…Reopens renovated Harold block of Lagos Airport Hotel
Odu’a investment company limited has embarked on strengthening partnerships with private and public sector stakeholders aimed at optimising existing assets and attracting new investments.
The conglomerate owned by the six Southwest states: Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, and Lagos is also actively seeking partnerships with both local and international organisations to attract investments, transfer technology, and build infrastructure.
Bimbo Ashiru, group chairman of the conglomerate said the move is to scale impactful initiatives, collaborations which involved joint ventures, partnerships, and investments.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony of newly renovated 51 rooms at Harold block at Airport hotel said, Ashiru noted that the “conglomerate’s ongoing property redevelopments is continuing pushing forward with its new pipeline projects in the real estate sector and broader effort to strengthen its portfolio.
“The company is focused on long-term, sustainable investments and is committed to leveraging its assets to deliver on its strategic objectives.”
While saying that the unveiling ceremony marked a significant milestone in its transformation agenda, the group chairman said the upgrade was a symbol of continuity and ambition.
He disclosed that management and investors described the renovation as the beginning of a larger transformation plan for the historic facility, he stated, that “This unveiling is not just about a reopening, it is about legacy, renewal, and the clear roadmap to the future we envision for this historic establishment.”
Going down memory lane, Ashiru noted that the hotel was founded in 1942 by British proprietor, Joseph Harold, as the Grand Hotel Lagos. It was later renamed Ikeja Arms Inn in 1956, and became a wholly owned Odu’a subsidiary in 1976.
“With the facelift and renovation of 51 rooms and corridors, we are signaling not just cosmetic change, but a strategic refresh of value and experience,” the chairman said.
He also said that the company’s long-term vision was to redevelop the property into a “mixed-use hospitality and commercial destination,” combining accommodation, conferencing, retail, lifestyle and possibly serviced residences. We are committed to staying the course and delivering a world-class outcome.
“As the Odu’a Investment Company Limited Board, we are fully aligned with the Board and Management of Lagos Airport Hotel in this ambition. Work is already in progress in this regard from conceptual designs to planning engagements and market assessments.
Noting that Lagos Airport Hotel is also slated for transformation into a multi-use hub, the group chairman however revealed that the conglomerate will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding with a partner to develop the whole of Lagos Airport Hotel.
Abdulrahman Yinusa, Group Managing Director, Odua Investment Company represented by Yemi Ajao, Executive Director, Group Chief Investment and Business Development Officer, said the facelift initiative was approved as an interim measure while larger redevelopment plans are being finalised.
“This was targeted at creating quick wins in both aesthetics and customer satisfaction, thus improving occupancy rates and revenue in the short term,” he explained.
The GMD predicted the upgrades would positively impact profitability, guest experience and brand reputation.
Peter Oyeleye Fasua, Chairman of Lagos Airport Hotel board of directors described the renovation as a “clear expression of our renewed commitment to service excellence, customer satisfaction, and industry leadership.”
” This unveiling marks a significant milestone in our journey to restore the hotel to its well-deserved place of pride in Nigeria’s hospitality landscape. The renovation of rooms and corridors in the Harold Block is not merely a facelift; it is a clear expression of our renewed commitment to service excellence, customer satisfaction, and industry leadership.
“Furthermore, in beautifying our driveway and improving the general ambience of the hotel premises, LAHL has taken additional steps to enhance the guest experience. This is part of our board’s broader commitment to reposition this hotel as a competitive player in the modern hospitality sector.
Fasua assured loyal customers that better days are ahead — with upgraded facilities, more efficient service, and improved overall comfort.
“This successful project is a testimony to the power of collaboration and shared vision across the Odu’a Investment Group. We deeply appreciate the unwavering support of our parent company, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, for funding and backing this important intervention.
He credited the achievement to strong collaboration across the Odu’a Group, singling out Ashiru, OICL oversight Director, ‘Debola Osinbogun; Group Managing Director (GMD), Abdulrahman Yinusa; and Wemabod Limited for their roles as well as synergy, their responsiveness, and continuous collaboration with the LAHL team.
Folashade Awe, General Manager of Lagos Airport hotel said the renovated rooms were “thoughtfully equipped to deliver comfort, connectivity, and confidence in every stay.”
She thanked customers for their patience during the renovation and praised the staff’s adaptability saying “your passion and professionalism continue to define our guests’ experience.
The event ended with a guided tour of the refurbished Harold block rooms, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the project signals the start of a new chapter in the hotel’s eight-decade history.
