The Abia State government would create about 5000 direct and indirect jobs when the Enyimba International Hotel Aba is completed and opened. This was disclosed by Mr. Ukeje Uche , the Director General , Greater Aba Development Authority during the signing of the management agreement between the Abia State government and the Radisson Blu Group, an international hospitality management company. He said the hotel would create about 500 direct jobs while about 4500 jobs would be created through the value chain.

Speaking on the project, Mr. Ukeje Uche said the plan was to have a 250-room hotel when complete. However, in the first phase, 125 rooms would be completed, while the second phase would see the number of rooms increased to 250 rooms

By the agreement, Radisson Blu would manage the hotel when completed as a Radisson Blu brand.

The agreement was signed on Friday, February 11 at the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Signing on behave of the Abia state government, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna said the revitalization of the Enyimba International Hotel project was part of Abia State Governor Alex Otti’s promise to revitalize the city of Aba.

While signing on behalf of Radisson Blu, Mr. Ervan Garnier, the group’s Director of Development for Africa, said Nigeria was a top priority market for Radisson hence the effort to expand the number of properties. His words: “Nigeria is one of the four countries, out of the 54 countries in Africa that we are focusing our expansion. You can see Nigeria is a top priority country for Radisson Blu. Our objective is to double our portfolio in Nigeria. For that we have created a very specific strategy where we focus on key cities, and key states. Obviously Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt have been on focus for us, and then we have identified Eastern cities which include Aba which is in Abia State. This is why we are partnering with Abia State. We often look at existing properties, in this case Enyimba, which have multiple benefits, the benefits of often being in a prime location although built a long time ago. Looking at existing property like the one in Abia State allows us, the owners and Aba city to have a product in the market much faster.

“So, we are very excited by this opportunity and we believe that with the right team put in place, it will be a very successful and good journey for the state and the people of Aba.”

The project is expected to be completed within 24 months.