At a colourful ceremony during the week, Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, unveiled the renovated Herold block of rooms of its facility with a promise to provide better and never forgetting hospitality experience for guests.
Speaking at the event, Group Chairman, Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL), Otunba ‘Bimbo Ashiru, excitedly said that the renovation of the facility is not just about a reopening, but about legacy, renewal, and the clear roadmap to the future the group envisions for the historic establishment.
He said Lagos Airport Hotel has long stood as a significant landmark within the hospitality landscape of Nigeria, especially in the Southwest, noting that its journey is rich with transformation, from humble beginnings to a heritage symbol.
“Let me take a moment to reflect on this proud legacy. 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 an evolving identity.
“However, the most defining moment came in 1976 following the implementation of the Indigenization Decree, when it became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, representing the joint interests of the six Southwest states: Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, and Lagos.
“It was at that time the hotel took on the name Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, aligning with its proximity to the international airport and its growing ambition.
“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 signaling not just cosmetic change, but a strategic refresh of value and experience.”
Ashiru commended those that contributed to making the renovation a success, as their commitment ensured the successful delivery of the first phase of renewal.
In his welcome address, the Chairman, Board Of Directors, Lagos Airport Hotel Limited (LAHL), Prince Oyeleye Fasua, said the renovation is a significant milestone in its journey to restore the hotel to its well-deserved place of pride in Nigeria’s hospitality landscape.
“The renovation of rooms and corridors in the Harold Block is not merely a facelift; it is a clear expression of our renewed commitment to service excellence, customer satisfaction, and industry leadership. This successful project is a testimony to the power of collaboration and shared vision across the Odu’a Investment Group,” he said.
The Group Managing Director, OICL, Abdulrahman Yinusa, represented by Mr. Yemi Ajao, Executive Director, Group Chief Investment and Business Development, appreciated its stakeholders for their continuous support for the Odu’a brand and subsidiaries.
He emphasised OICL’s shared vision with LAHL Board to modernize the hotel and maximize the value of its prime land assets through mixed-use development.
