Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, has commissioned the reclaimed and reconstructed Ovom Road, Aba, thereby saving residents from life threatening erosion manace in the area.
Governor Otti also flagged-off and performed official ground breaking ceremony of the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Enyimba Hotel project to be known as Enyimba-Radisson Hotel, a project being executed in partnership with the global hotel and hospitality brand, Radisson Blu.
Speaking at the premises of Enyimba-Radisson Hotel, Aba, on Wednesday, Governor Alex Otti said that in the past , the situation at Ovom was hopeless, but today the story has changed.
“A few years ago, the situation at Ovom was seemingly hopeless, but in less than two years, we filled a 42-metre gully that spread over 600 metres, enough to contain an eight-story building and swallow it.
“With rigid pavement technology and necessary control measures, we have not only ended what could have been an interminable disaster, we have also fostered a recurrence of an environmental nightmare of such magnitude in the vicinity,” Gov. Otti stated.
Governor Otti noted that in the last 33 months, he has made strategic investments to bring the Aba business environment in good alignment with the demands of a 5-star hotel ecosystem and assured that, in the next one year, his team would work together with Radisson Blu to deliver the project as planned.
“Over the next 12 months, our teams shall work closely with the civil engineering partners to deliver a 120-room facility, one that would be befitting of Aba’s rising stature as a major commercial and industrial destination in West Africa and beyond.
“Also to be delivered within the same period is a best-in-class convention centre to cater to the needs of businesses and public sector organisations seeking to find the perfect blend of novelty and class for their events.
“The outlook is that 18 months after, the business welcomes its first customer, the demand would escalate so rapidly that the only option would be to kick off the construction of another 130-room facility within this same vicinity.
“We are projecting that over the next 4 years, this venture will grow to a 250-room 5-star hotel, catering for local and international guests and events,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor, who appreciated the contributions of the then administrator of the East Central State, Ajie Ukpabi Anthony Asika, and former Governor of old Imo State, Chief Sam Mbakwe towards building the hotel, also thanked the leadership and members of Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA) for the efforts made over the decades to keep the dream alive, and recognised the titans like Nze C. O. Maduako, Chief Leo Ike Okoye, Chief Dr. S. C. Okolo, Chief Sam Ejimofor and Lord Chief Dike Udensi, who had partnered with ACCIMA to reclaim and salvage what had become a failed project by the mid-1990s – Enyimba Hotels.
“All these gentlemen who invested money in the Enyimba Hotel project have been recognised, and shares have been allocated to them and their successors. There are two that are alive, God will continue to keep them.
The Director-General, Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), Architect Uche Ukeje in remarks recalled how Governor Otti visited the Ovom Erosion site in 2024 and made residents a promise that he will recover the area and save their homes and properties. Architect Ukeje assured the Aba people that Aba is poised to become a choice destination for tourists from across the World. He gave the breakdown of what is expected on completion of the project.
The Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe commended the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, for what he described as remarkable and transformative leadership across the State.
He applauded Governor Otti’s unwavering commitment to infrastructural renewal and sustainable development, noting that the construction of Ovom Road stands as a clear testament to the administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life for residents.
Senator Abaribe reiterated that projects executed by the administration of Governor Alex Otti reflect not only purposeful governance but also a deep understanding of the pressing needs of the people.
Speaking on behalf of the Radisson Blu Hospitality brand, the Senior Director, Development – Africa, Mr Erwan Garnier said that the project is a statement that Abia is ready for partnership, assuring that they would deliver a global standard hotel.
While appreciating the relationship with the Abia State Government, he said that Radisson Blu values the partnership with Abia State Government.
Also, the Contractor of the Ovom street road, Chief Ifeanyi Okorie, recalled the deplorable condition of the Ovom street, with its life threatening gully erosion.
He narrated how Governor Otti’s intervention saved lives by reclaiming the entire area, and showed great commitment to reconstructing the road, and thanked him for engaging his company to fix the road.
In their various speeches, the Board Chairman, Greater Aba Development Authority, Ide John Udeagbala, the Mayor of Aba North, Mr Timothy Iheke and Chief Leo Ike Okoye of the Aba business community among others appreciated Governor Otti for his strategic approach in developing Aba through road infrastructural development and investment in the Enyimba Hotel. They assured the Governor of their continuous support for his reelection in 2027.
A minute silence was observed in honour of the pathfinders of the Enyimba Hotel project.
The event was attended by the Aba business community, traditional rulers, the excited residents and several senior appointees of the Government.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
