JAGZ Hotels Appoints New GM Unveils Expansion Plans Across Nigeria, Africa
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN —- THE JAGZ Hotels has appointed seasoned hospitality professional Jonathan Odia as its new General Manager and announced ambitious plans to expand its operations within Nigeria and across Africa.
The announcement was made during a press conference at the hotel’s premises in Ibadan, where management also unveiled a strategic growth roadmap aimed at positioning the brand among Africa’s leading hospitality institutions.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of JAGZ Hotels, Lugard Agbomoagan, said Odia’s appointment reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening leadership, enhancing service delivery, and driving its next phase of growth.
According to Agbomoagan, the hotel has evolved significantly since opening about 20 months ago, growing from a new entrant in the hospitality sector into a respected brand known for quality service, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
“Our vision from the outset was to create a hospitality experience that is luxurious, authentic, and proudly African. Less than two years later, it is rewarding to see how far we have come,” he said.
He attributed part of the hotel’s success to the enabling business environment created by the Oyo State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde, noting that investor-friendly policies and transparency have boosted private-sector confidence.
Agbomoagan disclosed that the hotel’s commitment to operational excellence has translated into rising occupancy rates, increased patronage from corporate clients, stronger brand recognition, and improved customer satisfaction.
“People trust The Jagz. They return and confidently recommend us to others. That means everything to us,” he stated.
As part of its expansion strategy, Agbomoagan revealed plans to increase room capacity, upgrade facilities, and improve infrastructure to accommodate a broader customer base.
He also announced plans to establish a presence in Abuja as the hotel seeks to strengthen its position as a regional hospitality destination for conferences, events, and business gatherings.
He noted that the expansion aligns with growing opportunities in Africa’s tourism and business sectors, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“The Jagz is positioning itself as an emerging African hospitality brand with a long-term continental outlook. As trade and investment continue to grow across Africa, hospitality brands must evolve to serve a new generation of travellers,” he said.
The Managing Director further announced plans to host the JAGZ Hospitality Conference 2026, which will bring together industry operators, investors, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss trends, innovation, resilience, and the future of hospitality in Nigeria.
Welcoming his appointment, Odia expressed appreciation to the management and pledged to leverage his nearly three decades of industry experience to support the hotel’s growth ambitions.
He said his career began in Abuja in 1986 with Golden Tulip and later included leadership roles at Hilton Abuja, Sheraton Abuja, Southern Sun, Marriott, Continental, InterContinental, and Rotana Hotels in the United Arab Emirates.
“I have gained extensive experience across local and international hospitality markets, and together we will continue to move forward and achieve greater success,” Odia said.
Also speaking, Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, described Odia as a highly accomplished hospitality professional whose wealth of experience would add significant value to the organisation.
He commended the management of JAGZ Hotels for attracting an industry veteran and praised the hotel’s rapid growth, noting that it has become one of Oyo State’s leading hospitality establishments within a relatively short period.
“JAGZ Hotels has distinguished itself through quality service and professionalism. With the appointment of Mr. Odia, we are confident the hotel will continue to grow from strength to strength,” Olatubosun said.
The event attracted media practitioners, industry stakeholders, business partners, and tourism enthusiasts, as JAGZ Hotels reaffirmed its commitment to world-class standards, enhanced guest experiences, and the continued development of Nigeria’s hospitality sector.