Abia State Governor Alex Otti has revealed that plans are at an advanced stage to develop a 250-room five-star hotel in Umuahia, aimed at boosting tourism and business activities in the state capital.
He made the announcement during a civic reception held in his honour at the Umuahia Township Stadium, noting that a suitable location has already been secured and a partnership deal is close to being finalised.
“I got the draft agreement, which I shall sign this weekend to bring in a partner and sign an agreement for a five-star hotel, just like we are doing in Aba with the Radisson Blu,” he said.
According to the governor, the identity of the partner company will be disclosed during the groundbreaking ceremony. “It is a name that you know and a name you will be very proud of,” he added.
Otti reiterated that his administration is focused on sustainable development and responsible leadership, describing governance as a duty built on service and accountability.
“It is a privilege to serve our people and I personally see leadership as service and leadership as stewardship.
“Anytime you take away stewardship from leadership, it becomes self-serving, because for us, this is about stewardship,” he said.
He also pointed to several ongoing projects in Umuahia, including upgrades to the stadium and improvements in healthcare infrastructure, while assuring residents that only achievable projects are initiated.
“The transformation of Umuahia is at infant stages; it is just starting and we have clearly set out in our minds what we want Umuahia to look like.
“We are not comparing ourselves with anybody. We do not want Umuahia to look like Dubai; we want it to look like Umuahia.
“There are still a whole lot of things to do and by the time we are done, I want to assure you that it will never be the same again,” Otti said.
