Olajide Abiola is currently very hot in the real estate and hospitality sector. He's the young billionaire entrepreneur behind the popular The Destination by Gindaka Hotel in Abuja, Nigeria's capital city.
The Destination, since it was officially opened for business on the 21st December, 2022, has become one of the most patronised hotels in the city, and a toast of the visitors from all over the world coming to Abuja.
This is not only because of the architecture masterpiece structure but also the world-class facilities and services the hotel offers.
In fact, it's not just a hotel but a one-stop hospitality destination. It's a luxury service apartment that provides accommodation for short-let and long term purposes, giving its customers a home away from home experience.
it's a building consisting of 110 units of luxury apartments, including studios, two bedrooms, three bedrooms, and a four-bedroom penthouse. It also houses two well-equipped meeting rooms and a capacity hall to host events or conferences for both relaxations
and informal private meetings.
The Destination, strategically located at 20, N'Djamena Crescent, Off Aminu Kano Road, Wuse, Abuja, is 6.8 km away from Magic Land Abuja, 11km away from IBB Golf Club, and approximately 28 km to Nnamdi Azikiwe International.
One of the very unique features of the hotel included the sky view Lounge with a 360 degree view of the entire city. There is also a paid airport shuttle service for the convenience of customers.
There is more. Apart from the buffet breakfast which comes with each accommodation, The Destination has a restaurant serving African, American and Chinese cuisines. There is also a provision for vegetarians, halal and gluten-free options.
There are also free bikes, outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and garden and children's playground. Each accommodation at the 4-star hotel has city views, and guests can enjoy access to a terrace and to a bar.
In fact, The Destination is first of its kind. Interestingly too, the hotel, as distinctively beautiful it looks with the cutting edge fittings and all, was delivered within 13 months.
The project was executed with the supports of his partners Including the Norrenberger Advisory Partners and Fidelity Bank PLC. Abiola, no doubt, has redefined the real estate and hospitality sector with The Destination.
But who really is this guy? Those who know the stuff that Olajide Abiola is made of will readily tell you that he is a highly smart young businessman, who has carved a niche for himself over the last 16 years or so. He's in his 30s. Super intelligent and smart.
He's the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Smart Residences Limited (also known as Gidanka).
The Destination is not his first shot at real estate. He had successfully delivered other projects in the past. Gindaka has other projects scattered all over Abuja including a residence in Katampe and the Glass Residence in Jabi.
Olajide, a distinguished military veteran and an accomplished entrepreneur, sits atop a multi-billion naira conglomerate with interest in real estate, hospitality, manufacturing, finance and more. He oversees esteemed residential hospitality brands such as Gidanka and HomeAway.
He also owns Jendo, a premier groundnut oil manufacturing company. His entrepreneurial acumen played a pivotal role in co-founding a prominent financial technology firm, which achieved a transaction volume of 13 billion naira within a span of eight years.
Olajide, with his expertise in technology, finance, production, sales, project management, legislation, has really contributed immensely to Nigeria's business world. He has provided invaluable contributions to senate committees on Banking, Insurance, Appropriation, and Capital Markets during his tenure in the 7th Senate.
Let's tell you more. Olajide is a native of Oyo town, Oyo State but grew up in the Northern part of the country. He holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of Ilorin and certifications in Information Technology from Microsoft.
He has also equipped himself with other courses includingproject management, negotiation, marketing, budgeting, and costing from esteemed institutions such as the University of California, Irvine, and the University of Michigan.
He's a distinguished fellow of the Institute of Strategic Management. Of course, Olajide Abiola's educational achievements are not surprising. He was born into an academia home. It runs in the family. They are known for the intellectual excellence in their family. The mother is an educationist and a university don. His elder sister, Dr. Olawumi Abiola Okanlawon is an accomplished professional and a chattered accountant who works as a Chief Auditor at the office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, Abuja.
Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Olajide Abiola is a mentor, a beacon of inspiration for many both old and young, and a father. He's happily married to Temilade Abiola and they are blessed with beautiful children.
Credit: City People
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