CULTURE COMMISSIONER VISITS DEMOLISHED UDOKA GOLDEN POINT HOTEL SITE OBA, WARNS AGAINST ILLEGAL OPERATIONS OF UNREGISTERED HOTELS
By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :
The Anambra Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, has said that any hotel or hospitality business not registered with the state government is operating illegally.
He emphasized that any establishment associated with kidnapping, cultism, or other criminal activities that threaten public safety will face legal consequences, including demolition, confiscation of property, and prosecution of the owners.
The Commissioner made these remarks during his visit to the demolished Udoka Golden Point Hotel, formerly known as ‘Cruise,’ where evidence of criminal activity was discovered at Ogwugwu, Oba, on the Onitsha/Owerri road.
Mr. Onyenji commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his efforts in combating crime in the state by initiating new laws against kidnapping, cultism, and other illegal activities, noting that these measures are yielding positive results.

“Those operating hotels and leisure establishments without government approval are taking considerable risks. They will be held accountable if any incidents occur at their locations, and those places will be declared illegal by law,” he said.
He urged all hoteliers and owners of leisure establishments to ensure that their facilities are registered with the state government for inspection, enumeration, and certification with an operational permit.
“We are planning a summit in Awka for all hoteliers, hospitality outfits, and leisure place owners to educate them on the legal requirements,” he added.
Additionally, Mr. Onyenji warned the public against removing property from demolished government buildings. He noted that those buildings belong to the state, and individuals caught taking items will face severe legal repercussions.
He expressed concern over individuals referred to as ‘iron-condemn sellers’ who were spotted removing property from the demolished Udoka Golden Point Hotel.
“Upon our arrival, we observed some individuals attempting to carry away items from this site. We intervened and seized their vehicle filled with goods since this area is now under government jurisdiction, and no individual is authorized to remove anything here as the investigation is ongoing,” he explained.
“They had already taken a first load and were making a second attempt before we stopped them and impounded their vehicle, which has been taken to Awka,” he concluded.
*Ifeyinwa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
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