…Ayeyemi appeals to Gov. Abiodun as N3bn Feliza Hotel opens in Obada
The Chief Executive Officer of Feliza Hotel and Suites, Mr. Olufemi Ayeyemi, has appealed to the Ogun State Government to improve road infrastructure to attract more investors into the state.
Ayeyemi, a Canadian-based Nigerian entrepreneur, made the appeal on Saturday during the commissioning of his newly built hospitality facility in the Obada area of Abeokuta.
Speaking during the event, 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 roads does not reflect such ambition.
“Good roads and absolute security networks will influence more investors to see Ogun as the investment hub envisioned by Governor Abiodun,” he said.
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 disappointment that the stretch of road from Obada Health Centre to the hotel remains in deplorable condition despite its closeness to rail stations.
“Bad roads have discouraged me from inviting many investors I would have brought into Ogun,” Ayeyemi said.
He explained that improved public infrastructure would boost private investments and fast-track economic development at the community and state levels.
Segun Sowunmi, a former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, who attended the event, commended Ayeyemi for the investment.
Showunmi highlighted the economic benefits of the hotel, noting that 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.
“We cannot be supporting foreign investors with easy access to roads and good infrastructure while neglecting our own who have invested massively,” he said.
Showunmi described the project as comparable to modern event centres in Lekki, 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.
“Within your road infrastructure framework, especially in the local government areas, this can be done,” Showunmi told the governor.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abiodun on Health, Dr. Ololade Kehinde, described the hotel as a massive and commendable project.
Kehinde said the commissioning 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.
“For businesses to thrive, people must be able to live, work, rest and interact comfortably within an enabling environment,” he stated.
Kehinde explained that Ayeyemi’s decision to invest in Ogun would encourage other Nigerians based overseas to consider similar initiatives.
“The visionary of this project lives in Canada and has still chosen Ogun State. This will encourage more diaspora participation,” he added.
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.
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.
The event ended with renewed appeals to the Ogun State Government to prioritize road infrastructure as a catalyst for investment, tourism, and economic stability in the state.
