Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has inaugurated the newly restored Ovom Road in Aba and formally commenced the redevelopment of the long-abandoned Enyimba Hotel, now rebranded as the Radisson Blu Enyimba International Hotel.
For years, Ovom Road had been severely damaged by gully erosion, posing serious risks to residents, businesses and commuters. The erosion had rendered the route nearly unusable, cutting off access and threatening surrounding properties. Under the current administration, the road has been fully rebuilt, alongside adjoining streets, with extensive erosion control measures put in place to prevent further environmental damage.
At the commissioning ceremony, Governor Otti described the completion of the project as a fulfillment of his electoral promises, noting that the area had suffered neglect for years as erosion steadily consumed nearby roads and infrastructure.
The governor also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Enyimba Hotel project, declaring that its revival signals a new chapter for Aba as a leading commercial destination in West Africa.
“This evening marks a rebirth. Abia is reclaiming its pride, and Enyimba is rising again,” he stated.
Governor Otti explained that the hotel project was originally conceived in 1972 by the then Administrator of the East Central State, Anthony Ukpabi Asika, as a symbol of post-war recovery and economic renewal. However, the seven-storey structure remained unfinished for decades, becoming a reminder of unrealised aspirations.
According to the governor, his administration is determined to change that narrative. He stressed that once his government publicly commits to a project, it becomes a binding obligation to complete and deliver it on schedule.
The first phase of the Radisson Blu Enyimba Hotel development will feature a 120-room five-star facility and a modern convention centre. Within four years, the project is expected to expand into a 250-room luxury complex designed to serve both domestic and international guests.
Governor Otti noted that the delay between the initial announcement in 2024 and the current groundbreaking was necessary to secure a solid operational framework and strengthen Aba’s infrastructure to support a global hospitality brand. He highlighted improvements in roads, sanitation, security, and healthcare as critical steps taken to prepare the city.
“No one chooses to visit or invest in places plagued by poor infrastructure, insecurity, and inadequate services,” he said, adding that Aba has emerged as one of the cleanest and most secure cities in the South-East.
Over the past 33 months, the administration, he said, has made strategic investments to align Aba’s business environment with international standards required for a top-tier hotel.
The governor expressed optimism that the hotel would elevate hospitality standards, attract fresh investments, and stimulate growth in sectors such as tourism, entertainment, and events management. He also urged residents to improve tax compliance, describing tax payment as a necessary investment in sustainable development.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Aba South, praised Governor Otti’s leadership, describing his interventions as a timely rescue effort that has restored public confidence in governance.
Similarly, Chief Leo Okoye, speaking for the Aba business community, commended the administration for revitalising economic activities and boosting investor confidence within a short period.
Chairman of the Greater Aba Development Authority, Ide John Udeagbala, highlighted the broader impact of infrastructure renewal across the state, noting that the revival of the Enyimba Hotel would create thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
Senior Director of Development for Africa at Radisson Blu, Mr. Erwan Garnier, described the project as a clear indication that Abia is ready for significant investment. He assured stakeholders that the partnership would deliver a hotel that meets global standards.
With the twin milestones of restoring critical infrastructure and reviving a decades-old landmark project, the Abia State Government says it is positioning Aba for sustained economic growth and renewed prominence.
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