Connect with us

Headline

Luxurious Lagos Marriot Hotel, Ikeja Opens May 19, Promises Premium Service

Published

on

By Michael Effiong Pix by Ken Ehimen & Marriot

The hospitality industry in Nigeria is about to witness a boost and attract global buzz as the luxurious and tastefully-decorated Lagos Marriot Hotel, opens its doors on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 in upscale GRA, Ikeja.

Owned by McFolly Hospitality Ltd, a subsidiary of Sifax Group and managed by Marriot, the 5-star hotel offers guests an opportunity to enjoy world class service at a facility that has a homely, African feel, according to Mr. Chike Ogeah, MD, McFolly Hospitality Ltd.

Mr Bode Ojeniyi, Executive Director, Corporate Services, Mr Rudi Janse Van Rensburg, Mrs. Eniola Wunmi Jegede & Mr Chike Ogeah, MD, McFolly Hospitalilty Ltd

In his words at an interactive session with select media personalities anchored by Mr. Muyiwa Akande and Catherine Abuah (both of SIFAX Group), Mr Ogeah stated  “I assure you that Lagosians and indeed Nigerians will be very proud of what we have to offer. The excellent service, the wonderful ambience, the classy and luxurious décor and the authentic African feel.

ATQ Publisher, Ikechi Uko, GM, Rudi Janse Van Rensburg with Editor, Ovation International, Michsel Effiong

“We are very happy to have partnered with Marriot on this project. We wanted the very best and now we have it right here in Nigeria. We are indeed very excited about what the future holds for this facility and our adventure in the hospitality industry.

The Presidential Suite

“Apart from its age-long track record, Marriot is a cosmopolitan brand that allows each facility to develop its individuality and that is one of the reason they were chosen as our partner.The culture and the class are effectively combined to give guests a wondrous experience at every visit”

Muyiwa Akande, Head, Corporate Communications, Sifax Group with Catherine Abuah, Group Head, Marketing, Sifax Group

Mr Ogeah noted that it was the idea of Sifax Chairman, Dr Taiwo Afolabi to work with Marriot from the get go. “It is a testament to his tenacity, vision and industry that we have arrived at this destination. I told him that this will be his biggest legacy. And when you go round you will see why”.

The 1000-capacity Ball Room

He said that Dr Afolabi, who is also Chairman, McFolly Hospitality Ltd contributed to the express delivery of the project with his expertise in the ports. “This was important in terms of bringing container load of equipment. The project cost is in the region of N45billion if not for his know-how, even N100billion would not have made this facility ready at this time”

Publisher, Maestromedia, Abiola Aloba, Chike Ogeah, Managing Director, McFolly Hospitality Ltd & Michael Effiong

He revealed that getting the Marriot partnership was no easy feat recounting how the inspectors checked and ensured that even the minutest of details were not overlooked.

Derikoko & Ko Restaurant

He noted that GRA Ikeja was strategically chosen because “We want to create that nexus between the aviation and the hospitality industry. We are located close to the airport on purpose, we want to make this place a hub. We are the only hotel I know that has a purpose-built Crew Lounge. He also noted that the hotel creates an opportunity for employment and knowledge transfer for Lagosians and Nigerians in general.

Also speaking at the event, Rudi Janse Van Rensburg, General Manager, Lagos Marriot Hotel, Ikeja revealed that the hotel is a magnificent property that has taken almost seven years to build.

The classy Pool Terrace

According to him, the hotel, with 11 floors, has 250 bedrooms made up of, 206 rooms, 41 (Junior & Senior suites ) and 3 (Vice Presidential and Presidential Suites).

In his words “The Presidential suite is on the top floor, it is 400 square metres in size and has a terrace with an amazing view of the Lagos skyline.

