Olajide Abiola has emerged as a key player in the real estate and hospitality sector, known for his luxury hotel, The Destination by Gindaka, located in Abuja, Nigeria's capital. Since its grand opening on December 21, 2022, The Destination has quickly gained popularity among visitors, attracting a diverse clientele from around the world. The hotel boasts not only an impressive architectural design but also world-class facilities and services, making it a premier hospitality destination.
The Destination is more than just a hotel; it functions as a luxury service apartment complex that offers both short-term and long-term accommodations, providing guests with a "home away from home" experience. The property features 110 luxury apartment units, including studios, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and a four-bedroom penthouse. Additionally, the hotel is equipped with two well-appointed meeting rooms and a large hall suitable for hosting events and conferences.
Strategically situated at 20 N'Djamena Crescent, Off Aminu Kano Road, Wuse, Abuja, The Destination is conveniently located 6.8 km from Magic Land Abuja, 11 km from IBB Golf Club, and approximately 28 km from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. One of the hotel’s standout features is the sky-view lounge, which offers stunning 360-degree views of the city. Moreover, a paid airport shuttle service is available for guests’ convenience.
In addition to a complimentary buffet breakfast with each stay, The Destination features a restaurant that serves a variety of cuisines, including African, American, and Chinese, with options for vegetarians, halal, and gluten-free diets. Guests can also enjoy amenities such as free bicycles, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a garden, and a children's playground. Each accommodation offers city views, along with access to a terrace and a bar.
Notably, The Destination is the first of its kind in the area, completed within just 13 months, thanks to the collaboration of Abiola and his partners, including Norrenberger Advisory Partners and Fidelity Bank PLC.
So, who is Olajide Abiola? Those familiar with his work describe him as an astute young businessman who has made a significant impact over his 16-year career. In his 30s, Abiola is the Founder and CEO of Smart Residences Limited, also known as Gindaka. This is not his first venture in real estate; he has successfully completed several other projects throughout Abuja, including residential units in Katampe and the Glass Residence in Jabi.
A distinguished military veteran and accomplished entrepreneur, Abiola leads a multi-billion naira conglomerate with interests in real estate, hospitality, manufacturing, finance, and more. He oversees notable residential hospitality brands such as Gidanka and HomeAway, and he owns Jendo, a premier groundnut oil manufacturing company. His entrepreneurial skills also helped co-found a fintech firm that achieved a remarkable transaction volume of ₦13 billion in just eight years.
Abiola's expertise spans various fields, including technology, finance, production, sales, and project management. He has made significant contributions to Nigeria’s business landscape and has provided valuable input to several senate committees on banking, insurance, appropriation, and capital markets during the 7th Senate.
Hailing from Oyo Town, Oyo State, Olajide grew up in Northern Nigeria. He holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of Ilorin and has acquired several certifications in Information Technology from Microsoft. He has also broadened his knowledge through courses in project management, negotiation, marketing, budgeting, and costing from prestigious institutions like the University of California, Irvine, and the University of Michigan.
Olajide Abiola is a distinguished fellow of the Institute of Strategic Management, a testament to his academic prowess, which is rooted in his family's legacy of educational excellence. His mother is an educationist and university lecturer, and his elder sister, Dr. Olawumi Abiola Okanlawon, is a chartered accountant serving as Chief Auditor in the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation in Abuja.
Beyond his business achievements, Olajide is a mentor and a source of inspiration for many young and old alike. He is happily married to Temilade Abiola, and together they are blessed with beautiful children.
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