Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has announced plans to convert the newly built Government House in Umuahia into a luxury 5-star hotel.
The decision comes after the facility, commissioned by former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, was found to be incomplete and in a state of disrepair.Upon assuming office, Governor Otti discovered that the New Government House, located at Ogurube Layout, was far from ready for occupancy. The building's ground floor was furnished, but the upper floors lacked essential installations such as electrical systems, air conditioning, and elevators. Additionally, parts of the fence had collapsed, and the overall structure resembled a construction site rather than a functional government facility .
Governor Otti emphasized that refurbishing the Government House was not a priority. He stated that his administration was focused on projects that directly benefit the people of Abia, such as improving infrastructure, healthcare, and education. He noted that resources were scarce and needed to be directed toward more critical needs .
Given the building's current state and the financial constraints, Governor Otti proposed converting the facility into a 5-star hotel. This initiative aims to generate revenue for the state and create job opportunities, while also preserving the structure's architectural value. The Governor's spokesperson described the current state of the building as "like a carpentry workshop and a showroom," highlighting the need for significant investment to make it habitable .
The public has expressed mixed reactions to the Governor's decision. Some commend the initiative to repurpose the building for economic gain, while others question the allocation of funds for such a project amid ongoing infrastructural challenges in the state. Governor Otti remains committed to his vision of transforming Abia into a state with improved amenities and services for its residents.
As plans for the 5-star hotel move forward, the administration is expected to provide more details on the project's scope, timeline, and expected impact on the local economy.
