Governor Ikpeazu set to revive abandoned Enyimba Hotel 34 years after

•As ACCIMA signs N6bn reconstruction MoU with Swiss International

 

Taking a new leap in promoting and positioning Abia State on global tourism map and a preferred MICE destination in Nigeria, the Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has flagged off the signing of an MoU by  Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA) with a global hotel brand, Swiss International Hotel and Resort, for the completion of the abandoned Enyimba Hotel project.

The project, which will bring a new lease of life to the hospitality ambience of Abia State, is to engage a global brand for the reconstruction of the N6 billion Swiss International Hotel Enyimba.

Speaking during the signing of partnership with Swiss International Hotels & Resorts for the reconstruction work of the hotel, Governor Ikpeazu said that the commercial hub of the state lacked hotel facilities that were commensurate with the level of activities in the city.

“This move is a dream come true, because Aba is known for many important and strategic positions in terms of trade and commerce, especially in small and medium enterprises.

“What we lack is a state-of-art hotel within the environment and landscape of Aba. This huge gap has militated against development because we understand that no billionaire would like to invest in a place where he cannot pass the night and with this, it will attract the presence of high profile investors to Aba,” he said.

Ikpeazu thanked the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA) for the effort at getting Swiss International Hotels and Resorts to collaborate in reviving the hotel.

He also promised government’s support for the full realisation of the revival in any way possible.

Earlier at the event, the Chairman of ACCIMA, Nze Marculey Nwankwo, stated that the abandoned hotel with a total of 14.28 acres of land with a registration number RC 28277 was commenced in 1982 by Sam Mbakwe.

According to Nwankwo, “the renovation of the five star hotel is a milestone in Dr Ikpeazu’s administration” and commended the leadership and the fighting spirit of ACCIMA towards achieving the feat.

One of the partners and Chairman, Investory Signature Limited, Hon. Daniel Okeke, hinted that with the strategic location of Aba and it’s commercial potential, the proposed Swiss Hotel Enyimba Aba as a renowned global brand would suit the quest of intending investors and serve as recreation center in the commercial haven.

Chief Okeke emphasised that with the debut of Swiss International Hotels & Resorts in Aba, it will make the city a preferred MICE destination in the South East of Nigeria.

The Managing Director, Africa, Swiss International Hotels & Resorts, Dr Wasiu Babalola shortly after the signing of the partnership agreement disclosed that the hotel will be upgraded and will have 161 rooms, including 16 executive suites and four presidential suites, among other facilities.

Babalola hinted further that on completion, the hotel will provide job opportunities for direct employment of about 250 people and indirect employment for over 2000 people.

In his remark, the President, ACCIMA, Sir Emmanuel Obiora Nwakpadolu, lauded the tourism vision of the governor vis-a-vis support for the completion the project.

The Commissioner for Trade, Investment & Tourism, Abia State, Mrs Kate Nwosu, hinted that Abia State is a tourism friendly and the Dr Ikpeazu led administration is ready to support any viable project for the advancement of the tourism and hospitality sector.

She reiterated the fact that ACCIMA has played a vital role in bringing a world-class hotel to Aba through their partnership with a reputable global brand of Swiss International Hotels & Resorts as it would help drive the business tourism of Abia State and open up other areas that would keep attracting tourists to Aba specifically.