RismadarVoice Reporters, April 11, 2026
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has disclosed that discussions are at an advanced stage with a reputable company for the construction of a 250-room five-star hotel in Umuahia, as part of efforts to boost tourism, investment, and business activities in the state capital.
Governor Otti made this known on Friday during a civic reception organized in his honour by the people of Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
He revealed that the proposed site for the hotel project has already been identified, adding that a partnership agreement is expected to be signed within the weekend, ahead of a formal groundbreaking ceremony.
“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,” the governor said.
According to him, the partners involved in the project will be officially unveiled during the groundbreaking ceremony, describing them as a “well-known name” that residents will be proud of.
Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to institutionalising good governance and sustainable development, stressing that leadership must remain anchored on stewardship and public service.
“It is a privilege to serve our people. I personally see leadership as service and stewardship. When you take away stewardship from leadership, it becomes self-serving,” he said.
He further explained that ongoing development efforts in Umuahia include the proposed five-star hotel, the Umuahia Township Stadium, and the Amachara Specialist Hospital, noting that his administration only embarks on projects it is confident of completing.
“The transformation of Umuahia is just beginning. We have a clear vision of what we want the capital city to become,” he added, stating that the goal is not to imitate other cities but to build a modern Umuahia with its own identity.
He assured residents that the state capital would undergo significant transformation under his administration.
In their separate remarks, stakeholders, including Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Mr. Austine Mmeregini, and the Chairman of Umuahia South LGA, Mr. Chinedum Enwereuzo, commended the governor for what they described as unprecedented developmental strides in the state.
They noted improvements in infrastructure, healthcare delivery, and social welfare, expressing confidence in the continuity of his leadership beyond 2027.
Former PDP State Chairman, Chief Uzodinma Okpara; Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Monday Ubani; and former Minister of Defence, Mr. Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, also praised the administration’s performance, describing it as transformative and people-focused.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Archbishop Chibuzo Opoko of the Methodist Church Nigeria, lauded the governor’s leadership style, describing it as impactful across multiple sectors of the state economy.
He, however, urged the administration to sustain the development momentum, particularly on key projects such as the Abia International Sports Centre.
The event also featured a major political development as a former federal lawmaker, Chief Oluchi Ibeji, alongside supporters and hundreds of defectors from other political parties, formally joined the Labour Party.
The National Secretary of the Labour Party, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, welcomed the new entrants, assuring them of equal opportunities within the party.
In his remarks, Chief Ibeji attributed his decision to join the Labour Party to Governor Otti’s “purposeful leadership,” pledging support for his re-election bid in 2027.
