We’re taking all steps to rescue kidnapped students, teachers unhurt – Tinubu

…Tasks stakeholders on heritage preservation, creation of job opportunities for youths

…Commissions remodeled Premier Hotel Ibadan

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday, said every realistic measure, including international collaboration, is being taken to ensure that the kidnapped victims in Orire Local Government of Oyo State are safely brought home without harm or avoidable loss of life.

President Tinubu, who gave the assurance at the commissioning of remodeled Premier Hotel, Ibadan, stated that Government is seriously addressing the upswing in banditry, kidnapping and associated criminalities across the nation.

This is as the President asked for the preservation of heritage, embrace of innovation, investment in future, creation of job opportunities for young people and building of institutions that would endure for generations.

President Tinubu, who was represented by George Akume, Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), urged all citizens to remain vigilant, work collaboratively with security agencies, saying, “there is undoubtedly a huge role for traditional and faith-based institutions to play in this regard, urging them take the lead through the various channels provided by Government”.

Stressing that economic development can only flourish in an atmosphere of peace, stability, and security, he said, “Our administration has continued to invest significantly in strengthening the nation’s security architecture. Over the past three years, we have enhanced inter-agency coordination, improved intelligence gathering, expanded technological surveillance capabilities, strengthened community- based security initiatives, and provided increased support to our Armed Forces and security agencies.

“There is an on-going process in the National Assembly targeted at enhancing policing at all levels. We hope to roll this out in no distant future. These efforts are yielding measurable results across many parts of the country. We remain committed to ensuring that every Nigerian, every investor, and every visitor can live, work, travel, and do business in safety and confidence”.

The present administration, he pointed out, had prioritised policies and programmes that support tourism, culture, hospitality, entertainment, and the creative economy.

“We are investing in ransportation infrastructure, airport terminals, improving road and air connectivity, strengthening digital services, simplifying business processes, and promoting public-private partnerships
that attract investment into tourism-related enterprises.

“Through these interventions, we are positioning Nigeria not merely as a destination for business, but as a destination for leisure, culture, conferences, entertainment, and global engagement”, he noted.

Projects such as Premier Hotel, he stated, fit perfectly into the national vision, saying they create employment opportunities for our youth, stimulate local businesses, support cultural tourism, attract visitors, and contribute directly to economic growth.

“I am particularly thrilled that this commissioning is taking place at a time when our administration is implementing a bold regional development strategy across the country. Through the establishment and operationalization of Regional Development Commissions, including the South West Development Commission, we are creating institutional platforms for accelerated infrastructure development, economic integration, investment promotion, and regional competitiveness.

“These commissions are designed to complement the efforts of state governments by unlocking regional opportunities in transportation, tourism, agriculture, technology, industrial development, environmental sustainabilty, and human capital development”, he added.

Bimbo Ashiru, Group Chairman of Odua Investment Company Limited, in his address, said the ambition of the conglomerate is the redevelopment of other legacy assets into modern, mixed-use destinations that would drive economic growth across the South-West.

“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”, he said.

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”, he noted.