“The whole hotel is designed with the original African drum theme and thus, in terms of fittings, furnishing and art pieces, there are lines all around and you will see different gele style arts too”

“Sticking with the Marriot Philosophy of traveling brilliant, the Lagos Marriot Hotel boost of four wonderful outlets. The Idapo Lounge is one of the signature facilities in the hotel. It is what others would call a lobby but we have converted that space to a great room that creates conviviality for guests who would not like to stay in their rooms all day but also give them some privacy and alone space”

He also revealed that “the hotel has the Koriko & Ko Restaurant, which is an all day dining buffet restaurant, Azure Grill and Bar which is conceptualized like the typical local “point & Kill” joint where customers can enjoy the fish experience of eating with hands, Suya, other grills and Nigerian cuisine and the Wakame, an Asian Restaurant that will serve Thai, Northern Indian, Chinese and Japanese delicacies.  This section in terms of the interior design, has a different look and feel from other parts of the hotel.

The General Manager also revealed that the Pool side terrace is another wonder to behold and is open for outside guests and parties while also stating that the gym and fitness centre is topnotch. In addition to parking space for 400 cars as well as valet parking.

The GM making his presentation

That is not all, the hotel has meeting rooms, board rooms and a 1000-capacity ball room that is second to none in the area.

Mr. Van Rensburg also stated that loyalty members (Marriot, Bonvoy and Starwood) will have super pampering at the M Club adding “ We are waiting anxiously to open and give each of our guests, excellent service the Marriot way”

The event, also attended by Executive Director, Business Development & Strategic Planning, Sifax Group, Mrs. Wunmi Eniola Jegede was rounded off with a thank you message by Executive Director, Corporate Services, Sifax Group, Mr. Bode Ojeniyi.

Mr Ojeniyi began by reacting to a question on pricing “The best things are not necessarily the cheapest.  Here, we are offering value, we are offering premium quality and we offering class,  not about the price but how we would make you feel”

In ended thus: “This is the best Marriot in the whole of sub Saharan Africa, come and enjoy it. Thank you”

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Headline

KFC Reacts As FAAN Shuts Down Its Operations in Lagos Airport

Published

on

By

The Management of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) has reacted to the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)’s move to shut down its branch at the Muritala Muhammed Airport, for violating laws protecting the rights of people with special needs.

The action was confirmed through a statement released on Thursday by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah.

The official statement, titled ‘FAAN shuts down KFC outlet at MMIA,’ highlighted that the closure was in response to the outlet’s breach of the Lagos State law on People with Special Needs, specifically referencing Part C, Section 55 of the General Provisions on Discrimination.

Responding to the development, KFC posted on its official X account that it opposes bias and discrimination, stressing that the incident did not reflect its standards.

The organisation disclosed that it had embarked on efforts to address the situation and urgently implemented sensitivity training for all its employees.

The statement read, “KFC is unwavering in our stance against bias or discrimination in any form, with inclusivity and respect as non-negotiable pillars of our values.

“However, this recent incident has underscored the pressing need for immediate action. We have embarked on efforts to address the situation and extend apologies and deeply regret the frustration and distress experienced by our guest.

“In response, we are urgently implementing sensitivity training for all our employees. This incident is not reflective of our standards, and we will act swiftly to rectify it.

“We are actively exploring solutions to equip our team members and establishments better to ensure that every guest feels genuinely welcomed and that we deliver empathetic customer service that proactively addresses the diverse needs of each guest.”

KFC had during the week, denied Adebola Daniel, son of former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel, access to their facility at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport  because of his disability.

Daniel had recounted his experience at the KFC outlet of the airport in a series of tweets posted on Wednesday via his X handle, @DebolaDaniel.

Continue Reading

Headline

Ezekiel Bolarinwa Ajayi: Mentor, Philanthropist Revels at 80

Published

on

By

By Eric Elezuo

The ancient town of Ile-Ife was agog weekend, when Professor Ezekiel Bolarinwa Oladele Ajayi, a renowned educationist, accomplished mentor and elder brother of veteran journalist, Dele Momodu, pulled all the stops to mark a resounding entry into the octogenarian club, celebrating his 80th birthday with fanfare, pomp and class.

The event, which attracted family members, colleagues in the academic world, friends and well wishers, was another testament in the expression of influence, clout and connection.

Held at the Rock Rehoboth Cathedral in the centre of Ile-Ife, the event brought out the best in the Stanford trained PHD holder, as beamed with contagious smiles, absorbing accolades from a crowd of well wishers and dignitaries, most of whom traveled half  way across the world to felicitate with the newest octogenarian.

