A significant milestone in Nigeria's hospitality industry was celebrated with the grand opening of The Jagz, a luxurious 5-star hotel located in Iyaganku, Ibadan. The hotel was officially commissioned by Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, amidst an impressive turnout of dignitaries and business leaders from across the nation and beyond.
The inauguration of The Jagz hotel signifies a major redefinition of luxury hospitality in Africa, featuring tastefully designed accommodations and high-end amenities. Engr. Kayode Adegbulugbe, Chairman and CEO of The Jagz Ibadan, commended Governor Makinde’s administration for its focus on infrastructure development, which has positioned Oyo State as an appealing destination for investors.
Highlighting the transformative progress in the region, Adegbulugbe stated that the last substantial infrastructure drive in the Southwest occurred during the late Obafemi Awolowo’s tenure. He expressed pride in the rapid development of The Jagz, constructed in just 21 months by El Sabio Construction under the leadership of Engr. Tunji Akinboro. Adegbulugbe emphasized that the project was completed without formal contracts, relying instead on “spreadsheets and integrity,” showcasing the capabilities of local firms to excel on a global stage.
Furthermore, Adegbulugbe stressed that Africa is the true home of hospitality and that The Jagz Ibadan is dedicated to reaffirming this position internationally. With ambitious plans to expand across Nigeria and the African continent in the next 5 to 10 years, The Jagz is poised to become a benchmark for luxury hospitality in the region.
Aligning with Governor Makinde's Omituntun 2.0 vision, which aims to boost tourism and mineral resources, Adegbulugbe asserted that The Jagz will transform Ibadan into a sought-after weekend destination for travelers from Lagos and beyond, elevating the city’s profile as a hub for global tourists.
Adegbulugbe also urged corporate leaders to consider establishing their businesses in Ibadan, rather than looking to far-flung global locations, and expressed sincere gratitude to Governor Makinde for his visionary leadership, which he believes restores pride to the Yoruba race and positions Africa prominently on the world stage.
In a noteworthy visit less than 24 hours after the commissioning, the Ataoja of Osogboland, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, along with a delegation of traditional rulers and religious leaders, toured The Jagz. Following the visit, Oba Oyetunji expressed his admiration for the hotel and advocated for a similar project to be built in Osogbo, suggesting specific locations for the prospective hotel based on the stunning views he experienced from the fourth-floor vantage point during his visit.
The Jagz Hotel’s opening is seen as a promising development for Ibadan's tourism and hospitality landscape, setting the stage for future growth and investment.