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Over the weekend, Dr. Peter Mbah, the Governor of Enugu State, officially inaugurated the Oranto International Airport Hotel, a project he described as a key component of his administration’s vision for Enugu.
According to the governor, the hotel aligns perfectly with his plans to transform the state into a leading hub for business, investment, tourism, and a prime location for both residents and visitors to thrive.
Business magnate and Chairman of Oranto, Prince Arthur Eze, took a moment to reflect on the challenges and setbacks he encountered during the course of the project.
He expressed his gratitude to Governor Mbah, whose unwavering commitment to transforming Enugu City and his gentle but effective encouragement ultimately motivated him to bring the Oranto International Airport Hotel to fruition. Eze acknowledged that it was Mbah’s visible progress in the state’s infrastructure that played a crucial role in the timely completion of the hotel.
As the hotel was officially inaugurated, Governor Mbah took the opportunity to commend Prince Eze for his responsiveness to the government’s appeal for the rapid completion and commissioning of the project.
Mbah underscored the hotel’s importance in supporting the state’s broader infrastructural and economic goals, particularly the imminent launch of Enugu Air, the operationalization of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, and the goal of attracting 3 million visitors annually.
These initiatives, Mbah noted, would significantly elevate Enugu’s standing as a prime destination for business and tourism.
“For me, this event is beyond the symbolism of cutting a ribbon. This represents a notch closer to our dream to make Enugu State the premier destination for investment, business, tourism, and living.
Recall that in several fora, we have talked about operationalising our International Airport. And in few days time, we are going to launch the Enugu Air.
“What we have always talked about is that Enugu Air is not just about the procurement of aircraft and plying Enugu to Lagos routes. It is beyond that. For us, we want to make this airport a hub. And you cannot talk about an airport being a hub without an international hotel by the airport because the hub means that people flying to other destinations will have to stop over here to catch their flights.
“Recall also that we have talked about having a minimum of 3 million visitors come to Enugu every year. So, this connects with our vision.
So, a hotel of this standard really fits into our dream and I want to pay special homage to my elder brother and my friend, Prince Arthur Eze, for making it happen, he stated.
In his remarks, Prince Eze said, “I was under pressure as people I had funded to do the project disappointed. But, sometime this year, the governor called me and said, please sir, I want you to commission the Oranto International Airport Hotel. Do not delay or bother yourself. If you have no money, I will send money. But we have to get this done, sir, because it is in our plans to make Enugu airport an international hub.
“At another time, he called. He said, do not bring any money. I will bring the money to finish it. And then, my face changed. I started working day and night. I felt challenged and the hotel is here today for commissioning as demanded by the governor. So, I have nothing to say, but to thank God and thank you for the encouragement.