Mbah Unveils Reconstructed Hotel Presidential In Enugu, Says It’s Catalyst for Growth.

Mbah has unveiled revived 62-year-old Hotel Presidential, calling it a homecoming for history and a catalyst for growth.

Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, has unveiled the reconstructed Hotel Presidential in Enugu, a landmark built 62 years ago under the administration of the former Premier of the defunct Eastern Region, Dr Michael Okpara.

Performing the unveiling on Thursday, Mbah described the revival of the hotel as “a homecoming for history”, lamenting that the once-proud edifice had rotted away for more than 15 years. He said the project was part of his campaign pledge to recover moribund state assets and grow Enugu’s economy sevenfold.

“Sixty-two years ago, our forebears under the visionary leadership of Dr Michael Okpara built this landmark as a symbol of Eastern Region’s resilience, elegance and enterprise,” Mbah declared.

Over the decades, time and neglect dimmed that light. For about 15 years, this glorious edifice stood as an affront to our pride, as something contrary to what we represent.

We came into office with a strong pledge: to recover what belongs to our people, convert dormant assets into productive assets; turn liabilities into engines of growth.

That is why this unveiling is more than opening the doors of a hotel; it is the reopening of Enugu’s confidence. It is a tangible sign that when we say Enugu is open for business, we mean business.

The governor stressed that the standards for the hotel’s reconstruction were “truly world-class”, insisting that Enugu’s hospitality must match the credibility of its policies.

“Our hospitality ecosystem today is simply inspiring: the 5,000-seat International Conference Centre (ICC) now anchors Enugu’s conferencing ambitions; the adjacent 5-star, 345-room ICC Hotel under construction will deliver premium ‘keys’ for large events; Enugu Air, which has given wings to our dreams and announced the scale of our vision to the world; and now, the renewed Hotel Presidential adds a full-service icon back into the mix,” Mbah said.

“None of this is a whimsical project; they are connecting dots on a large canvas. These assets are crucial to our aim to welcome up to three million annual tourist visits and to make Enugu the Conferencing Capital of Africa.”

Highlighting the economic impact, he said: “The economic value is already visible. This hotel alone supports hundreds of direct jobs, culinary and events teams, engineering, landscaping, suppliers, and several other opportunities.

Every conference day books our taxis and CNG buses; every visiting family discovers our art, our music, our cuisine, and our warmth.

“And the signal to investors is even bigger: when government shows it can recover assets, fix the fundamentals, and protect investments, private capital follows. That is why you see momentum across other moribund assets like UPPL, Sunrise Flour Mill, Nigergas; International Conference Centre, and a host of others.”

Mbah commended Amber Hospitality, the concessionaire managing the reconstructed hotel, “for believing in Enugu’s potential”, noting that “they bring on board an enviable pedigree, earned through the efficient management of about 12 successful brands in the hospitality sector”.

He also praised the contractors, Dilworth, and successive Commissioners for Works and Infrastructure and Culture and Tourism “for their attention to detail and dedication to this project”.

Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, said: “The silence has been broken; the lights are on — never to dim again; the doors are open — never to shut again; and the spirit of Enugu is back, stronger and brighter than ever.”

Former Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Dr Sunday Onyebuchi, lauded Mbah’s pace in reviving dormant assets, remarking: “Your mantra says that tomorrow is here, but you have resurrected yesterday today.”

Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Igwe Samuel Asadu, applauded the governor’s string of projects, saying: “If you are not tired of commissioning projects, we will not be tired of coming out. We have never seen it this way. Your leadership in Enugu State is legendary and monumental. There is no vacancy in Lion Building in 2027.”

Chairman of Enugu North Local Government Area, Dr Ibenaku Onoh, also hailed the governor’s “transformative leadership”, assuring him of the people’s continued support.