The Managing Director of The Jagz Hotel, Lugard Agbomoagan, has identified innovation, strategic expansion, and strong leadership as critical drivers of Africa's hospitality future. This announcement came as the hospitality brand unveiled Jonathan Odia as its new General Manager and announced plans for the second edition of The Jagz Hospitality Conference in 2026.
Agbomoagan, who spoke at a press conference in Ibadan on Monday, said hospitality operators across the continent must embrace innovation and adapt to changing market realities to remain competitive in an era of growing intra-African trade, investment, and business mobility.
According to him, Africa's hospitality sector is entering a transformative phase, requiring operators to move beyond conventional service delivery and position themselves as institutions capable of meeting the needs of both local and international travelers.
"The future of hospitality in Africa belongs to brands that innovate and evolve. We are not just building a hotel; we are building a hospitality institution with a continental outlook," he said.
Reflecting on the journey of The Jagz since its launch 20 months ago, Agbomoagan said the hotel had grown from a new entrant into a respected hospitality brand, recording steady growth in occupancy levels, expanding its corporate clientele, and strengthening its reputation for quality service delivery.
He disclosed that the hotel was implementing expansion plans, including the addition of more rooms, upgraded facilities, and improved infrastructure, alongside a strategic move into Abuja as part of efforts to strengthen its national presence.
"Our vision from inception was to create a hospitality experience that is luxurious, authentic, and proudly African. Today, we are proud of the progress we have made, but we are even more excited about the opportunities ahead," he said.
Agbomoagan noted that the expansion aligns with the opportunities being created by increasing regional economic integration and initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which are expected to drive greater movement of people and businesses across the continent.
As part of efforts to contribute to industry development, he announced that the 2026 edition of The Jagz Hospitality Conference would focus on the theme, "Electioneering and Hotels in Nigeria." The conference, he said, would examine the impact of political activities and election cycles on the hospitality industry while exploring strategies for sustaining growth and resilience during election periods.
He revealed that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, alongside other stakeholders, are expected to participate in the conference.
Agbomoagan described the conference as a platform for policymakers, investors, hospitality operators, and security experts to exchange ideas and chart a sustainable path for the sector.
On the appointment of Odia as General Manager, he said the decision reflects the organization's commitment to strengthening its leadership structure and enhancing operational excellence. "A brand like The Jagz requires experienced leadership with global hospitality exposure. His appointment will help us deepen operational efficiency and improve guest experiences as we enter a new phase of growth," he said.
Also speaking, Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, commended The Jagz for its contribution to the growth of tourism and hospitality in the state. He described the appointment of Odia as a positive development that would further enhance the hotel's competitiveness and service standards.
Responding, Odia expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him by the management and pledged to build on the hotel's achievements. He said his focus would be on strengthening customer satisfaction, improving operational efficiency, and positioning The Jagz among Nigeria's leading hospitality brands.
"I am committed to ensuring that The Jagz continues to set standards in the hospitality industry through exceptional service delivery and innovation," he said.
The appointment comes as The Jagz intensifies efforts to expand its footprint and strengthen its position as one of Nigeria's emerging hospitality brands with ambitions for continental relevance.
