A new chapter is being written in the history of Enugu’s beloved Nike Lake Resort, one filled with vision, ambition, and the promise of world-class hospitality. At the helm of this transformation is the CEO and founder of Landmark Group Africa Paul Onwuanibe.
Landmark Africa is a premier lifestyle, hospitality, and leisure company transforming tourism across the continent by developing world-class, dynamic real estate destinations that inspire travel, business, and vibrant communities.
For Onwuanibe, this is more than a business venture. It’s a homecoming. He studied architecture at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, and still remembers hosting his graduation party within the very grounds of Nike Lake Resort. His wife is also a native of the city, adding a deep layer of personal connection to the region’s culture and history.
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Three months into Landmark’s acquisition of the property, the transformation is already underway. But this isn’t just about revitalizing an old hotel. Landmark’s vision is to turn Nike Lake into the number one destination resort in West Africa, a multi-purpose, multi-audience haven for leisure, business, and adventure.
“We’re not just hotel operators, we’re destination creators,” Onwuanibe says. “Our model focuses on attracting people, keeping them longer with unforgettable experiences, and ensuring they go away inspired to return and tell others.”
Under his leadership, the resort has already played host to prestigious events such as the Nigerian Bar Association conference, the Anglican Bishops’ gathering, and the Nigerian Guild of Editors summit. These events form part of a strategic effort to position the resort and Enugu as a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) hub in the region.
The transformation also includes plans for a full-service holiday resort, complete with serene walkways, swimming pools, boat rides, an adventure park, and family-friendly recreational spaces. Dining, fashion, music, and sports will all play central roles in the new experience. Importantly, each offering will be curated to serve distinct audiences, from families on vacation to thrill-seekers and business travelers.
Beyond the aesthetics and experiences, the economic ripple effect is profound. Landmark estimates direct job creation for 1,000 to 2,000 people, with another 8,000 to 10,000 jobs expected to emerge across its supply chain and supporting industries. From construction workers and local artisans to food vendors and transportation providers, the project is designed to drive inclusive growth.
Tourism, Onwuanibe notes, is one of the most powerful job creators in the world. “If done right, one in ten people in a city or state can work in tourism,” he says. “Enugu isn’t anywhere close to that yet, but that’s about to change.”
Still, he cautions, success doesn’t come overnight. With experience leading Landmark Lagos, now attracting over 4.5 million annual visitors, he knows what it takes. In the early days of that project, he flew over 100 staff to Dubai for a week of hands-on training in a five-star hotel. It was a masterclass in excellence, one he’s keen to replicate here.
To sustain such ambitious projects, he stresses the importance of three principles: detailed planning, strong stakeholder alignment, and smart financing. He encourages entrepreneurs to consider debt as a tool for growth. Used strategically, it builds discipline and expands capacity without overextending personal capital.
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Landmark’s commitment to Enugu is deep and deliberate. With government support, growing population numbers, and a renewed sense of identity, Onwuanibe believes the city is primed for a renaissance. “Enugu is ready,” he says. “It has the governance, the people, the numbers, and now, the platform.”
With breathtaking natural surroundings, rich history, and a bold new direction, Nike Lake Resort is not just being renovated. It is being redefined.
And for visitors and locals alike, it is quickly becoming the crown jewel of southeastern Nigeria.
