Charles Ogugbuaja:Mbakwe’s spirit resonates as Otti flags off reconstruction of Enyimba International Hotel Aba, Ukwa East Gen Hospital, inaugurates Ovom Road 

After 1979 the Enyimba International Hotel, Aba, was built to the stage it remained by the Sam Mbakwe administration before the military ousted the then civilian regime, no other successive administration had found it expedient to complete it, till now.

Imo Concorde Hotel, built also the same period, by the late governor, is functional, even being reconstructed now.

The sad commentary of the Enyimba International Five star Hotel, led to the conversion of the then abandoned gigantic edifice to all manner of illegal activities, such as squatters’ den, armed robbers, and other criminals blossom uncontrollably, unleashing mayhem on the innocent persons and residents on that corridor, for over four decades.

As a result, and in view of the enviable place the five -star international hospitality facility had in the late old Imo State Governor’s heart, it is evident that his spirit, wherever it sojourns, had been troubled because of the hitherto abandonment.

Today, Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the iconic then late governor’s spirit will resonate with joy as the incumbent, His Excellency, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, flags off the reconstruction of the 250- room hotel, sitting in Aba, the commercial hub of Africa, having Radisson Blu, to manage the hospitality / tourism destination home. Aba residents and all Abians are already rolling out drums to welcome Governor Otti, today.

The reconstruction of the hotel scheduled to be completed in 18 months, is breaking another jinx, just as it was broken when recently, the then dilapidated Igwu Bridge, better known as Omenuko River Bridge, was re- built to world class in six months and inaugurated by the Abia Governor, Dr. Otti.

Today, more prophetic words of faith are expected to be said by Governor Otti, fondly called Ekwueme Governor (meaning the governor who says and does as said/ promised).

The hotel has a total of 250 when fully reconstructed, but work will be done on 155 rooms in the first instance, with international conference hall and other facilities.

As a structured driver/ enabler in reducing unemployment in Abia State, it is envisaged that 5,500 persons would be employed, both directly and indirectly, to work at the hotel, at the end of the day. Who says that Governor Otti’s initiative, fixing several sectors is not paying off? Thumbs up for him.

Away from the flag off, is the commissioning of Ovom Road, in Aba corridor, today. The road had been riddled by erosion, sadly, also consumed many lives. But today, they are stories and history as the then erosion -prone road has been fixed and now excellently, motorable. The Abia governor is expected to make some chilling speech as he inaugurates it. Already, economic and social activities have returned and /are blossoming on that artery.

Equally significant to take place in the health sector, is the scheduled tomorrow’s flag -off of construction of the Ukwa East General Hospital, in Ohanku, by Governor Otti. He does not send representative/s to such occasions. He performs such functions by himself. That shows how serious and committed he is taking projects.

May God continue to guide him as he works for humanity. Amen.

Dr. Charles Ogugbuaja, Ph.D, is a concerned and proud Abian.