Odu’a Investment’s Lagos Airport Hotel Reopens Upgraded Historic Block
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that the prestigious Lagos Airport Hotel Limited (LAHL), owned by Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL), has officially reopened the newly renovated and upgraded fifty-one rooms and corridors of its historic Harold Block at the hotel facility in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday.
In his welcome address, Prince Oyeleye Fasua, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the hotel, remarked that the ceremony marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey to restore the hotel to its rightful place of pride within Nigeria’s hospitality landscape.
Fasua stated, “The renovation of rooms and corridors in the Harold Block is a clear expression of our renewed commitment to service excellence, customer satisfaction, and industry leadership.” He added that the project is “a testimony to the power of collaboration and shared vision across the Odu’a Investment Group.”
Fasua further highlighted enhancements that included beautifying the driveway and improving the overall ambience of the hotel premises, further elevating 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,” he assured customers, expressing optimism for better days ahead with upgraded facilities, more efficient service, and improved overall comfort.
Otunba ‘Bimbo Ashiru, Group Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, emphasised that the ceremony was about legacy, renewal, and a clear roadmap to the future for the historic establishment. “Lagos Airport Hotel has long stood as a significant landmark within the hospitality landscape of Nigeria, especially in the Southwest region. Its journey is rich with transformation, from humble beginnings to a heritage symbol.”
Reflecting on the hotel’s history, Ashiru noted, “This hotel was founded in 1942 by a British proprietor, Mr. Joseph Harold, as a modest five-room establishment under the name Grand Hotel Lagos. In 1956, it was renamed Ikeja Arms Inn, a nod to its location and evolving identity.” He highlighted the pivotal moment in 1976 when the hotel became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, aligning its name with its proximity to the international airport, thus becoming Lagos Airport Hotel Ikeja.
“This Harold Block, where we are gathered today, is named in honour of the original founder, Mr. Harold, and has long served as a vital segment of the hotel’s offering. With the facelift and renovation of 51 rooms and corridors, we are signalling not just cosmetic change, but a strategic refresh of value and experience,” Ashiru stated. He commended the collaboration between the Board of Lagos Airport Hotel, the Group’s oversight and project delivery teams, and Wemabod Limited for their commitment to successfully delivering this first phase of renewal.
However, he clarified, “The vision for this hotel extends beyond today’s reopening. What we are witnessing is only the beginning. The future of Lagos Airport Hotel lies in a holistic redevelopment plan that reimagines the property into a mixed-use hospitality and commercial destination. We envision a modern facility that combines hospitality, conferencing, retail, lifestyle, and possibly serviced residences, all aimed at unlocking greater value for the business and the shareholder states.”
Ashiru affirmed the commitment of the Odu’a Investment Company Limited Board to work alongside the Board and Management of Lagos Airport Hotel on the ambition. He noted that work is already in progress, from conceptual designs to planning engagements and market assessments, stating, “We are committed to staying the course and delivering a world-class outcome.”
The Group Managing Director, Mr Abdulrahman Yinusa, represented by Mr Yemi Ajao, Executive Director and Group Chief Investment and Business Development Officer, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their ongoing support of the Odu’a brand and its subsidiaries. He emphasised OICL’s shared vision with the LAHL Board to modernise Lagos Airport Hotel Limited and maximise the value of its prime land assets through mixed-use development.
Yinusa reiterated that this long-term vision aligns with OICL’s broader asset optimisation and revenue diversification strategy. He stated that while larger redevelopment plans are underway, both OICL and LAHL Boards have approved a facelift initiative to improve infrastructure and raise service quality.
“The facelift is targeted at creating quick wins in both aesthetics and customer satisfaction, thus improving occupancy rates and revenue in the short term,” he noted. The Harold Block renovation project underscores the collaboration between Wemabod’s property development unit, the OICL Project Enhance team, and LAHL management.
Yinusa concluded, “The expected impact and business outlook of the renovation are promising. This intervention is anticipated to positively influence profitability, guest experience, and overall brand reputation.”
