Abia State Government has unveiled plans to partner Hilton International to establish a world-class five-star hotel in Umuahia as part of efforts to position the state capital as a leading destination for tourism, business and investment.
The proposed facility, which will operate under the DoubleTree by the Hilton brand, is expected to boost tourism, attract investors, create employment opportunities and strengthen the state’s growing economy.
Governor Alex Otti revealed the plan after an inspection visit to the new Government House complex at Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, where officials of Hilton International assessed the proposed site for the development of the world-class hotel.
The Governor represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, said the decision to partner with Hilton was informed by the company’s globally acclaimed standards and reputation for excellence in the hospitality industry.
He noted that the increasing influx of investors, development partners and government officials into Abia had created a growing demand for high-quality accommodation and hospitality services.
“Excellence is the hallmark of this administration. We carefully considered several options, but Hilton’s globally recognised reputation for hospitality and service made it the preferred choice.
“Abia is witnessing unprecedented transformation, and we need hospitality infrastructure that matches the expectations of the growing number of visitors coming into our state “, Governor Otti said.
The Governor added that the state was preparing to host major international events, including the forthcoming Africando programme, which is expected to attract more than 2,500 participants.
“Abia is open for business, and we are creating the infrastructure needed to support economic growth.
“With the Abia Airport under construction, the proposed seaport project and the thriving industrial activities in Aba, the demand for world-class hospitality services will continue to rise.
“We are confident that Hilton’s presence in Umuahia will strengthen tourism, attract more investments and further position Abia as a preferred destination for business and leisure”, he stated.
Speaking during the visit, Hilton International’s Executive Director for Development, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Ms Nida Sozugecer, described Nigeria as one of the company’s fastest-growing markets and expressed optimism about the proposed investment in Umuahia.
Ms Sozugecer commended the Abia State Government for creating an enabling environment for investors and said the company was making significant progress towards establishing the hotel.
She noted that Hilton viewed Umuahia as a strategic growth market and expressed confidence that the project would stimulate economic activities, attract more visitors and support the development of the state’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
“We have been operating in Nigeria for over 40 years and in recent years the country has become one of our top growth markets.
“Umuahia is certainly one of the powerful regional markets we are excited about. We have signed a Letter of Understanding and are making very good progress towards finalising the necessary procedures.
“We look forward to signing the agreement and bringing DoubleTree by Hilton Umuahia to reality as soon as possible”, Ms Sozugecer said.
Earlier, the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr Kingsley Agomuo, described the visit as a major milestone towards the realisation of the project.
According to him, Umuahia’s status as the political and administrative headquarters of Abia State has resulted in a steady influx of government officials, business executives and development partners, creating a growing need for world-class hospitality facilities.
Agomuo disclosed that following engagements between the Abia State Government and Hilton Worldwide in the United Kingdom earlier this year, DoubleTree by Hilton was selected as the preferred brand for the project.
He further revealed that the state government had already met about 98 per cent of Hilton’s requirements and expressed optimism that the visit would facilitate the next phase of the project, including the commencement of construction.
The Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr Matthew Ekwuribe; Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Chiemela Uzoije; Director-General of the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), Architect Uche Ukeje, and other senior government officials joined the inspection visit.
