Jonathan flags off Best Western in Yenagoa, reveals how hoteliers made away with grants

Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, has made a rare public appearance in his state capital where he flagged off a top-class hotel brand in his home state, Bayelsa. He however revealed how those he gave revolving funds as governor to boost hotels in the state wade away with it. He said this act formed the dearth of angel funding of most private ventures in the state.

Jonathan spoke at the opening of Best Western Plus in Yenagoa last week where he was joined by the state governor, Douye Diri, at the grand opening at ‘The Oxbow Lake’ to mark a new era of hospitality excellence in Bayelsa State.

Best Western Hotels & Resorts is indicated as a leading global hospitality brand with more than 4,700 hotels worldwide with a commitment to delivering superior service, comfort, and value. The owners said Best Western properties cater to both business and leisure travelers, and has continued to expand across major cities, offering trusted hospitality experiences tailored to local communities.

Jonathan lamented the abandonment of projects he initiated as governor of Bayelsa State after he became Vice President to late President Musa Yar’Adua in 2007.

Read also: Niger Delta monarchs cry out: We are blamed for oil attacks but we have no power

Jonathan said he initiated a five star and two three-star hotels, but they were abandoned by succeeding administrations.

He noted that when a governor leaves office his successor would want to continue with the projects the predecessor initiated thereby resulting in wastage of state resources.

The former president congratulated the management of Best Western Plus Hotel for bringing such a premium brand, a world class, to Bayelsa.

Jonathan recalled the efforts he made during his tenure as governor to encourage private investments in the hospitality industry to make Yenagoa more attractive to tourists and business travelers.

According to him, because of African Movie Academy Awards that Bayelsa State was hosting and the lack of quality hotel accommodation in the state, his government gave money to hoteliers to upgrade.

Jonathan said as he left office, the beneficiaries did not repay the money.

He went on: “The idea of a state in encouraging tourism is for tourists to spend their foreign money in the state to stimulate the local economy, so if the state is to spend on the programme that brings people all over the world and then the money will be spent in other states, that is a negative investment.”

He said his administration gave between N10m and N15m those days but that none of the beneficiaries returned the money for others to take and develop theirs.

When that failed, he said he awarded contracts to build three hotels, the Tower Hotel and two three-star hotels. “If they had done these three hotels, by now visitors coming to Bayelsa State would have had comfortable place to stay, but somehow when I left, even people I mobilised, we didn’t see what they have done.

“That is the problem of government, when a governor leaves, the next governor doesn’t want to follow up, most of those money spent will go.”

Governor Diri, in his comments, commended the hotel’s owner, Harcourt Adukeh, for his foresight and commitment to investing in the state economy through the establishment of such a first-class facility.

Diri described the project as a landmark development that would boost the hospitality industry in the state, create employment for the youth, and contribute to community development.

He used the opportunity to call on Bayelsans to be more patriotic and invest back home in order to bring development to the state.

Also speaking, Initeme Aduke-Eromhonsele, the Executive Director of the hotel, and the hotel’s founder, highlighted the unique features of the facility, describing it as a blend of elegance, comfort, and modern convenience.

Unique facility:

The grand opening brought together government dignitaries, industry leaders, and business executives to celebrate what has become Yenagoa’s most anticipated hotel launch.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Oxbow Lake, the property is said to deliver a distinctive blend of comfort, culture, and contemporary luxury.

The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours of the hotel, and a reception that showcased the elegance and hospitality.

Harcourt Adukeh, the Chairman of Best Western Plus at the Oxbow Lake Yenagoa, expressed appreciation for the government’s support, saying: “Having Governor Diri and former President Jonathan with us at this historic opening is truly an honour.

“The Best Western International brand and a network of dedicated architects, engineers and financiers who believed in the promise of Bayelsa State, together we have transformed our idea into a living symbol of progress and a place that will welcome visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.”

Also speaking at the launch, Initeme Adukeh-Eromhonsele, said: “Today marks a proud moment for Bayelsa and for us at Best Western Plus at the Oxbow Lake Yenagoa,” said Initeme Adukeh-Eromhonsele, executive director.

“This opening is a reflection of our vision to bring world-class hospitality to this city while celebrating the warmth and vibrancy that make Yenagoa special.”

Guests at the event were treated to an exclusive tour of the property’s standout features, from its well-appointed rooms and long-stay serviced residences to its world-class amenities including a spa, fitness center, outdoor pool, and the Red Lotus Asian Restaurant.

Designed to cater to business travelers, families, and leisure guests, the hotel also boasts flexible meeting spaces and banquet halls accommodating up to 250 guests.

Chand Rami, the general manager, added that the launch reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to expanding its footprint in Nigeria, joining other thriving properties in Asaba and Enugu, and positioning Yenagoa as a growing destination for business and tourism in the Niger Delta region.

Best Western Plus at the Oxbow Lake Yenagoa is regarded as a testament to world-class service, innovation, and community engagement, redefining hospitality in Bayelsa and beyond.