PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMISSIONS REHABILITATED PREMIER HOTEL IN IBADAN
PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMISSIONS REHABILITATED PREMIER HOTEL IN IBADANPresident Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially commissioned the rehabilitated and redeveloped Premier Hotel in Ibadan, Oyo State, describing the project as a major milestone in Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality revival agenda. The commissioning ceremony, held at the iconic hotel site on Mokola Hill, was performed on behalf of the President by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume. During the event, the Federal Government highlighted the Premier Hotel as a restored national asset with deep historical significance, originally developed in the 1960s as one of the earliest modern hotels in Nigeria outside Lagos. The hotel, owned by the Odu’a Investment Company Limited, has undergone extensive rehabilitation and expansion to reposition it as a modern hospitality destination. President Tinubu, in his remarks, reaffirmed that tourism and hospitality remain critical sectors for
- Economic diversification
- Job creation
- Regional development
- Investor confidence in Nigeria
He described the redevelopment as a strong signal of confidence in Nigeria’s economic future and a reflection of growing private and regional investment in infrastructure. According to project disclosures, the redeveloped Premier Hotel features major upgrades, including
- Expansion from about 84–87 rooms to approximately 154 rooms
- Modern conferencing and event facilities
- Upgraded recreation and fitness centres
- Multiple restaurants serving local and continental cuisine
- Enhanced luxury hospitality standards
The renovation is part of a broader effort to transform the facility into a five-star international-standard hotel. The commissioning event also featured key stakeholders from the South-West geopolitical zone, with governors and representatives emphasizing regional collaboration in preserving and modernizing legacy assets. Odu’a Investment Company Limited described the project as the “rebirth” of one of Nigeria’s most historic hospitality landmarks.
The Federal Government also used the occasion to reassure citizens of ongoing efforts to improve national security, including operations aimed at rescuing victims of recent kidnappings in parts of Oyo State.
With its redevelopment completed, the Premier Hotel is expected to
- Strengthen Ibadan’s tourism profile
- Boost hospitality-driven employment
- Support regional business travel and conferencing
- Enhance Oyo State’s investment attractiveness
