Ranks Africa CEO of the Year 2025, Dr. Joe Enobong, was formally presented with his award during the official opening of the newly completed Gemba Hotel and Resort in Calabar, Cross River State. The presentation took place last weekend as part of the grand unveiling ceremony of the hospitality facility, an event that drew notable personalities from business, government, and the entertainment industry.
The recognition by Ranks Africa celebrates Dr. Enobong’s leadership, entrepreneurial drive, and his contribution to the growth of hospitality and tourism in Nigeria. His investment in Gemba Hotel and Resort reflects a growing confidence in Calabar as a destination for leisure, business, and cultural tourism. The project is widely seen as a significant addition to the city’s hospitality landscape.
The opening ceremony attracted a distinguished audience that included government officials, industry stakeholders, and members of the creative sector. Among the guests present were several Nollywood figures including Funke Akindele, Uzee Usman, Timini Egbuson, Chinedu Ikedieze, and Osita Iheme, popularly known as Aki and Pawpaw. Their presence added a strong cultural and entertainment dimension to the event, reflecting the growing connection between hospitality, tourism, and the creative industry.
Gemba Hotel and Resort stands as a modern hospitality development designed to provide a refined guest experience. The facility features a range of leisure and lifestyle amenities including multiple swimming pools, a cinema, game centre, fine dining restaurant, coffee shop, luxury spa, lounge and bar, as well as outdoor relaxation areas designed for social gatherings and recreation.
For Dr. Enobong, the project represents more than a business venture. It is a strategic investment aimed at strengthening Calabar’s position as one of Nigeria’s most welcoming tourism destinations. By combining luxury accommodation with entertainment and lifestyle facilities, the resort is expected to attract both local and international visitors while supporting job creation and economic activity within the state.
The award presentation at the opening ceremony therefore served as both a recognition of past achievements and a symbol of the forward-looking vision behind the Gemba brand. For many observers, it marked an important moment that highlights how private sector leadership continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sector.
