The Senior Pastor and Founder of KICC, Matthew Ashimolowo, has urged Nigerians in the diaspora to channel their resources, experience, and global influence into rebuilding confidence in Nigeria’s economy through structured investments back home.
Ashimolowo made the call during the inauguration of Treal Hotel and Suites in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
According to a statement issued on Friday by Ashimolowo’s media team and shared with Online, Ashimolowo described the growing wave of diaspora return investments as evidence of “renewed faith in Nigeria’s economic future” despite concerns surrounding the business environment.
“What we are seeing here is not just investment; it is a statement of belief in Nigeria.
“It shows that people are still willing to commit significant resources here,” he said.
He added that Nigerians abroad must translate their global success into investments that contribute to national development.
Also speaking at the event, the Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, who represented Governor Dapo Abiodun, said the state government remained committed to sustaining an investor-friendly environment capable of attracting both local and diaspora capital.
Talabi said the administration was deepening reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, noting that Ogun State’s industrial base, infrastructure expansion, and strategic location continued to position it as a preferred investment destination.
He added that “the government was focused on strengthening partnerships with credible investors to drive economic diversification and job creation.”
The promoter of the project and UK-based entrepreneur, Adebayo Fagbenro, said the investment was inspired by years of international exposure and a desire to bridge gaps in Nigeria’s hospitality standards.
According to him, his experience across banking, accounting, and global business environments shaped his decision to invest in the hospitality sector in Ogun State.
“I have worked across different systems and environments, and I can clearly see the gap we need to close at home. This investment is about raising standards and improving what we have locally,” Fagbenro said.
He noted that the project, valued at millions of naira, was driven by both commercial opportunity and a commitment to improving service delivery standards in the industry.
In his remarks, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, described the development as a welcome addition to the socio-economic transformation of Egbaland and Abeokuta.
The monarch said “The increasing inflow of private investments into the city reflected growing confidence in its stability, cultural heritage, and expanding economic outlook.”
He added that Abeokuta continued to evolve as a strategic centre for tourism, commerce, and urban development, noting that projects such as the hotel further reinforced its position as an emerging investment destination in Ogun State.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Local Government Chairmen in Nigeria, Henry Fagbenro, described the investment as an indicator of growing investor confidence in Ogun State, attributing it to policy stability and an improving business climate.
He said the steady inflow of private capital reflected the effectiveness of ongoing reforms and the increasing attractiveness of the state as an investment destination.
Vice Chairman of the hotel board, Mrs. Adejoke Fagbenro, said the “vision behind the project was anchored on excellence, discipline, and global competitiveness in service delivery.”
According to her, the objective is to build a brand capable of competing internationally while remaining rooted in local relevance.
The General Manager of the facility, Mr. Nuhu Onoja, also “assured that operations would be guided by professionalism, efficiency, and customer-focused service delivery.”