Rebirth Of The Iconic Presidential Hotel Enugu As Governor Mbah Commission The Once Abandoned Hotel

A Revival of a Historic Icon

Built in 1963 during the Eastern Region era under Premier Dr. Michael Okpara, Hotel Presidential was a symbol of regional pride—an architectural gem that once served visiting dignitaries and tourists.

Located at Independence Layout, the elegant seven‑storey hotel features 100 rooms and once boasted amenities like an Olympic‑standard swimming pool, tennis courts, and a nightclub

For about 15 years, the hotel lay abandoned—walls cracked, overrun by weeds, and even turned into grazing land for cattle. Concession plans and legal battles stalled restoration efforts, while its value as a once‑premier hospitality site faded into neglect.

In 2024, the Enugu State government awarded a contract to revive the hotel—part of a broader initiative to convert dormant assets into engines of economic growth  .

The moment of vindication arrived in August 2025, when Governor Peter Mbah formally recommissioned the fully rehabilitated Hotel Presidential. The revived property now includes modern rooms and suites, upgraded safety systems, reliable utilities, contemporary conference and event spaces, elevated culinary offerings, and full digital comforts  .

This bold restoration effort is part of Mbah’s plan to revitalize Enugu’s economy seven‑fold to at least $30 billion, and to drive tourism, investment, and job creation  .

The rehabilitation, carried out via concessionaire Amber Hospitality, has already sparked economic activity—creating direct jobs and boosting sectors like catering, events, engineering, landscaping, and local supply chains.

Why It Matters
• Restoring Heritage: The hotel’s revival is a tribute to Enugu’s cultural legacy and vision for the future.
• Economic Catalyst: It exemplifies how reviving dormant infrastructure can spur broad economic development.
• Tourism & Hospitality Boost: Coupled with the ongoing ICC Hotel and Aviation projects, the refurbished Hotel Presidential positions Enugu as a rising hub for conferences, tourism, and investment events.

#igbo #nigeria #africa #destination #enugu #travel #hotel