The Abia State Government has teamed up with the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (ACCIMA) to revive the long-abandoned Enyimba International Hotel in Aba.
ACCIMA President, Chief Geoffrey Uzoagbara, revealed during a shareholders’ meeting in Aba on Tuesday that the MOU specifies the state government’s role in attracting an investor to develop the hotel in collaboration with its shareholders.
Uzoagbara mentioned that individuals had invested in the hotel through ACCIMA, emphasizing that the shareholders have convened to finalize arrangements, allowing the government and investors to assume control and begin developing the hotel.
He further explained that since the state government sold the hotel to ACCIMA in 1991, the Chamber has faced ongoing challenges in its efforts to develop the property, encountering various obstacles along the way.
He noted that previous administrations had obstructed investment efforts related to the property.
He explained, “The property is owned by ACCIMA, having been purchased from the state government for a fee. Over the years, the chamber has faced challenges in developing the hotel. Various administrations in Abia state have come and gone, with each governor making statements that caused investors to pull out, which has been a significant obstacle.
“Governor Alex Otti visited us and expressed interest after we showed him the current state of the hotel. He emphasized the need to make the hotel operational and engaged with the board of directors.
“Given the genuine commitment of Governor Otti’s administration, we have reached an agreement with the state government on the property’s current value, and the MOU has been signed. While it won’t involve full government participation, state agencies will play a leading role.
“Investors have committed to the hotel through ACCIMA, and today we are finalizing arrangements for the government and investors to take over and begin development.”
In his speech, Sir Leo Ike Okoye, Chairman of Enyimba International Hotel, stated that the signing of the MOU signifies the shareholders’ agreement to restructure the company’s shareholding framework for better growth and development. Okoye revealed that the Enyimba International Hotel in Aba has been valued at N2 billion, noting that this valuation will be allocated based on each shareholder’s existing investment and incorporated into the new investment structure.
He said, “We have agreed that the Abia State government will help us attract an investor who can develop the hotel in partnership with us. The meeting was for the shareholders to confirm their MoU with the Abia State Government.
“This move would revitalize the long abandoned hotel into a five-star hotel beyond its original scope with a conference centre, 250 suite apartments, meeting rooms and other facilities.”
Okoye also revealed that the hotel, originally constructed by Chief Sam Mbakwe, the former governor of Old Imo State, was incorporated in 1991.
He noted that this initiative aimed to create a world-class hotel in Aba as part of a larger effort to improve the region’s hospitality sector and attract local and international visitors.
He highlighted the ambition to provide top-notch accommodations and services that meet global standards.
