Gov Mbah Inaugurates Oranto International Airport Hotel, Enugu
● Ferdy Agu
…Engr. Arthur Eze recounts how Mbah spurred him to action
…Enugu Air in the horizon
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, oon Friday inaugurated the Oranto International Airport Hotel in Enugu, describing it as a significant addition to his administration’s drive to establish Enugu as Nigeria’s foremost destination for business, investment, tourism, and quality living.
The ceremony also highlighted the journey of the hotel’s completion, as Prince Arthur Eze, Chairman of Oranto and a renowned business mogul, expressed gratitude to Governor Mbah for his unwavering encouragement and transformative vision for Enugu.
Speaking at the event, Governor Mbah praised Prince Eze for prioritizing the hotel’s completion, noting its strategic importance to his administration’s broader plans. “This event transcends the mere symbolism of cutting a ribbon,” Mbah said. “It signifies a major step closer to our vision of positioning Enugu State as the premier destination for investment, business, and tourism.”
Gov Mbah (middle); Engr. Arthur Eze (in white by Gov’s right) and others in Enugu, Friday. (Photo credit: Enugu Govt. House Press).
Mbah further linked the hotel’s opening to the impending launch of “Enugu Air,” which aims to operationalize the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and attract at least 3 million visitors annually.
“For us, operationalizing the airport goes beyond the procurement of aircraft or plying routes. It’s about making Enugu a hub where travelers from different destinations can transit seamlessly. And you can’t have a hub without an international-standard hotel near the airport,” Mbah explained. “This hotel perfectly aligns with that vision, and I must commend my elder brother and friend, Prince Arthur Eze, for making it happen.”
In his remarks, Prince Arthur Eze recounted the challenges faced during the project, revealing how Governor Mbah’s persistence and vision inspired him to push forward.
“I encountered a lot of disappointments with this project,” Eze said. “But earlier this year, the governor called me and said, ‘Please, sir, I want you to commission the Oranto International Airport Hotel. If you have no money, I will send some, but this has to be done.’”
Eze continued, “At another time, he reassured me, ‘Don’t worry about the money; I will provide it.’ That challenge inspired me. I started working day and night. Today, the hotel is here for commissioning because of Governor Mbah’s encouragement.”
Oranto International Airport Hotel, Enugu. (Photo credit: Enugu Govt. House Press)
Reflecting on the governor’s impact, Eze added, “God indeed brought you to transform our state. Since your emergence, Enugu has become the heartland of Igboland and Eastern Nigeria. Abandoned assets like the airport, the International Conference Centre, and Hotel Presidential are coming back to life. This has all happened in just a little over one year.”
The Oranto International Airport Hotel is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing Enugu’s status as a regional hub, contributing to the state’s economic growth and global appeal. GMTNewsng
