Celebration in Enugu as Gov. Mbah Reopens Reconstructed Hotel Presidential: “A Homecoming for History”

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Thursday officially unveiled the reconstructed Hotel Presidential, describing the revival of the 62-year-old historic landmark as “a homecoming for history.”

The hotel, originally established by the administration of Dr. Michael Okpara, former premier of the defunct Eastern Region, had stood neglected for over 15 years before its recent transformation under the Mbah administration.

“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 said during the unveiling ceremony in Enugu.

“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.”

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He reiterated that reviving the hotel aligns with his campaign pledge to recover moribund assets and grow Enugu’s economy seven-fold to $30 billion, adding:

“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.”

Governor Mbah emphasized that the hotel is not an isolated project but part of a broader strategic infrastructure plan designed to position Enugu as Africa’s conferencing capital and a major tourism destination.

“Our hospitality ecosystem today is simply inspiring,” he said, citing key projects like the 5,000-seat International Conference Centre, the 345-room ICC Hotel under construction, and Enugu Air, which he said had “announced the scale of our vision to the world.”

“These assets are crucial to our aim to welcome up to three million annual tourist visits. The economic value is already visible. This hotel alone supports hundreds of direct jobs… Every conference day books our taxis and CNG buses; every visiting family discovers our art, our music, our cuisine, and our warmth.”

He also used the occasion to underscore the government’s commitment to restoring other dormant assets, including UPPL, Sunrise Flour Mill, Nigergas, and more, adding that “when government shows it can recover assets, fix the fundamentals, and protect investments, private capital follows.”

Governor Mbah commended the hotel’s concessionaire, Amber Hospitality, for believing in Enugu’s potential and praised their “enviable pedigree” in managing 12 successful hospitality brands. He also acknowledged Dilworth, the contractors behind the renovation, for their attention to detail, and thanked past and present Commissioners for their contributions to the project.

In her remarks, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, praised the reopening, declaring:

“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.”

Other dignitaries, including former Deputy Governor Dr. Sunday Onyebuchi, lauded the speed and scope of Mbah’s work.

“Your mantra says that tomorrow is here, but you have resurrected yesterday today,” Onyebuchi said.

Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Igwe Samuel Asadu, praised the governor for commissioning multiple legacy projects in a single month, including Enugu Air, five transport terminals, 100 CNG buses, and now the Hotel Presidential.

“If you are not tired of commissioning projects, we will not be tired of coming out… Your leadership in Enugu State is legendary and monumental. There is no vacancy in Lion Building in 2027,” he declared.

Also speaking, Chairman of Enugu North LGA, Dr. Ibenaku Onoh, reaffirmed the people’s support for the governor’s transformational leadership.