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BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – Ilaro-Yewa, the administrative headquarters of Ogun West, is gradually undergoing transformation in community development and hospitality infrastructure, driven largely by the initiatives of Chief Muftau Olabimtan, a community leader, traditional title -holder, and private-sector investor.
In a recent special interview with Abu-Satar Hamed of StarTrend Int’l Magazine and its online platform, Chief Olabimtan, who serves as Chairman of the Ilaro Development Council (IDC), disclosed his central role in coordinating development efforts aimed at improving social infrastructure, strengthening the town’s security architecture, and stimulating economic growth in the historic Ilaro-Yewa.
He noted that his contributions also extend to the hospitality sector through Yewa Frontier Hotel, one of the most prominent private investments in Ilaro-Yewa in recent years.
Born and raised in Ilaro-Yewa, Chief Muftau Olabimtan who’s also the Chairman, Afisola Nigeria Limited and Yewa Frontier Group
spent his formative years in the town before pursuing opportunities outside the community and beyond.
Despite living elsewhere for extended periods, he maintained strong ties with his hometown and remained actively involved in its affairs.
His appointment as Chairman of the Ilaro Development Council followed the establishment of the body by the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Olugbenle.
The council was mandated to drive socio-economic development initiatives, facilitate stakeholder engagement, and support community security efforts.
In addition, Chief Olabimtan holds the traditional title of Asoju Olu of Ilaro-Yewa, a role that positions him as a vital link between traditional institutions, development planning, and private investment.
According to him, the decision to invest in Yewa Frontier Hotel was informed by an identified development gap rather than purely commercial considerations.
He explained that prior to the establishment of the hotel, Ilaro lacked a modern hospitality facility capable of accommodating visiting professionals, investors, expatriates, and returning indigenes.
Chief Olabimtan revealed that discussions with the current Olu of Ilaro, dating back to before the monarch’s ascension around 2011-2012, often centred on converting development conversations into concrete projects.
“Those engagements eventually led to the decision by my elder brother, Mr. Afisu Olabimtan, and myself to invest in hospitality infrastructure”, he said.
“My brother, Mr. Afisu Olabimtan – a United States-based entrepreneur and founder of Yewa Frontier Hotel – appointed me as his representative on the project because we share the vision of using private investment to support local development”, he added.
He explained that the name Yewa Frontier Hotel reflected a deliberate strategy to position the facility as a regional hospitality hub rather than a town-specific establishment.
The concept, he said, was inspired by memories of the former Frontier Hotel in Idiroko, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, which once played a significant role in local economic activity.
“Rather than replicating the old model, the new project was designed to deliver improved hospitality standards on a sustainable scale, serving Ilaro and the wider Yewa axis of Ogun State”, he noted.
According to Chief Olabimtan, Yewa Frontier Hotel was conceived as a large-scale project, with a planned total of 150 rooms to be delivered in two phases.
“The first phase, comprising 75 rooms, was completed in December 2016 and currently forms the operational core of the hotel.
“The second phase, which will add another 75 rooms, remains part of the long-term expansion plan”, he stated.
Since commencing operations, the hotel has emerged as a major accommodation provider in Ilaro-Yewa, offering services built around comfort, accessibility, and competitive pricing.
Chief Olabimtan, however, lamented that despite adequate funding and a clear vision, the construction process encountered significant delays.
He attributed these challenges largely to bureaucratic and regulatory bottlenecks experienced under the previous Ogun State administration led by Senator Ibikunle Amosun.
He explained that construction approvals were delayed for nearly three years, resulting in prolonged project suspension, before work eventually resumed toward the end of the administration and was completed in 2016.
The hotel also faced a setback when Dangote Group, initially considered a major corporate client, opted to develop residential accommodation for its expatriate staff, largely due to security considerations – an outcome that affected projected occupancy levels.
In response, Chief Olabimtan said management refocused on repositioning the hotel through improved service quality and targeted marketing.
Key patronage segments now include Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, corporate organisations, and individual travellers.
He disclosed that ongoing strategies include manpower development to meet international hospitality standards, enhanced service delivery, competitive pricing, and stronger brand visibility.
The hotel is also undergoing rebranding and renewed publicity aimed at improving occupancy and market perception.
Beyond its commercial value, Chief Olabimtan described Yewa Frontier Hotel as a strategic development asset. He noted that the facility has contributed to job creation, increased visitor inflow, support for small businesses, and the repositioning of Ilaro-Yewa as an emerging destination for investment and tourism.
As Chairman of the Ilaro Development Council, he emphasised the importance of private-sector participation in complementing government efforts, particularly in infrastructure provision and service delivery.
Observers note that the Yewa Frontier Hotel project exemplifies how community-driven investment, supported by traditional institutions and private capital, can play a critical role in achieving sustainable local development.
