Lagos has seen a surge in beach resorts, especially in the Lekki area in recent times, introducing a fresh dimension of leisure and entertainment. Among these, 234 Lofts stands out as a recent addition. This unique establishment, founded by Toyosi Orunmiyi, an accountant and hospitality entrepreneur, is constructed from shipping containers, lending it a distinctive atmosphere. It provides guests with a splendid panorama of the Atlantic Ocean and offers a range of amenities, including pools, bars, and accommodation. In a chat with Vanessa Obioha, Orunmiyi elaborates on his mission to deliver holistic entertainment and foster West African tourism.
What inspired your interest in the hospitality and entertainment sector?
I have been an accountant for 18 years and studied accounting at the University of Ilorin. It was when I did my MBA that I switched from an accountant to a businessman. I know numbers from accounting but MBA helped to provide solutions for businesses. I moved back to Nigeria in 2015, started the Podium Event Centre, and been in the event centre business for seven years. I also have a stint outside Nigeria where I worked for a hospitality equipment agency. I previously ran a food business too.
Apart from acquiring an MBA, are there other things that prepared you for entrepreneurship?
I grew up in Ilorin. My parents were civil servants. I have three brothers. I knew we had to work hard. We were just small town boys. After my university, I started working at KPMG. Those days were more about building networks and starting a career. The time I spent outside Nigeria was what broadened my horizons significantly. I was in a programme that took me to a new country every four months. General Electric was a very good eye opener; a big American company into energy, healthcare, oil and gas, and aviation. So I worked in different industries in different countries and that gave me a vast experience. The MBA was what all of that experiences a business structure.
What influenced your decision to set up 234 Lofts?
Over the last three years, there has been a surge in beach fronts. Nigerians are increasingly looking onwards and we have to up our games. We are a 12-room facility. Each of them are chalet. The facility is built from shipping containers. We are at the beachfront and have a lazy river pool where you can relax and play water games. It is just a white space for a lot of things. There is a spa, bar, and kitchen. 234 Lofts is the ideal place for team bonding, reunions, kids’ parties, weddings, fine dining, dancing or yoga classes. It is all about holistic entertainment and enjoyment for our customers.
Given your experience in and outside Nigeria, what innovative approaches have you implemented to set 234 Lofts apart?
Hospitality is all about customer care and in America where I lived for a while, they really know how to treat their customers well. I learnt customer service from there. And what you will want to do in business is to turn net detractors into net promoters. I always try to turn a customer’s bad experience into a good one. We have incentives to make sure that we retain that good relationship with our customers. We have plans to introduce innovations here. Even though it might not be immediately but yes there are many innovations in the market now with contactless check-ins and others. We will bring many new things to the industry.
What is the idea behind the name?
234 is the country code of Nigeria as you know. Our personal vision is to have our beach resort across the West African coast and we will name each of the locations according to the country codes. We also plan to have a cruise line that will take you to each country in West Africa. I found out that Nigerians do not really travel to West African countries. I really have a dream to promote intra-West African tourism.
What guiding principles do you live by?
Fairness. I try to be as fair as possible. Money is important but it’s not all about money. Money comes and goes. I’m also big on relationships because I believe everything comes and goes around.
