed that Governor Otti’s return in 2027 was a “done deal,” noting that residents were now voluntarily registering and updating their PVCs without persuasion.
The ceremony was a huge success. It marked not just the revival of a long-abandoned structure, but the opening of a new chapter in the development story of Aba and Abia State under Governor Alex Chioma Otti’s administration.
It also served as a platform for widespread endorsement of Governor Alex Chioma Otti’s leadership and a strong expression of support for his re-election bid in the 2027 general election.
