Diaspora hotelier urges Nigerians abroad to invest back home, despite challenges
By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
A Canada based hotelier, Mr. Oluwafemi Ayeyemi, has called on Nigerians living abroad to return home and invest in the country, emphasizing the immense potential for job creation and economic growth.
Ayeyemi made the appeal on Monday during a project tour of his multi-billion naira hospitality venture, Feliza Hotel and Suites, located in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
While highlighting the importance of diaspora investment, Ayeyemi lamented persistent issues such as poor infrastructure, insecurity, multiple taxation, and unreliable manpower as key factors deterring Nigerians abroad and foreign investors from committing to businesses in the country.
He recounted a personal setback in 2016 when his first house at Laderin was demolished to pave the way for a railway project without compensation despite possessing all necessary title documents.
“I almost gave up on investing in Nigeria,” he said. “But in 2017, my father encouraged me to rise again. I consulted some friends, and based on their advice, I ventured into hospitality and that’s how this journey began.”
Despite the hurdles, Ayeyemi remains hopeful that the hotel project will spark development in the area and provide job opportunities, particularly for young people.
The 62 room facility, set for commissioning in November 2025, is expected to create employment for at least 100 youths from within and around the Obada Oko community.
He also appealed to the Ogun State government to rehabilitate the Ijeja community railway road, warning that poor road conditions could undermine hospitality businesses and discourage further investments.
