Politics

Addressing the Misconceptions Surrounding the Proposed New 200-Bed Imo Mariot Hotel:

Published

1 year ago

May 4, 2024

Ekwutos Blog

Addressing the Misconceptions Surrounding the Proposed New 200-Bed Imo Mariot Hotel:

—5 Facts to Note

By Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, May 4, 2024

Since the news of the proposed 200-bed Imo Mariot Hotel broke, many people have expressed concerns, largely stemming from sincere misconceptions. Here are five facts about the proposed hotel project that should be noted:

1. The Imo State Government, led by Governor Hope Uzodimma, is not building a hotel. Instead, the government is an equity partner in the proposed hotel project, meaning it is not making any financial commitments to fund the construction.

2. Regardless of whether the Imo State Government invested in the equity of the proposed hotel or not, the developers would have still built the hotel. However, the state government recognized the potential of tourism as a lucrative venture and chose to partner in the project to share in its financial rewards for the benefit of the state’s people.

3. The proposed 200-bed Imo Mariot Hotel will be built by Hassan Allam Holding and Punz Limited, with financial backing from Afrexim Bank and Fidelity Bank Plc. The state government serves as an equity partner by retaining ownership of the land and using it to secure a stake in the project’s equity, ensuring continuous financial returns for the state.

4. Imo State is renowned as the tourist capital of the southeast. By embracing this initiative to develop the state’s tourist infrastructure, the government is making a deliberate effort to expand the hospitality industry, which will have a catalytic effect on the state’s economic fortunes.

5. Those who argue that the state government should have focused on reviving Concord Hotel are right, but should that have precluded the government from exploring other opportunities to expand the state’s hospitality base? While the government is already exploring ways to restore Concord Hotel to its former glory, this should not preclude the state from pursuing other opportunities that may arise.

Politics

2027: I’ll defeat Matawalle by 10am – Gov Lawal

Published

19 minutes ago

July 10, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Ahead of 2027 general election, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has claimed that he will defeat the former Governor of the state, Bello Matawalle, if he makes a come back to run.

Lawal stated this on Wednesday while fielding questions on Channels TV’s Politics Today programme.

The statement comes amid speculation that he might switch camp to newly unveiled African Democratic Congress, ADC, following the intractable crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

However, the governor said he remains a member of the PDP, while also dismissing speculations that he was about to decamp to the All Progressives Congress.

Speaking about what would happen if the current Minister of Defense (State) Matawalle decides to seek a ticket for the governorship position under the APC, governor Lawal said he thinks there is no reason for him to fear anybody.

He said: “The truth of the matter is, when I contested in 2023 all these forces were there. They were all in APC when I contested in 2023 and I still won.

“What do you think will change now, in 2027 is it not the same Matawalle that I took over from? I’m praying to God that he should be the one under APC, and let’s see what will happen in 2027 I’m sure history will repeat itself.

“He’s (Matawalle) the one that will be an easier race, in fact, by 10am, it should be a walk over inshallah.”

Politics

Tinubu building on Buhari’s reforms – Former SGF, Boss Mustapha

Published

22 minutes ago

July 10, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha, says the administration of President Bola Tinubu is building on the foundation of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.

Mustapha said this at the public presentation of a book, “According to the President”, written by former presidential aide, Garba Shehu, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mustapha highlighted Buhari’s legacy of institutional reforms and praised Tinubu for sustaining and building upon them.

The Ex-SGF stressed that both administrations exemplify a commitment to systemic governance rather than personality-driven politics.

“President Buhari governed with duty rather than drama. He was driven by principles, not applause,” Mustapha stated.

Mustapha also highlighted key policy interventions during Buhari’s tenure, including the Petroleum Industry Act, large-scale infrastructure projects, military retooling, and the National Social Investment Programme, NSIP.

He hailed the former president for advancing reforms in agriculture, power, education, and the digital economy, describing these efforts as part of a broader architecture of inclusive development.

Politics

Otti thanks Tinubu for approving Federal Poly, promises security for Isuikwuato, Umunneochi

Published

40 minutes ago

July 10, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of Federal Polytechnic, Ngodo Isuochi, Umunneochi LGA of the State, promising that his administration would not discriminate between Federal and State institutions in Abia.

Otti, who received the Governing Council of the new Federal Polytechnic on Wednesday, said that the institution will be of immense benefit to Abia people.

He praised the Governing Council for securing accreditation for some courses and for the construction works at the permanent site of the Federal Polytechnic.

“For us, as a government, we don’t care whether an institution is Federal or State. We don’t pay so much attention to whether it is a Federal, State or local government.

“They are going to be used by our people anyhow you slice and dice it. The majority of the students in the Federal Polytechnic are Abia people”, he said.

Otti disclosed that a lot of attention was being paid to Uturu – Isuikwuato axis to further tighten security in the area, and said his administration was collaborating with security agencies to prevent every form of insecurity in his State.

Governor Otti informed his visitors about the battle he fought to dislodge criminals from Isuikwuato/Umunneochi axis of Abia, adding that he just held a security meeting with Abia State Director of DSS on on how to deal with security issues in Uturu where Abia State University is located.

Earlier, the Chairman Governing Council Federal Polytechnic Ngodo, Isuochi, Suleiman Oduwale said that the visit was to thank Governor Otti for granting Certificate of Occupancy for the permanent site of the Polytechnic and for providing other facilities and for upgrading security of the area.

Oduwale said that the improved security has sent a positive signal to parents to send their children to study in the school.