Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Security, Economic Growth at Premier Hotel Commissioning

… As Redevelopment expands Premier Hotel’s capacity from 87 to 154 rooms and suites.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured residents of Oyo State and the South-West that the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality across the country.

The President represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, gave the assurance at the commissioning of the newly remodelled Premier Hotel in Ibadan, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

President Tinubu said all necessary measures, including international collaboration, are being deployed to secure the release of victims abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

He urged citizens to remain vigilant and work closely with security agencies, while also calling on traditional rulers and faith-based organisations to support ongoing efforts to improve security nationwide.

The President noted that Nigeria is becoming increasingly secure, connected and attractive to investors, attributing the progress to improvements in security, infrastructure development, economic reforms and strategic investments.

He stated that investor confidence is growing, key sectors of the economy are showing renewed momentum and the nation’s foreign reserves have reached their highest level in two decades.

Also speaking at the event, Lagos State Governor and Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, described the reopening of Premier Hotel as a symbol of renewed hope and confidence in the region’s tourism and hospitality sector.

He commended Odu’a Investment Company Limited for preserving a historic asset while promoting economic development and regional collaboration.

In a welcome address delivered on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde, Oyo State Secretary to the Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, said the rehabilitation of the iconic hotel demonstrates the benefits of public-private partnership.

He noted that the upgraded facility would boost tourism, create jobs, stimulate local businesses and contribute to the economic growth of Oyo State and the South-West region.

Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, described the commissioning as the rebirth of a historic institution established in 1966.

He explained that the redevelopment project, which commenced in 2022, expanded the hotel’s capacity from 87 to 154 rooms and suites, positioning it as a world-class hospitality destination.

He added that the project forms part of Odu’a’s broader strategy to revitalise legacy assets across the South-West.

Similarly, the Group Managing Director of Odu’a Investment Company Limited said despite economic challenges, including inflation and exchange rate fluctuations, the company remained committed to delivering the project.

He called on Nigerians to patronise the facility and expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, the six South-West governors, shareholders and project partners for their support in bringing the transformation to reality.