Earlier this afternoon, Enugu State Government hosted an elaborate ceremony, in which the historic Hotel Presidential Enugu was officially re-commissioned after decades of dormancy. The once-defunct edifice, built in 1963 under the visionary leadership of Dr. Michael Okpara, has now been revitalized and reimagined to meet international standards through the bold initiative of the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
Among the dignitaries in attendance was Aka Eze Aka, Chairman of Udenu Local Government Area, who also served as the Master of Ceremony at the event. In a brief but insightful chat with newsmen led by The Concourse Media, he shared his reflections on the socio-economic significance of the revamped hotel and the broader vision of the current administration.
Below is an excerpt from the exclusive interview:
THE CONCOURSE MEDIA (TCM):
Sir, congratulations on successfully anchoring today’s grand re-commissioning of the Hotel Presidential. As the MC and a leader within the State, what does today’s event signify for you and the people of Enugu?
AKA EZE AKA:
Thank you very much. Today’s ceremony is another monumental reawakening of Enugu’s legacy and potential. The re-commissioning of Hotel Presidential is symbolic. It represents the restoration of pride, of history, and of strategic foresight. For the people of Enugu and particularly for us in Udenu, it is a validation that our future can be built by reconnecting with our glorious past. His Excellency Dr. Peter Mbah has done something that goes beyond infrastructure… he has restored identity.
TCM:
Hotel Presidential was originally opened in 1963. What is the significance of this edifice, especially with regard to history and tourism?
AKA EZE AKA:
The original Hotel Presidential was a jewel of Eastern Nigeria, built under our foremost Premier, Late Dr. Michael Okpara. It served as a melting pot for diplomacy, culture, commerce, and elite hospitality. But, its abandonment, for over two decades now was like a scar on the face of our collective heritage. But today, what we see is a modern marvel, upgraded to global standards, yet grounded in pure historical essence. This project is a strategic tourism pivot that positions Enugu as a prime destination in Nigeria once again.
Aka Eze Aka handing over the Udenu Felicitation banner of the occasion to his people for display at the event.
TCM:
What are the economic implications of this revamped facility for the state and local economy?
AKA EZE AKA:
The economic implications are enormous. We are talking about direct and indirect employment opportunities, from hotel staff, tour guides, transport operators, suppliers, artisans, and more. Then, there’s the boost to local businesses, hospitality chains, agro-produce suppliers, creative industries, all benefitting from increased human and capital traffic. This facility will host national and international events, thus attracting investment and enhancing Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the State. In this sense, one can safely say (without fear of exaggeration or contradiction), that this is not just a hotel, but an economic engine.
TCM:
How does this project align with the Governor’s broader vision for Enugu State?
AKA EZE AKA:
Governor Mbah came in with a clear mission: to restore Enugu to the glory imagined by our founding fathers, and position it to serve the next generation of Ndi Enugu. Hence, the bold mantra: “Tomorrow is here,” which we as LG Chairmen cascaded down to our localities. For instance, in my own Local Government Area, Udenu, we say: “We are in touch with tomorrow.” Following this philosophical mantra, Mbah’s developmental stride means functional infrastructure, youth empowerment, digital transformation, security, industrialization, and a vibrant economy. Look around the state, and you’ll see roads, bridges, markets, ICT hubs, smart schools, all springing up. The Hotel Presidential is one of many. It is evidence that this administration is not just promising, but delivering with tangible results.
TCM:
As the Chairman of Udenu LGA, how do you plan to replicate or support this momentum at the Local Government level?
AKA EZE AKA:
Great question. At the local level, we are deliberate in aligning our micro-projects with the Governor’s macro-vision. In Udenu, we are investing in market modernization, rural access roads, education, and skills acquisition centers. With tourism now being revived, we are also identifying cultural and eco-tourism potentials within our communities. I have made an appointment in that regard, a Special Assistant on Tourism. It’s about synergy, Local Governments acting as functional extensions of the State Government’s vision.
TCM:
Finally, what message do you have for the people of Enugu State and Nigeria at large?
AKA EZE AKA:
My message is simple: believe in the vision, support the leadership, and stay engaged. We are in a season of rebuilding, and the dividends are beginning to manifest. The re-opening of Hotel Presidential is just a glimpse of the greatness that lies ahead. Enugu is rising again, not by chance, but by deliberate, visionary governance. Let us all be part of this renaissance.
TCM: Thank you Mayor, for squeezing out time to answer these questions.
AKA EZE AKA: Thanks and God bless you.
