At Wells Carlton, culture meets business

Culture, showbiz, class and industry intersected before high society audience who came for the official opening of the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Asokoro, Abuja. The facility, a symmetry of tasteful design and culture, project the various African art in its gallery, attracting guests that cut across the continent and making it a final destination for any elegant guest at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that desires premium leisure.

Aside the generous doses of Edo dance and music, which evince the conviviality of the Edo people and by extension Nigerians, the event created space for non-African to feast on some of our traditional dances.

Welcoming guests, including the number two citizen of the country, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the proprietor, Capt. Hosa Okunbo, said that the hospitality home aims at closing some gaps identified in hotel business in Abuja and across Nigeria.

According to him, the journey that culminated in the completion of the edifice began in 2009, saying that it took him nine to complete because he needed to bring on board people that shared his vision. He noted that the multi-billion Naira project represents what he stands for, which are his name and reputation.

The Edo State-born hotelier noted that the hospitality home currently has over 300 direct workers, including foreigners, in addition to thousands others indirectly engaged, saying that this number would further rise with the official opening.

Opening the facility, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who was obviously impressed, declared that the facility would herald a significant transformation in hotel services in Nigeria, particularly in promoting the Nigerian brand. He encouraged Nigerians to be steadfast in chasing their dreams, stressing that only tenacious and consistent people realize their set goals.

Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, who led other National Assembly members to the event, disclosed that the hospitality home apart from boosting tourism, would contribute significantly to the nation’s economy.

Different speakers commended Okunbo for his vision, saying the investment will provide directly and indirectly employment to many people.

Guests that graced the occasion include; the FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello, who was represented by the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Gambo Jibrin; Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki; his deputy, Philip Shuaibu; royal fathers within and outside Abuja; All Progressive Congress (APC), National Chairman, Adams Oshiomole; his predecessor, John Oyegun, among others.

Ace comedian, Ali Baba, who was the compere, thrilled guests with tons of rib cracking jokes.