AS molts gather sands, so the grand inauguration of Grand Inn & Suites, regally located at Gateway Stadium Road, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, dramatically converged the cream de la cream in the country, recently.It was a gathering of senators, governors, captain of industries; political leaders; traditional rulers in council, among other who is who in the country.Leading the league of high-ranked dignitaries within and outside the country to the commissioning of the hotel was the number three citizen of Nigeria, the Senate President, Dr David Mark.The Senate President displaying his respect for culture and tradition, paid homage to the Awujale of Ijebu-Ode and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Adetona, in his palace before proceeding to the venue of the commissioning in company of the monarch, other traditional rulers in the state, among other dignitaries.Launching into the deep of the programme was the cutting of the tape by the Senate President, to the glory of God and benefit of mankind.In his welcome address, the chairman of the hotel and former senator, representing Ogun East Senatorial constituency, Senator Olalekan Mustapha, described the entrance of the hotel as a boost to tourism and hospitality industries in the state, and the state economy.The emergence of the hotel, according to him, was borne out of his desire to further develop his immediate environment that had contributed to his achievement; bring more people to the community, thereby propelling the economic buoyancy of the state through tourism.Tourism, according to him, 'is an opportunity to bring people to our place. It can really develop our nation to an enviable level if well harnessed. The money-spinning sector is earnestly waiting for us to tap into.'Tourism is an underdeveloped sector of Nigeria's economy. It's an area I believe can really grow our economy if properly harnessed. That's why I decided to go into it.'Oba Adetona in his address described Grand Inn & Suites as one of the top 10 hotels in the country. The location of the hotel in Ijebu-Ode, according to the monarch, has further portrayed the community as the mother of all and a potential capital for Ijebu State.The monarch while commending Senator Mustapha for deeming it fit to erect the edifice in the community as a mark of honour and display of his sheer love for the community charged other illustrious sons and daughters of the community and state to emulate the kind gesture.In his address, the Senate President lauded the initiative of Senator Mustapha in exploring the latent hospitality and tourism industry. The involvement of the likes of Lekan Mustapha, according to Senator Mark will hasten the development of the sectors.Good number of the dignitaries at the occasion also described the hotel as enviable and a plus to the community, state and the country at large.Former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, described the hotel as one of the best things to happen to the state. 'This is simply exquisite; the pride of hospitality industry in the state.'Former governor of Ekiti State, Chief Segun Oni, described the hotel as the cynosure of all eyes in hospitality industry throughout the world, 'This is quite posh, exquisite and of the international standard, with vibrant staffers at beck and call of customers to dish out first-class and personalised services.'Former governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, simply said, 'Eleyi yato (meaning, this is different). Everything in the hotel speaks volume.'Senator Jubril Martins Kuye, said the owner of the hotel could not have done anything short of the standard of the hotel, 'because Lekan Mustapha is a man who believes in that aphorism, 'what is worth doing, is worth doing well.A political icon in Ago-Iwoye, Prince Dele Ajayi, described Grand Inn & Suites as a blessing to the state and Nigerian hospitality industry, adding that it will set the pace for other hotels not only in the country but also in Africa.The Regional Manager of the hotel, Mr Austino Ordia, in a brief chat with Tribune Tourism Magazine said the hotel is committed to giving hospitality seekers, personalised and first-class services, which they will need to go the extra mile to get elsewhere.'Our emergence in the industry is not to join the crowd, but to revolutionalise the industry by setting world-class standard in the hospitality industry in Nigeria,' Ordia said.Grand Inn & Suites is blessed with a classic presidential suite; regal royal suite; posh executive suite; well-furnished multi-purpose hall and a world standard GIS Hall.Making the services of the hotel more unique is the inclusion of Swedish buffet breakfast in the room; internet and free parking; wake-up service, washing and ironing clothes; hall and conference room; reception - 24hours; bar & terrace bar; snooker board; 24hours security and a standby generating plant to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply. While all bathrooms in the hotel are equipped with shower, hair dryer, soap and shampoo.
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