Ogun Ready to Host Investment in Several Sectors, Says Abiodun’s Aide

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Ogun State Government at the weekend restated the state is investment friendly and ready to welcome investors from Nigeria and diaspora citizens in all sectors.

Dr. Ololade Kehinde, a Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun, stated this during the commissioning of Feliza Hotel and Suites, Obada, Abeokuta.

The one stop hospitality facility which has various sizes of event centres and suites of different standard, was built by a Canadian-based Nigerian, Olufemi Ayeyemi.

 Kehinde said the commissioning of the facility which value was put at over N3bn, was evidence that Ogun is safe, business-friendly and ready to welcome investors from across Nigeria and abroad.

He noted that hospitality investments contribute significantly to economic development, especially through job creation and tourism. 

He said, “For businesses to thrive, people must be able to live, work, rest and interact comfortably within an enabling environment.

Kehinde explained that Ayeyemi’s decision to invest in Ogun would encourage other Nigerians based overseas to consider similar initiatives.

He stressed that Ogun remains open for business and assured visitors and investors of security and government backing.

“We are here to show support. The atmosphere is friendly, and the state is secure. Ogun is ready for business,” he said.

In his remark, the Chief Executive Officer of the facility, Mr. Olufemi Ayeyemi, appealed to the Ogun State Government to build more access roads in the state to encourage more investment to further boost economy of the state.

Ayeyemi lamented that poor access roads remain a major setback for investors seeking to establish businesses in Ogun, despite the state’s reputation as an investment destination.

He stated that Ogun has the potential to be a one-stop economic hub in Nigeria, but noted that the current state of infrastructure, particularly, access roads does not reflect such ambition.

He said: “Good roads and absolute security networks will influence more investors to see Ogun as the investment hub envisioned by Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Ayeyemi disclosed that he has invested over N3 billion in the construction of Feliza Hotel and Suites, describing it as his contribution to enhancing the state’s hospitality sector.

He added that the facility was designed to meet Lagos standards and features a “two-in-one” concept that allows visitors to host events and lodge within the same environment.

According to him, the investment is also positioned to inspire more Nigerians in the diaspora to invest back home.

However, he expressed concern that the stretch of road from the main road starting from Obada Health Centre to the hotel remains in deplorable condition.

He explained that improved public infrastructure would boost private investments and fast-track economic development at the community and state levels.

Speaking at the ceremony, Segun Showunmi, a former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, who commended Ayeyemi for the investment, promised to bring the attention of Governor Dapo Abiodun, to the state of the road that leads to the edifice.

Showunmi highlighted the economic benefits of the hotel, noting it had generated jobs during its construction phase and would stimulate long-term commercial activity in surrounding communities.

He announced that he would contact Governor Dapo Abiodun to push for the designation of an ongoing road project to support the Obada axis.

He said, “We cannot be supporting foreign investors with easy access roads and good infrastructure while neglecting our own who people that have invested in the state.

Showunmi described the project as comparable to modern event centres in Lagos, saying the hotel would place Obada on the national investment map.

“Femi has put this place on the map. The world is going to know about it, and people will come,” he added.

He urged the state government to extend support to locally-owned investments and not prioritise foreign businesses over indigenous entrepreneurs.

Residents of the Obada community who attended the commissioning echoed the call for government intervention on the road network.

They said the hotel would boost commercial activity in the area but expressed hope that improved access roads would support the growth.