Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has described the siting of Hilton Hotel in Asaba as a vote of confidence in the state’s investment potential.
The governor stated this when he inspected the ongoing construction of a five-star Hilton Hotel in Asaba on Friday.
He said the hospitality project has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a thriving investment climate, urging investors to explore the existing opportunities in the state.
Mr Oborevwori, who was conducted round the site by the hotel’s proprietor and Chairman of J.I. Ejison Group, Joseph Ukeji alongside the project’s Technical Manager, Daniel Marais, described the development as a major milestone in the state’s tourism and economic drive.
He expressed satisfaction with the pace and standard of work at the project site, noting that the presence of an international brand such as Hilton in Asaba was a strong vote of confidence in the state’s investment potential.
He stated, “When the owner of this hotel approached me and said he was bringing a five-star hotel to Asaba, I asked what brand. He said Hilton. I said, ‘Ah, Hilton?’ That means something big is coming.”
He noted that the state government had provided access roads to support the project, adding that such infrastructure investments were essential in attracting and sustaining business ventures.
According to him, Delta State has consistently proven to offer attractive returns on investments.
He added, “If someone can come from across the Niger and invest billions here, it means there is value. There is nobody who has come to invest in Delta State who hasn’t seen a return on investment. If that wasn’t the case, they would not be here.”
He said the project was expected to be completed in nine months, but based on the progress seen so far, it could be ready even earlier.
“From what I have seen today, if they put in more effort, in six or seven months this hotel can be ready. And I will be here to inaugurate it,” he said.
The governor attributed the increasing flow of investments into the state to the prevailing peace and security, stressing that stability was a key driver of economic development.
He said, “If there’s no peace in Delta State, there will be no investment. People are moving here from Lagos to invest. Many from across the Niger own property here because Asaba is safe.”
He also used the opportunity to highlight other ongoing infrastructural projects across the state, noting that the government’s development agenda was in full motion.
Mr Oborevwori announced that the groundbreaking for the Ugbolu/Okpanam Road project would take place soon, adding that the first phase of the Oko Road had been completed and would be inaugurated soon.
He said government had awarded Nnebisi road, working to install additional drainage infrastructure from the Abraka axis in Asaba to ensure proper road resurfacing during the dry season in the state capital.
According to him, works are ongoing in other parts of the state including the Uromi Junction flyover in Agbor and the Otovwodo flyover, in Ughelli.
“This government is about more. With our “Renewed Hope for More” agenda,we are committed to doing much more for Delta State,” he noted.
The governor was accompanied by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, among others.
NAN