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LANDMARK GROUP PARTNERS WITH ENUGU TO REVAMP NIKE LAKE RESORT
The chief executive officer of Landmark Group, Mr. Paul Onwuanibe, has finalised an agreement with the Enugu State government on a 35-year lease to revitalise the Nike Lake Resort to a competitive standard in Nigeria and beyond.
In line with the “Akurulo Igbo campaign” that’s calling all Igbo entrepreneurs to invest in Igbo land, Mr. Onwuanibe has taken the bold step to develop Nike Lake.
The aim of the 150-hectare Nike Lake Resort acquisition, according to Mr. Onwuanibe, is to make Enugu state a high-venture tourist hub that would welcome high-profile tourism within and outside Nigeria.
This agreement happened on Wednesday at the Enugu State Government House, where the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mrs. Adaora Chukwu, signed on behalf of the state government, and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Landmark Group, Mr. Paul Onwuanibe, signed for his organisation. Other witnesses include the state Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, and the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia.
What to know about Nike Resort
Nike Lake Resort was established in 1988. It is situated on the banks of Nike Lake in the Abakpa Nike district of Enugu. Initially, it was developed to blend modern comforts with the area’s natural beauty, offering guests a serene environment complemented by rich cultural heritage.
However, over the years, the resort experienced a decline in infrastructure and services, diminishing its appeal to tourists and residents alike. Recognising its potential, the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi initiated efforts in 1980 to transform the resort, aiming to restore its status as a premier hospitality destination.
But, it didn’t get to the peak expected, and the resort has trudged on along like an abandoned car.
However, this lease agreement with the Landmark Group under the Peter Mbah administration looks promising as Enugu people are in high expectations this time.
However, Governor Peter Mbah emphasised that this present partnership aligns with his administration’s broader strategy to position Enugu as a preferred destination for both tourism and investment.
The revitalisation of Nike Lake Resort is a significant step towards achieving this vision, reflecting the government’s commitment to sustainable development and economic diversification.
Anticipated Benefits of the Partnership
The collaboration between Enugu State and Landmark Africa Group is poised to bring significant benefits to the state and to the country as a whole. Such benefits include economic growth, which will boost local employment, stimulate small businesses, and increase revenue generation. It will also lead to upgraded facilities and services at the resort, which will attract a higher tourist attention that will place Enugu as a key destination in Nigeria.
Also, it will result in cultural preservation and display that will also offer visitors an immersive experience. The area of infrastructural development is not left as is. Improvements in and around the resort will lead to better infrastructure, benefiting the local community.
The partnership between Landmark Africa Group and the Enugu State Government marks a pivotal moment in the journey to restore Nike Lake Resort to its former glory. With planned investments and developments, the resort is set to become a beacon of tourism in Nigeria, offering unparalleled experiences to visitors and contributing to the socio-economic growth of the region.
