NEWS
Gov. Alex Otti Commissions Reclaimed Ovom Road and Launches Historic Radisson-Enyimba Hotel Project in Aba, Receives Praise from Mayor Timothy Kalu Iheke
In a bold demonstration of transformative leadership, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has officially commissioned the reclaimed and reconstructed Ovom Road, Aba, rescuing residents from a life-threatening erosion menace that had long plagued the area.
The ceremony also marked the official groundbreaking for the long-abandoned Enyimba Hotel, now to be redeveloped as Radisson-Enyimba Hotel, a flagship project in partnership with global hospitality giant, Radisson Blu.
Speaking at the premises of the future Radisson-Enyimba Hotel in Ogbor-Hill, Aba on Wednesday, Governor Otti delivered a speech titled “THE PHOENIX RISES”, reflecting on the remarkable turnaround at Ovom.
“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,” he stated.
Governor Otti also emphasized his administration’s commitment to strengthening Aba’s business landscape, aligning it with the requirements of a 5-star hotel ecosystem.
“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,“ Governor Otti said.
Acknowledging the historical contributions to the hotel project, Governor Otti expressed gratitude to the pioneers who kept the dream alive:
“I appreciate 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.
“I also thank 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 recognise 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,“ he stated.
Earlier in his address, the Director-General of the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), Architect Uche Ukeje recalled Governor Otti’s hands-on commitment, dating back to his 2024 visit to the Ovom Erosion site:
“Governor Otti promised residents he would recover the area and save their homes and properties. Aba is poised to become a choice destination for tourists from across the world,“ Architect Ukeje assured, providing detailed expectations upon completion of the project.
The project received high praise from political and business leaders. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe representing Abia South lauded the Governor:
“Governor Alex Otti’s unwavering commitment to infrastructural renewal and sustainable development, notably the construction of Ovom Road, stands as a clear testament to improving the quality of life for residents. His projects reflect purposeful governance and a deep understanding of the pressing needs of the people.“
Speaking on behalf of Radisson Blu, Mr. Erwan Garnier, Senior Director, Development – Africa, expressed confidence in the partnership:
“This project is a statement that Abia is ready for partnership. We assure that we would deliver a global standard hotel and value our collaboration with the Abia State Government.“
Contractor of Ovom Road, Chief Ifeanyi Okorie, highlighted Governor Otti’s decisive action:
“The deplorable condition of Ovom Street posed life-threatening risks. Governor Otti’s intervention reclaimed the entire area and demonstrated great commitment to reconstructing the road. We are grateful for the opportunity to fix it.“
Mayor of Aba North Local Government Area, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke, expressed heartfelt appreciation to Governor Otti, describing the developments as a dream realized:
“It is like a dream what we’re seeing in Abia State. From the first day you came out to contest the governorship, I knew there was going to be a change in Abia State. The character deposit we’ve seen in you is not disappointing, we’re all reaping the benefits of it. A friend of mine, the Nigerian Community President in Togo, came back, he woke up in the morning called me and said what he saw in Abia is unimaginable… The first Mbakwe started it, the second Mbakwe (been Governor Otti) is executing it. We’re all telling the story because you’re making our job as Mayors easy.“
Other dignitaries, including Board Chairman, Greater Aba Development Authority, Ide John Udeagbala, and Chief Leo Ike Okoye of the Aba business community, praised the Governor for his strategic investment in Aba’s road infrastructure and hospitality sector, pledging continued support for his 2027 reelection.
A minute of silence was observed in honour of the pioneers of the Enyimba Hotel project, while Aba-born artists such as Ruffcoin Nwa Aba, Exnel Nwa Aba, and Sugarlipz thrilled the audience with live performances.
The event attracted members of the Aba business community, traditional rulers, residents, and senior government officials, reflecting a shared optimism for the transformative agenda of Govern
or Alex Otti in Aba and Abia State at large.