Governor Otti’s smart move: Converting Abia’s lavish government house to hotel

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has just made a brilliant and bold decision that deserves applause across the country.

Instead of occupying the new, luxurious government house built by former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, he has announced plans to convert the multi-billion-naira facility into a 5-star hotel.

This move is not just symbolic it’s deeply strategic, visionary, and economically sound.

It sends a clear message: governance should be about development and value creation, not wasteful luxury.

Let’s be honest, many Nigerian states are plagued by grandiose projects that serve no real economic purpose.

A classic example is the newly built government house in Kogi State, a massive structure reportedly worth billions of naira.

Yet, this is a state ranked among the poorest in Nigeria, with alarming poverty rates.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), over 90% of Kogi’s residents live below the poverty line.

The unemployment rate in the state is one of the highest, infrastructure is still weak in many parts, and several communities lack access to clean water, functional schools, and hospitals.

So what exactly is the value of a brand-new government house in the face of such pressing needs? It is simply a symbol of misplaced priorities.

Governor Otti’s decision to repurpose the Abia government house is the kind of leadership Nigeria needs today, leadership that focuses on efficiency, sustainability, and real impact.

Instead of living in luxury at the expense of the masses, he is turning an idle edifice into an economic asset.

A 5-star hotel means jobs for Abians from construction and renovation to hospitality and management.

It means a new stream of internally generated revenue (IGR) for the state through tourism, events, and conferences.

It also positions Umuahia as a potential hub for both local and international visitors, boosting business and investor confidence.

The economic logic behind this move is undeniable. According to PwC Nigeria, the hospitality and tourism sector has the potential to contribute over N2.6 trillion to Nigeria’s GDP annually if well harnessed.

By converting an underutilized government property into a hospitality business, Abia State is tapping into this potential.

It’s not just about the money, it’s about creating a thriving environment where private investment can follow, taxes can be collected, and people can earn a decent living. It’s about multiplying value from already sunk costs.

This kind of thinking should be replicated across Nigeria. States should assess their assets and look for ways to turn non-performing structures into income-generating facilities.

Do we really need 36 massive government houses, some of which cost more than it takes to fix an entire state’s school system? Imagine if half of these were turned into tech hubs, business parks, health centers, or hospitality ventures.

The ripple effect on youth employment, entrepreneurship, and innovation would be tremendous.

Governor Otti’s move is a quiet revolution. one that prioritizes development over decoration, results over reputation.

It proves that good governance isn’t about how grand a governor’s residence is but about how impactful his policies are.

Nigerians are tired of leaders who live large while their people suffer. What we need are more Alex Ottis leaders who understand that governance is about service, not self.

Other governors should take note. The era of using public office as a ticket to a lavish lifestyle is over.

It’s time to get serious about growing the economy, empowering people, and leaving behind a legacy of progress not just unproductive palaces called government house.

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