As he Commissions Newly Renovated Hospitality Hub
By Kelechi Ekeledo
The Enugu State Government, South East Nigeria has commissioned the newly renovated Hotel Presidential Enugu, bringing back to life one of the state-owned assets that had been left in ruins, until the intervention of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration.
Hotel Presidential, Enugu, was first opened in 1963 by the government of the defunct Eastern Region under the late Premier, Dr. Michael Iheonukara Okpara.
Conceived as a symbol of post-independence pride, the 4-storey hotel; with 100 rooms, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, and other modern facilities stood out as the most prestigious hospitality hub in the old Eastern region of Nigeria, now South East and parts of South South geo-political zones.
But, its glory years faded by the late 1990s and for nearly two decades, the iconic landmark lay in ruins overrun by weeds, stripped of fittings, and even reduced to grazing grounds for cattle.
On assumption of office in 2023, Governor Peter Mbah pledged to breathe life back into moribund government assets, including Hotel Presidential, and return them to profitable use.
That promise this Thursday became a reality, as the hotel, refurbished and modernized, officially reopened for business.
The Governor said the revival of Hotel Presidential is only the beginning of broader efforts to unlock Enugu’s economic potentials and boost tourism.
ait.live understands that the Hotel has been concessioned to a reputable hospitality group, but beyond the business value, many residents see the reopening of Hotel Presidential as the restoration of a treasured piece of Enugu’s history and heritage.
Editor: Ken Eseni