A United Kingdom-based Chartered Banker and Chairman of Treal Hotels and Suites, Mr. Adebayo Fagbenro, has emphasized the critical role of tourism and hospitality in driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and improving local development in Nigeria.
Fagbenro made this statement during a facility tour ahead of the official unveiling of a new hospitality and wellness facility in Ogun State. He described the sector as one of the most sustainable pathways for economic diversification and community empowerment.
According to him, Nigeria possesses enormous untapped potential in tourism and hospitality but requires deliberate investment, improved infrastructure, and global-standard service delivery to fully harness the sector’s economic benefits. He explained that his decision to invest in hospitality was inspired by years of professional experience abroad and a strong desire to contribute meaningfully to the Nigerian economy through enterprise, employment, and human capital development.
Tourism as a Driver of Economic Development
“Tourism and hospitality remain major drivers of economic development across the world. In many developed countries, the sector contributes significantly to national income, supports small businesses, creates employment, and stimulates local economies,” Fagbenro said.
“Having spent over 20 years in the United Kingdom working within structured systems, I have seen firsthand how hospitality and tourism can transform communities economically and socially. That experience inspired us to come back home and invest in something that will not only serve people but also create opportunities for our own people,” he added.
The chartered banker noted that hospitality extends beyond hotels and relaxation centres, stressing that the industry supports transportation, agriculture, food supply chains, entertainment, construction, retail businesses, and several other sectors of the economy. He lamented the increasing migration of skilled Nigerian youths abroad in search of greener pastures, adding that strategic investments in tourism and hospitality could help reduce unemployment and discourage excessive dependence on foreign opportunities.
Broader Economic Impact
“When people talk about hospitality, they often focus only on accommodation and leisure, but the industry is much broader than that. Hospitality creates a chain of economic activities,” he stated. Fagbenro said the sector is capable of boosting Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
He noted that Ogun State possesses enormous tourism potential and cultural heritage sites capable of attracting local and international visitors if properly developed. “A lot of young Nigerians travel abroad because they believe opportunities do not exist here. We understand that reality because we have lived and worked abroad ourselves. However, part of our mission is to demonstrate that Nigeria also has enormous opportunities if we invest properly and maintain global standards,” he said.
Staff Welfare and Professional Training
Fagbenro emphasized the importance of staff welfare and professional training in building a successful hospitality industry, noting that quality service delivery begins with motivated and well-trained personnel. “In hospitality management, we describe staff as internal guests because they are the foundation of the entire operation. If workers are empowered, respected, and properly trained, they will naturally deliver excellent service to external guests,” he explained.
“That is why we are committed to continuous training, leadership development, and creating a healthy work environment. We believe professionalism and people management are essential to the future of hospitality in Nigeria,” he added.
Wellness Tourism as a Growing Trend
The hospitality expert also revealed that the facility was intentionally designed to combine luxury hospitality with wellness services, describing health and wellness tourism as a growing global trend with huge economic potential. Fagbenro expressed optimism that with the right policies, private-sector participation, and infrastructural support, Nigeria could become one of Africa’s leading tourism and hospitality destinations.
“Globally, wellness tourism is becoming a major part of the hospitality industry. People no longer want only accommodation; they want relaxation, peace of mind, fitness, and complete wellness experiences,” he said.
“We have the population, culture, climate, hospitality, and natural potential to become a major tourism hub in Africa. What is required is consistent investment, proper planning, professionalism, and support for investors. If we get it right, tourism and hospitality can become one of the strongest contributors to Nigeria’s economic growth,” he added.
Treal Hotels & Suites Facilities
Fagbenro further stated that Treal Hotels & Suites will offer 30 luxury rooms spanning across two floors. “Each room will feature stylish and modern furniture with flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet access, complimentary coffee and tea, with each room equipped with air conditioning and temperature control to ensure guests have a pleasant and enjoyable stay,” he said.
“Additionally, some suites will come with additional comfort like Jacuzzis, massage sofas, exercise bikes, a modern see-through swimming pool, well-equipped gym facilities, and many more,” he added.
Call to Diaspora Nigerians
The Vice Chairman of the Hotel, Mrs. Adejoke Fagbenro, called on Nigerians in the diaspora to channel their experience, resources, and expertise back into the country to help create jobs, empower youths, and strengthen the economy. She explained that the vision behind the hospitality project was inspired by the need to create opportunities for Nigerians at home rather than allowing local talents to continue contributing to foreign economies.
According to her, many Nigerians relocate abroad mainly in search of employment opportunities despite the abundance of talent and potential available within the country. “Instead of allowing those talents to continue contributing to the development of other countries, we decided to create opportunities here where they can stay, grow, and contribute meaningfully to our own economy,” she said.
Mrs. Fagbenro noted that although the investment could have been established in larger commercial cities such as Lagos, the promoters deliberately chose Abeokuta because of their commitment to contributing to the development of their home state. “That vision inspired us to start something impactful. And although we could have started anywhere, even in Lagos, we chose Abeokuta because this is home to us. We believe development should begin from home before extending elsewhere,” she added.
Excellence in Nigeria
The Vice Chairman stressed that Nigerians abroad continue to distinguish themselves globally through hard work and professionalism, insisting that the same standard of excellence can thrive within Nigeria if the right environment is created. “Nigeria is blessed with incredible talents. Many Nigerians abroad are making significant contributions to foreign economies. We believe the same excellence can thrive here if given the right environment and opportunities,” she stated.
Speaking on the company’s operational philosophy, she explained that Treal Hotels and Suites places strong emphasis on staff welfare, professionalism, and customer care, noting that hospitality goes beyond infrastructure to genuine human relations. According to her, the management carefully selects workers with compassion and emotional intelligence because guests deserve to feel welcomed, comfortable, and valued.
She further disclosed that the company prioritises staff welfare through competitive remuneration packages aimed at motivating employees to deliver quality service. “Our employees are well paid because we believe motivated workers deliver the best service. In fact, our long-term vision is to become one of the best-paying hospitality brands in Nigeria,” she said.
General Manager’s Perspective
Also speaking, the General Manager of the hotel, Nuhu Onoja, emphasized the importance of improving tourism and accommodation infrastructure to strengthen the sector’s contribution to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). “We have come to transform the hospitality landscape in Abeokuta and its environs. Our goal is to provide top-quality services while creating employment opportunities for young people,” Onoja said.
He explained that the management planned to expand the brand across different parts of the country, adding that staff welfare and professionalism remained key priorities of the organisation.
Political Support
Meanwhile, politician Henry Fagbenro expressed delight over the completion of the project, saying the hotel would provide quality hospitality services and create employment opportunities for youths in the state. Among the personalities expected at the grand opening ceremony of Treal Hotels and Suites are Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Adedotun Gbadebo, and cleric Matthew Ashimolowo, among others.
