We’ll continue to preserve region’s heritage, revitalise subsidiaries – Odua Chairman

…As Tinubu commissions remodeled Premier Hotel

Odu’a Investment Company Limited has reiterated its commitment to preserving the south west region’s heritage by redeveloping historic regional assets and make subsidiaries compete globally.

The company is currently undergoing restructuring to enhance its performance, achieve sustainable growth, and transform into a world-class conglomerate in no distant time.

Bimbo Ashiru, Group chairman, Odua Investment Company, while speaking at the commissioning of remodeled Premier Hotel, Ibadan, from 87 rooms to 154 luxurious suites and guest rooms, said the ambition of the conglomerate was the redevelopment of our legacy assets into modern, mixed-use destinations that will drive economic growth across the South-West.

At the commissioning of the Premier Hotel, a subsidiary of Odua Investment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by George Akume, Secretary to Government of the Federation said Ashiru “we were determined not to demolish history, but to preserve the architectural soul of the original building while infusing it with world-class modern amenities and global hospitality standards.

“Today, after nearly four years of painstaking work, we are thrilled to present the results. The former 87 rooms have been expanded and redesigned into 154 luxurious suites and guest rooms. Premier Hotel is being repositioned as a five-star world-class hospitality destination for the region and beyond.

“Our initial target was to complete this project within 36 months. Although we worked assiduously to meet that timeline, we are deeply grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We celebrate the transformative revitalisation of the 60-year-old Premier Hotel in Ibadan, which was officially commissioned to boost regional tourism and socio-economic growth.”

Abdulrahman Yinusa, Group Managing director,

Odu’a Investment Company Limited, said: “We celebrate the vision that birthed this transformation. We celebrate the dedication that sustained it. We celebrate the partnership that made it possible. And we celebrate the future it represents—a future where the South-West stands tall as a hub of world-class hospitality and economic vitality.

“Today’s commissioning is a celebration of how far we have come. But it is also a launchpad for what lies ahead adding that the hotel is expected to open for business in the fourth quarter of 2026.

“Upon full completion and opening for normal business in Q4 2026, Premier Hotel will reclaim its position as the foremost hospitality destination in Southwest Nigeria, attracting both local and international guests seeking unparalleled comfort and world-class service.

“We believe this hotel will significantly boost tourism, create employment, and provide a world-class hospitality destination for the entire South-West zone. It will serve as a catalyst for economic growth, a venue for international conferences, and a source of pride for our region.

“Today’s commissioning is a celebration of how far we have come. But it is also a launchpad for what lies ahead adding that the hotel is expected to open for business in the fourth quarter of 2026.

“Upon full completion and opening for normal business in Q4 2026, Premier Hotel will reclaim its position as the foremost hospitality destination in Southwest Nigeria, attracting both local and international guests seeking unparalleled comfort and world-class service.

“We believe this hotel will significantly boost tourism, create employment, and provide a world-class hospitality destination for the entire South-West zone. It will serve as a catalyst for economic growth, a venue for international conferences, and a source of pride for our region.”

Representing Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, the Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde, described the project as a major milestone in restoring one of Nigeria’s most iconic hospitality establishments.

Babatunde noted that the rehabilitation project was a bold step toward restoring the hotel’s competitiveness and relevance in the modern hospitality industry.

“Premier Hotel Ibadan is more than just a hotel. It is a symbol of our collective history and a landmark that has occupied a special place in the social, economic and cultural development of the state and the entire South-West region,” he said.

“The successful transformation we are witnessing Today is a product of cooperation, trust and shared responsibility,” he said.

He added that the upgraded facility would boost tourism, create jobs, support local businesses and contribute to regional economic growth.

According to him, Today, we are not merely commissioning a renovated hotel. We are celebrating the restoration of a legacy and opening a new chapter for an institution that has been part of our history,” he said.

Representing Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said the redevelopment demonstrated how heritage preservation and economic modernisation could complement each other.

“This redevelopment is a strong statement of confidence in the future of tourism, hospitality and investment in our region,” she said.

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ondo State governor, described the reopening as the rebirth of a historic institution that had shaped the economic and cultural evolution of the South-West.

“The rebirth of this iconic institution carries a significance that transcends bricks and mortar. It symbolises resilience over decline, renewal over stagnation and confidence over uncertainty,” he said.