The city of Yenagoa took a bold leap into the world of high-end hospitality on Wednesday as Best Western Plus At The Oxbow Lake officially opened, signalling a major boost to Bayelsa’s tourism and business environment.
The grand opening, held on October 15, was a glamorous affair that drew prominent guests including former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Douye Diri, top industry figures, and captains of industry, all converging to celebrate the arrival of one of Nigeria’s most anticipated hotel launches.
Set along the scenic banks of the iconic Oxbow Lake, the newly unveiled hotel is being hailed as a game-changer for Bayelsa’s hospitality landscape — offering a blend of global luxury and Niger Delta warmth.
Former President Jonathan, in his remark, lauded the management of Best Western Plus for bringing such a premium brand to Bayelsa, noting that with such people with great vision, the tourism potential of the state is being explored.
The former President commended the Chairman and owner of the hotel, noting that such an investment has changed the narrative of hospitality and tourism in the state.
“As a first elected deputy governor of Bayelsa State, Governor then, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, started hosting African Movie award ceremonies that people from America, South Africa and others were coming, actors and actresses, it’s was a world event, you know all these celebrities, they live sort of fantastic life and the first edition hosted, most of the external guests stayed in Port Harcourt, because there was no hotel that you could see in Bayelsa State.
“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.
“So when I took over as the governor, then there were a quite some small hotels in Yenagoa, and we cannot build a three star hotel overnight, let us give some little money for our hotels to improve, but they supposed to pay back, and we gave money up to N10, N15 million to a number of people, but because I left, nobody return any money to anybody.
“So when we wanted to host again, we quickly award contracts to build three hotels, the tower hotel and two three star hotels, if they have done these three hotels, by now visitors coming to Bayelsa State would have have comfortable place to stay, but somehow when I left, even people I mobilized, we didn’t see what they have done.
“That is the problem of government, when the governor leaves, the next governor doesn’t want to follow up, most of those money spent will go”, he added.
In his remarks, Governor Diri commended the hotel’s owner, Dr. Harcourt Aduke, for his foresight and commitment to investing in the Bayelsa economy through the establishment of such a first-class facility.
He described the project as a landmark development that would boost the state’s hospitality sector, create employment for the youth, and contribute to community development.
In his remarks, Arch. Harcourt Adukeh, Chairman of Best Western Plus, described the project as a dream come true, made possible through visionary partnerships and unwavering belief in Bayelsa’s potential.
“This isn’t just a building. It’s a symbol of confidence — in Yenagoa, in Bayelsa, and in what’s possible here,” Adukeh said.
He added, “With the support of government, our global Best Western partners, and a network of committed investors, we have created a space that reflects the future of hospitality in the Niger Delta.”
Executive Director, Initeme Adukeh-Eromhonsele, echoed this optimism, calling the hotel a bold expression of Yenagoa’s readiness for global attention.
“Today is about pride — pride in our roots, pride in our vision, and pride in the team that made this possible. Best Western Plus at Oxbow Lake is more than a hotel; it’s a destination,” she said.
The event featured a guided tour of the property’s standout facilities — including luxurious guest rooms, long-stay serviced residences, a wellness spa, modern fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool, and the flagship Red Lotus Asian Restaurant.
Equipped to host both corporate and social events, the hotel also boasts expansive meeting rooms and banquet halls with capacity for up to 250 guests — reinforcing Yenagoa’s growing appeal as a conference and business travel hub.
General Manager, Chand Rami, said the launch not only expands Best Western’s footprint in Nigeria — joining properties in Asaba and Enugu — but also positions Yenagoa as a rising destination for high-value tourism and corporate retreats.
“This hotel is built for the people and future of this region. It’s a promise of quality, comfort, and world-class service delivered with local heart,” he noted.
The grand opening closed with a sunset reception, as guests mingled on the lakeside terrace — soaking in the views and the beginning of what many described as “a turning point for Bayelsa’s hospitality industry.”
With its opening, Best Western Plus At The Oxbow Lake has not only raised the bar for accommodation in the South-South but also ignited fresh conversations about investment, infrastructure, and image-building in Nigeria’s oil-rich heartland.
