Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has officially commenced the long-awaited reconstruction of the iconic Enyimba Hotel in Aba, paving the way for its transformation into a 5-star, world-class hospitality and tourism hub.
Once a symbol of Aba’s commercial pride, the hotel had been abandoned for decades, standing as a reminder of neglect by past administrations. With Otti’s intervention, the historic facility is now set for revival under a redevelopment plan in partnership with international hospitality brand, Radisson Blu.
According to the state government, the project will meet global standards, create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and attract local and international visitors. Preliminary work has begun with the clearing of overgrown vegetation, signaling the start of full-scale construction.
The rehabilitation is also part of Otti’s broader urban renewal programme, which includes infrastructure upgrades, security enhancements, and investment-focused reforms aimed at repositioning Abia as a leading economic hub in Nigeria.
Business leaders and community stakeholders have welcomed the move, describing it as a bold step toward reclaiming Aba’s status as the commercial capital of the South-East.
Some residents expressed relief and optimism over the project. A construction worker at the site, who declined to be named, described Otti as “the saviour of Aba,” noting that at the pace of development, the city would be unrecognizable by 2027 due to the scale of ongoing projects.
Sir Aloy Atasieobi, a resident of People’s Road, Aba, said the hotel’s abandonment had turned the surrounding bush into a hideout for hoodlums. “With this reconstruction, the area will no longer serve as a haven for criminals. Instead, it will attract tourists and drive social and economic development,” he said.
Governor Otti has assured the public that the project will be executed transparently and accountably, stressing that the revival of Enyimba Hotel will uplift Aba’s image and deliver long-term socio-economic benefits to the state.
With construction now underway, excitement is growing among residents who view the hotel’s rebirth as a major milestone in restoring Aba’s reputation as the commercial heartbeat of the South-East.
