Birth of a Landmark – Sam Mbakwe’s Vision (1983–1985).
The Imo Concorde Hotel was the brainchild of Dee Sam Onunaka Mbakwe, the first civilian governor of old Imo State (1979–1983). Conceived as part of his bold industrialization and tourism drive, the hotel was envisioned as a world-class hospitality facility that would place Owerri on the global tourism and business conference map.
Construction began in the early 1980s, strategically located off Port Harcourt Road, Owerri, with sprawling grounds and panoramic views. By 1983, the Concorde had emerged as one of Nigeria’s most glamorous hotels, a 5-star facility boasting luxury suites, multiple restaurants, conference halls, a swimming pool, tennis courts, landscaped gardens, and elegant architectural designs matching the best in Africa.
When it officially opened in 1983, the Imo Concorde became a magnet for international dignitaries, celebrities, business moguls, and high-profile events. It was part of the Imo Hotels Group and stood proudly alongside the likes of the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos and the Nicon Noga Hilton (now Transcorp Hilton) in Abuja, a symbol of prestige, pride, and progress for Imo State.
Years of Decline – Military Era Neglect (1990s–2000s)
The glory did not last. Following the 1983 military coup and the exit of Mbakwe, successive administrations failed to maintain the hotel’s world-class standards. Poor management, lack of reinvestment, and the absence of a coherent tourism policy led to steady decline.
By the late 1990s and early 2000s, key infrastructure, from plumbing to electrical systems, had deteriorated badly. The once-modern furniture became dated, service quality fell, and patronage dropped sharply. What had been a crown jewel became a fading relic of past greatness.
Unsuccessful Rehabilitation Attempts (2000–2019)
For nearly two decades, there were multiple efforts to revive the Concorde, but none succeeded.
Achike Udenwa Era (1999–2007) – Early talks with private operators collapsed over concession disagreements.
Ikedi Ohakim Administration (2007–2011) – Introduced a public-private partnership (PPP) rehabilitation plan, but funding shortages and disputes derailed it.
Rochas Okorocha Era (2011–2019) – Hotel was stripped bare, looted and leased to a private firm under controversial terms. Some chinese cosmetic repairs were made, but deep structural and service issues remained. The hotel continued to underperform, unable to attract major conferences or international guests.
By 2019, the Concorde was a pale shadow of its past, outdated, underutilized, and far removed from its original status as one of Africa’s premier hotels.
The Uzodinma Intervention – A Turning Point (2021–Present)
When Senator Hope Uzodinma assumed office in 2020, his administration identified the revival of tourism as a key pillar in diversifying Imo’s economy. Understanding the Concorde’s historical, economic, and symbolic importance, he took decisive steps to end years of failed concession deals, repossess the property, and chart a new course.
In 2022, the Imo State Government sealed a groundbreaking partnership with Hilton Worldwide to transform the Imo Concorde Hotel into the Imo Concorde Hilton, a fully rebranded, globally managed, and ultramodern hospitality destination.
The transformation blueprint includes:
Complete structural overhaul of all rooms and suites to meet 5-star Hilton specifications.
Installation of state-of-the-art conference facilities to position Owerri as a top-tier MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) hub.
Revamped leisure and recreation spaces, swimming pool, spa, tennis courts, and landscaped gardens.
Smart hotel technology and eco-friendly energy systems.
Intensive staff retraining for international service excellence.
Economic and Social Impact
The Imo Concorde Hilton project is more than a facelift, it is a catalyst for economic revival. When completed, it will:
Create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs.
Increase tourism revenue and local business activity.
Draw international conferences, summits, and events back to Owerri.
Restore the city’s standing as a hospitality capital in Nigeria.
Crucially, this is the first time in over three decades that a fully funded, professionally managed, and internationally branded upgrade of the Concorde is happening. This speaks volumes about Governor Uzodinma’s foresight and execution capacity.
Ultimately – Vision Meets Purpose
The story of the Imo Concorde Hotel mirrors the Nigerian infrastructure cycle, visionary beginnings, years of neglect, failed revival attempts, and finally, decisive leadership breathing new life into a treasured asset.
Governor Hope Uzodinma’s move to bring Hilton into the Concorde’s transformation is a masterstroke, restoring not just a hotel, but a symbol of Imo’s ambition and pride. With Hilton’s global expertise and five-star reputation now anchored in Owerri, the Concorde-Hilton is set to redefine hospitality in the Southeast and beyond.
This is more than a project; it is a statement that with vision, political will, and the right partnerships, Imo can reclaim its glory days.
Nice one, Onwa Oyoko.
By Duruebube Uzii na Abosi
Chimazuru Oblong Nnadi-Oforgu
OBLONG MEDIA UNLIMITED 
Leave a comment