Oyo hoteliers hail Makinde for creating business-friendly environment

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The President of the Hoteliers Association of Oyo State, Mr. Ayodele Ogundele, has commended Governor Seyi Makinde for providing a conducive environment that allows businesses to thrive, especially in the hospitality sector.

Ogundele, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Davies Hotel, Ibadan, stated this in an interview with The People’s Verdict. He noted that the governor’s policies have contributed significantly to the growth of a 24-hour economy in the state.

According to him, apart from hotels that traditionally operate round the clock, several supermarkets and other businesses now open for 24 hours in Ibadan, a development that signals a vibrant economy.

“Governor Makinde’s policies have been extremely beneficial. The Light-Up Oyo Project, which some people initially criticized, has transformed the state. Today, Ibadan runs a nearly 24-hour economy. People can move around at 1 a.m. to eat, shop, or relax without fear. You can drive home safely even at 2 a.m. These are the real impacts of his policies,” Ogundele said.

He further explained that the presence of multiple supermarkets operating 24 hours indicates the strength of the local economy. “No one would keep a shop open all night, pay staff, and run electricity if customers were not coming. The fact that these businesses are thriving shows that the economy is alive,” he added.

Ogundele also praised the Makinde administration for introducing the harmonized tax system, which has made it easier for hotel operators to understand and fulfill their tax obligations. He said more hoteliers are now willing to register with the government because they see the visible impact of tax revenue on infrastructure and development.

“There is a thriving economy moving within the local population. When the government opens up new areas through improved infrastructure, investments like hotels naturally follow. What we are witnessing now in Oyo is proof that when the government does the right thing, businesses will grow,” he concluded.