A Canadian-based Nigerian hotelier, Mr. Oluwafemi Ayeyemi, has urged Nigerians in the diaspora to return home and invest in the country, citing the potential for job creation and economic growth.
Ayeyemi made the appeal during a project tour of his multi-billion naira hotel project, Feliza Hotel and Suites, on Monday in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State.
He lamented the lack of social amenities, insecurity, multi-tax system, and untrustworthy manpower as major challenges discouraging many Nigerians in the diaspora and foreign investors from investing in the country.
“I was first discouraged from doing anything in Nigeria again because my first house was demolished at Laderin in 2016 for the construction of the railway line without any compensation, despite having all the title documents”
"Later in 2017, my father encouraged me to do something and rise again. That’s why I consulted a few of my friends in Nigeria on a thriving business, and they advised me to invest in hospitality. That’s when we started this project”
He, however, expressed optimism that his hotel project would bring development to the community and create employment opportunities for youths.
The 62-room hospitality facility, billed for commissioning in November 2025, is expected to create jobs for about 100 youths within and outside the Obada-Oko community.
Ayeyemi appealed to the Ogun State government to construct the Ijeja community railway road at Obada-Oko, stressing that bad road networks would kill the hospitality business in Nigeria.
According to him "In developed countries, before we embark on this kind of facility, the first step is to construct an accessible road, but in Nigeria, the reverse is the case. If the government did not see reasons to construct a road, it wouldn’t move. That was why we felt that if we could erect this kind of edifice, it would encourage the government to support our initiative and bring development here”.
“Because of my experience and exposure in Canada, I ensured that every piece of equipment used for this building is state-of-the-art. So, since 2017, we have been working on this project”.
Corroborating, the wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Ayeyemi stated that the goal is to create opportunities for Nigerians to gain leading experience in hotel management, noting that Nigerians are also capable of doing their best.
She posited that by giving Nigerians opportunities to serve in the management of the hotel, without employing foreigners.
Canada-Based Nigerian Couple Construct N4bn Hotel in Ogun, Elevate Job Opportunities
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