Following the demolition of Landmark Beach Resort by the Lagos State Government. The idealist behind the venture, Paul Onwuanibe, turned his sight elsewhere in search of new opportunities. The result, Landmark Nike Lake Resort Enugu
The Sultry businessman, who left the country after completing his National Youth Service in Jos, took on a new challenge — revamping the legacy of Nike Lake Resort in Enugu, founded in 1988.
“ I spent some of the best days of my Life here in Enugu. I read Architecture at the University of Nigeria in Enugu Campus.” Onwuanibe said during a recent interview with Voice of the East.
“ I married my wife from here. She is from here. Born and raised here, so there are a lot of emotional and sentimental reasons for being here, “ He Added.
The Nike Lake resorts, now known as the Landmark Nike Lake Resorts, would be open to the general public from August 30, roughly a week from today.
The new managers of the 37-year-old resort are banking on nostalgia, destination-based tourism, and a new urban resurgence fuelled by strategic investments by the Peter Mba-led administration.
In this INFOEAST Weekend Feature, we examine the business prospects of the revamped Nike Lake resort, conducting an exhaustive survey of what its prospective customers think.
The N10 Billion Bet on MICE
The new project at hand is a result of a joint partnership between Landmark Group Africa and the Enugu State Government.
Both parties signed a 35-year lease agreement in January to invest N10 billion in the first phase of the project, which is budgeted to transform the 150-hectare resort into a premium tourism destination.
According to the Landmark CEO, the company’s vision for the project as a destination creator is centered on attracting a large number of people to the resort, engaging them through fun activities and a luxury experience, and ultimately encouraging them to spread word-of-mouth referrals to other potential customers upon their departure.
The goal is to make the Landmark Nike Lake Resort a regional hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) serving the Southeast/ South South region and Nigeria by extension.
“ The good thing about hotels or resorts like this is that you can do many things. First, it could be MICE. The thing about MICE is that people dont understand how important it is to the economy of a region or country.” Onwuanibe Said.
“ MICE has built countries; Dubai is based on MICE, Singapore is based on MICE, and even major cities like London and New York started with MICE”. He explained.”
Besides MICE, the CEO explained that the resort is also an attraction for Holiday and Thrill Seekers looking to spend some days away from their routine.
The project vision and strategy align with the current dispensation in the Enugu Government, as it seeks to make Enugu State a choice destination for MICE events in the region.
This is working as 20,000 lawyers across the nation are currently in Enugu for the annual Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Conference.
Heritage meets Modernity
The Nike Lake Resort, now Landmark Nike Lake Resort, carries a lot of historical relevance and heritage in its nearly 40 years of history.
It was a popular tourist attraction in the old Eastern Region, given the proximity of Enugu, which was the capital of the entire region. Landmark Group Africa aims to introduce a touch of modernity to this historic Landmark, refining its ambiance and aesthetics to reflect the current era.
The renovation project includes the redesign of the rooms to meet modern standards, as well as the addition of fun activities like Boat rides, sit-out picnics, and other leisure activities, adding to the overall experience of the resort.
The Goal is to attract and retain people at the resort.
“ Enugu, as a state, has almost 5 million people. The city itself has circa 1 million people. Within a two-and-a-half-hour drive, there are 50 million people, and within a 1 hour flight, there are 200 million people. Onwuanibe said, gauging the size of the tourism market.
“ We just have to give people a reason to keep coming back and stay a little longer,” He added.
The New Price List
Hotel.ng, Nigeria’s premier source for hotel and resort bookings, already has the price list of the revamped Nike Lake Resort.
- A Deluxe Room (Single Occupancy) goes for N75,000, while (Double Occupancy) goes for N82,000
- Executive Suite (Single Occupancy) goes for N150,000, with (Double Occupancy) going for N160,000
- Diplomatic Suite Double Occupancy goes for N210,000
- Presidential Suite Double Occupancy goes for N310,000
Rooms would be available from Saturday, August 30, nearly three months after Landmark Group Africa took over the running of the resort.
Enugu’s Glory Days making a comeback
Call it luck or great timing
The Landmark Nike Lake Resort is opening its doors at a time Enugu itself is undergoing a brisk facelift.
The Peter Mbah administration brought with it a favorable wind that is affecting all sectors in the state.
From Transport, Infrastructure, Education, and even agriculture, the administration is fleshing out strategic policies that are self-evident and pleasing to the eyes of observers.
The Minister of Aviation visited the state to launch the Enugu Airline company — the product of another partnership between the state and a private investor.
This month, the state rolled out over 50 CNG buses for urban transportation and also inaugurated five standard bus terminals at Holy Ghost Junction, Abakpa, Gariki and Nsukka.
The state is set to welcome 20,000 lawyers for the NBA Annual Conference this week. The MICE Strategy envisaged by Mr Onwuanibe and Peter Mba is in full effect.
The natural ambience, greenery, and cool weather associated with Enugu environs make it a perfect choice for a destination resort.
Would you be willing to part with N100,000 to experience the city from the cosy fronts of the Nike Lake?
