Senior Pastor and Founder of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), Matthew Ashimolowo, has called on Nigerians in the diaspora to channel their resources, experience, and international exposure into investments that will strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s economy.

Ashimolowo made the appeal during the inauguration of Treal Hotel and Suites in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

According to a statement issued on Friday by his media team, the cleric described the increasing number of diaspora-backed investments as evidence of renewed faith in Nigeria’s economic future despite existing business challenges.

“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.

Ashimolowo added that Nigerians living abroad should translate their global success into investments capable of contributing to national development and economic growth.

Also speaking at the event, 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 that would attract both local and diaspora investments.

Talabi said the administration was implementing reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, noting that Ogun State’s industrial base, expanding infrastructure, and strategic location continued to make it attractive to investors.

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 United Kingdom-based entrepreneur, Adebayo Fagbenro, said the investment was inspired by his international business experience and desire to improve hospitality standards in Nigeria.

Fagbenro said his exposure to banking, accounting, and global business environments influenced 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,” he said.

According to him, the project, valued at millions of naira, was driven by both commercial opportunities and a commitment to improving service delivery within the hospitality industry.

In his remarks, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, described the development as a positive contribution to the socio-economic transformation of Egbaland and Abeokuta.

The monarch said the growing influx of private investments into the city reflected increasing confidence in its stability, cultural heritage, and economic prospects.

He added that Abeokuta was gradually emerging as a strategic centre for tourism, commerce and urban development in Ogun State.

Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Local Government Chairmen in Nigeria, Henry Fagbenro, also described the project as a sign of growing investor confidence in Ogun State, attributing it to policy stability and an improving business climate.

Vice Chairman of the hotel board, Adejoke Fagbenro, said the vision behind the project was built on excellence, discipline and globally competitive service delivery standards.

She noted that the goal was to build a hospitality brand capable of competing internationally while remaining relevant to local needs.

General Manager of the facility, Nuhu Onoja, assured guests that the hotel’s operations would prioritise professionalism, efficiency and customer-focused service delivery.