Enugu Celebrates as Gov Mbah Reopens Historic Hotel Presidential
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Thursday unveiled the reconstructed Hotel Presidential, originally established 62 years ago by former Eastern Region premier Dr. Michael Okpara, describing the revival as “a homecoming for history.”
Jungle-Journalist.Com reports that the governor praised Dr. Okpara’s vision and lamented the hotel’s 15-year decline, emphasizing that restoring the iconic structure aligns with his campaign promise to recover Enugu’s dormant assets and grow the state’s economy sevenfold.
“Sixty-two years ago, our forebears under Dr. Okpara built this landmark as a symbol of resilience, elegance, and enterprise. Over the decades, neglect dimmed that light,” Mbah said. “This reopening is more than a hotel launch—it is Enugu’s confidence restored. It signals that when we say Enugu is open for business, we mean business.”
The governor highlighted that the hotel’s standards are world-class, part of a broader vision that includes the 5,000-seat International Conference Centre, a new 345-room ICC Hotel, and Enugu Air, all designed to position Enugu as a regional tourism and conferencing hub.
Mbah also stressed the economic impact, noting that the hotel will create hundreds of jobs across hospitality, culinary, events, and allied services, while sending a strong signal to investors that Enugu protects private capital and recovers moribund assets like UPPL, Sunrise Flour Mill, and Nigergas.
He commended Amber Hospitality, the hotel concessionaire, and contractors Dilworth for their professionalism, and recognized the contributions of past and present commissioners of works, infrastructure, and culture.
In her remarks, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, praised the governor, saying: “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 Dr. Sunday Onyebuchi lauded Mbah for reviving old assets, while HRH Igwe Samuel Asadu, chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, celebrated the governor’s rapid commissioning of multiple projects, including Enugu Air, transport terminals, and the reconstructed Hotel Presidential.
Jungle-Journalist.Com notes that the project underscores the state’s commitment to infrastructure-led growth and signals a new era for tourism, investment, and hospitality in Enugu.
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