A Canada-based Nigerian hotelier, Mr. Oluwafemi Ayeyemi, has raised the alarm over Nigeria’s poor infrastructure, describing it as a major threat to foreign investment and economic development.
Ayeyemi, who is currently constructing a N4 billion hotel facility in the Ijeja community of Obada-Oko, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, said that the nation’s insecurity, multiple taxation, poor road networks, and unreliable manpower are forcing many Nigerians in the diaspora and other foreign investors to look elsewhere.
Speaking on Monday during a project inspection tour of his state-of-the-art hospitality venture, Feliza Hotel and Suites, the entrepreneur lamented that many of his colleagues in the United States, Canada, and Europe were unwilling to invest in Nigeria due to persistent infrastructural and policy failures.
“Many of us in the diaspora are scared. The system back home is discouraging. I faced a lot myself, including the demolition of my house in 2016 without compensation. But I refused to give up,” Ayeyemi said.
The hotel, which is set to open in November 2025, features 62 luxury rooms, an elevator, a spa, a gym, a swimming pool, three mini-conference halls, and a 2,500-capacity event centre. It is projected to employ no fewer than 100 youths in the region upon completion.
Ayeyemi expressed confidence that the facility would not only transform the hospitality landscape of Ogun State but also spur development in the Obada-Oko axis.
However, he appealed to the Ogun State Government, led by Governor Dapo Abiodun, to urgently fix the Ijeja community road, warning that bad roads threaten the viability of hospitality investments.
“In Canada, road construction comes before any major project. But in Nigeria, it’s the other way around. We took this risk hoping the government would notice and act. Without good roads, even the best hotels will suffer,” he added.
Recalling his setback in 2016 when his property in Laderin was demolished for railway development, Ayeyemi said it took the encouragement of his father and close friends to consider reinvesting in Nigeria.
“Since 2017, we’ve been working on this project, sourcing the best equipment based on my exposure in Canada. My message to fellow Nigerians abroad is: come home, develop your country, but also pressure the government to provide the basics,” he stated.
Ayeyemi stressed that national development must be a joint effort between the government and its people, especially those in the diaspora who possess the resources and experience needed to drive change.
“Government alone cannot fix this country. But they must create a conducive environment for us to contribute meaningfully,” he concluded.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
