Hospitality firm to berth maiden Hilton hotel in South East Nigeria

A hospitality and entertainment company, FIT Hospitality & Entertainment Limited, a subsidiary of FIT Group of Companies says it has officially inked a contract for the development of a 150-keys Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in Enugu.

The landmark construction contract was signed with SANA Global Projects Limited, an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contracting firm that specialises in steel building.

The Hilton Garden Inn Hotel is located in the Commercial Area of HELIU District, along the Enugu – Port Harcourt Express Way, Independence Layout, Enugu.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Enugu, Mr Victor Ogakwu, Chairman of FIT Hospitality & Entertainment Limited, said the agreement marked a pivotal moment in the realisation of the first globally franchised Hilton Hotel in South East region of Nigeria.

He added that the emerging HELIU Business District in Enugu was a project positioned to redefine estate development standards in the region.

According to him, the Hilton Garden Inn would feature 150 luxuriously furnished rooms, cutting-edge conference facilities, and signature dining options, including a rooftop bar and restaurants adorning traditional Igbo esthetics.

“The Hilton Garden Inn Hotel will offer world-class accommodation, exceptional service, and unparalleled amenities, catering to business and leisure travelers.

“This is as well as companions of patients admitted to the upcoming 250-bed multi-specialty hospital being developed by FIT Healthcare Limited, also a subsidiary of FIT Group, ” he said.

Ogakwu said that with it’s position, the hotel would serve as a premium destination for business, leisure, and cultural tourism.

According to him, the FIT Hospitality partnership with the globally renowned Hilton Worldwide underscored the commitment of the company to operational excellence and superior guest experience.

“We are thrilled to engage SANA Group as the contractor to deliver this turnkey hotel project with its unique steel building technology, the first of such a building in Enugu.

“This project underscores our commitment to driving economic growth and tourism development in this region, ” Ogakwu said.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FIT Hospitality & Entertainment Limited, Chief Loretta Aniagolu expressed her enthusiasm over the project.

“This agreement brings us one step closer to creating an iconic development that will not only boost tourism but also catalyse economic growth in Enugu State.

“The Hilton Garden Inn is set to become a beacon of excellence, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and creating vibrant business opportunities in the State, “she said.

Aniagolu said that SANA Global Projects which were chosen for their expertise and track record of successful infrastructural projects, would oversee the development of ‘this world-class facility.”

Responding, the Managing Director of SANA , Dr Alaa Alghadban said they were excited to be engaged by FIT Hospitality & Entertainment Limited to execute “this prestigious project”.

“We share in FIT Group’s vision for excellence, and we are determined to ensure that the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel becomes a flagship destination in Enugu, ” he said.

Alghadban promised to complete and deliver the project in 18-months period.

Dr Ike Chioke, Managing Director of Afrinvest Capital Limited, one of the financiers of the project said they were planning to launch a N25 billion fund to support the project.

He said that the project would serve as a gateway to attracting more revenues to the State.