A lavished reception followed after heartfelt prayers were said for the celebrant flanked by his wife of many years, children and grandchildren. The reception witnessed guests savoring the best of continental and local delicacies as well as dancing happily to the old school tunes.

The highpoint of the event was the cutting of the gigantic cake by the birthday boy around whom were dotting family members.

As guests expressed their profound, hearty and sincere congratulations towards the octogenarian, whose event changed the landscape of Ife, many recalled how they have come a long way from their very humble beginning in Gbongan Olufi.

Fondly called Ladele, Prof Ajayi was born on March 23, 1944 in Gbongan, Osun State, where he had his earliest beginnings.

He statted his education at the Saint Paul’s School Gbongan, before moving on to Saint Judes School, Ebute Metta, and later to Saint Stephens School, Ile-Ife, where he completed his primary education.

After his elementary education, he was admitted into the Government College lbadan, where he was described as having  ‘passed out in exceedingly bright colours’. As many that knows him has confirmed that Prof Ajayi was a walking encyclopedia, and vibrated with intelligence while at school.

It was not therefore, surprising that he later proceeded to the United States of America, after his secondary education, where he attended various prestigious Universities including Stanford University. It is worthy of note that all his appearances for university education were on different scholarships. It was also at Stanford that he bagged his PhD honours.

On the completion of his PhD programme in Stanford, Prof Ajayi was recruited by the University of Ife, as it was then known, before its transmutation to Obafemi Awolowo University, where he later became a Professor of Physics, a position he jealousy guarded until retirement from active classroom duties.

According to a very close family member and confidant, Bola Adeyemo, who spoke glowingly about their fond relationship, Prof Ajayi “also became active in things of God. Like a proverbial gold fish, he has been recognized as a Pastor. Ladele played a mentoring role in the final years of school for my twin daughters who both graduated from the medicine program in the same University.

“The mutual fondness between Ladele and I remains very much intact. Ladele and l share common ancestry. His father who was the Otun Olufi of Gɓongan was a much older cousin to my mother and was fondly referred to as baba mi ile ASORO. They both had the same tribal marks. Ladele can be classified as belonging to the royal class as his father was the OTUN OLUFI while his mother was the daughter of the ÒOSA, first class chief in Gbongan.”

A life of Prof Ajayi without a mention of prolific publisher of the Ovation brands,  Chief Momodu, remains incomplete. It is worthy of note that apart from both sharing the same mum as siblings, the Prof was instrumental in shaping and mentally mentoring Momodu on the path of education. His 80th birthday was a reminder of how it used to be in times past as it marks a form of reunion for the Ajayi extended household.

Among those who attended were his daughter, Kemi Ajayi-Ingram, who flew in all the way from the United States of America, with her entire family; his niece, Yejide Ajayi among a host of others.

We wish the ebullient octogenarian a splendid birthday, and many ore years of splendid celebrations.

Continue Reading

Headline

Easter, Ramadan: Adeleke Releases March Salaries, Pension, Palliatives, Approves Promotion for Personnel

Published

on

By

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has approved the release of salaries, pensions and palliatives for the month of March for all public servants in the state, as well as approved the promotion of service personnel due for promotion from 2023.

Adeleke’s show of love for the entire workforce, is in spite of the fact that the State allocation from the Federation account is yet to be released, according to a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.

The Head of Service, Mr Samuel Ayanleye Aina confirmed the approval of the March salaries, pension and palliatives, noting that the fast tracked approval covered all categories of state and local government employees including tertiary institutions in the State.

“I can confirm that Mr Governor has approved the March salaries, pension and palliative wage awards, including the usual payment of the outstanding half salary for retirees under the contributory pension scheme yet to obtain their bonds. Mr Governor requested for the file and granted immediate approval.

“Any moment from now, alerts will be landing in our peoples’ accounts. This is a preemptive step on the part of Mr Governor to meet the needs of our people”, the Head of Service explained.

Governor Adeleke who has been hosting inter faith leaders at the Government House said he approved the early payment to ease the burden of the workers ahead of the Easter period.

“As I wish muslim and christian faithfuls blessed fasting season, the early payment is a gesture of support for workers whose welfare remains the number one priority of our administration”, the Governor noted.

Continue Reading

Trending