Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has reopened the reconstructed 100-room Hotel Presidential in Enugu, the state capital.
Premier Michael Okpara originally established the hotel in 1963 for the old Eastern Region. After lying dormant for 15 years, the hotel has now been revived. Mbah said the project fulfils his campaign pledge to recover abandoned assets and expand Enugu’s economy.
He explained that the state adopted a public-private partnership model to ensure world-class standards and sustainable service delivery.
“Sixty-two years ago, our forebears, led by Dr Michael Okpara, built this landmark as a symbol of resilience, elegance, and enterprise. Over time, neglect dimmed that vision, and for 15 years the edifice stood as a painful reminder of lost pride.
“We came into office determined to recover what belongs to our people, turn dormant assets into productive ones, and convert liabilities into engines of growth. This unveiling is not just about reopening a hotel; it is about restoring Enugu’s confidence. It proves that when we say Enugu is open for business, we mean it,” Mbah declared.
He added that the refurbished hotel forms part of an ambitious plan to grow Enugu’s economy sevenfold, reaching at least $30 billion, and to achieve zero per cent poverty.
Mbah assured investors that his administration insisted on global standards for the revamp, so the state’s hospitality sector reflects the same credibility as its policies.
Highlighting the broader vision, he noted that the International Conference Centre (ICC), with its 5,000-seat capacity, now anchors Enugu’s conferencing ambitions. The adjacent five-star, 345-room ICC Hotel under construction will soon add further premium capacity. Enugu Air and the revived Hotel Presidential, he said, complete a hospitality ecosystem designed to attract three million tourists annually and establish Enugu as Africa’s conferencing capital.
“The benefits are already clear,” Mbah stressed. “This hotel alone provides hundreds of direct jobs and opportunities for suppliers, catering, events, landscaping, transport, and more. Every conference day boosts our local economy, while visiting families discover our art, music, cuisine, and warmth.”