… lauds entrance of Maia Hotel

By Jimoh Babatunde

The hospitality landscape of Benin City, the Edo State capital has been boosted with the commissioning of a 50-bed hotel, Maia Hotel and Suits, by the state governor, Godwin Obaseki.

The multi-million dollar hotel built within a year by a Canada-based businessman, Fatai Efehi Mustapha, provides accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a terrace and a bar.

Speaking at the commissioning recently, the state governor represented by the state Commissioner for Arts & Tourism, Uyi Oduwa Malaka, commended the owner for setting up the hotel in Benin.

“The Hospitality and Tourism sectors have long been recognised as powerful catalysts for economic prosperity, creating opportunities for employment, investments and socio-cultural exchange.

“By embarking on this ambitious venture, it has signalled our firm belief in the potential of our state as a vibrant and thriving destination.”

While describing the hotel as the latest addition to the state tourism landscape, she said the hotel will create jobs for the youth, who will be taken off the street.

“We are proud of Fatai Mustapha as an Edo man and as a government, we will partner with him to grow the business.”

The MD/CEO of the hotel, Fatai Efehi Mustapha, said he had the opportunity of investing the money in Canada but chose to invest in Edo State and that so far, he has employed over 60 people.

“ This is to empower our people and with what we have on the ground now, we are set to give jobs to people and you know the multiplying effect of employment in the hospitality sector.”

The hotel has opened its doors to lovers of quality leisure as the enticement starts from the well-decorated front desk manned by motivated staff with infectious smiles and warmth.

Stepping in further, each category of the hotel’s 50 rooms and suites comes with unique allure and enduring cosiness, beautiful artistic works, wi-fi and other world-class room amenities, especially elaborate bath facilities, which add to the comfort in the rooms.

Tired of the room, the hotel features a wellness area, which lures guests to relax outdoors where there is a swimming pool for relaxation, and there is also a pool bar and a casino.

For lovers of good food, the hotel has a restaurant serving African, American and other continental cuisine with 24-hour room service.

The children are not left out of the excitement as there are 360 Camera Booth and Children’s playgrounds.

Security of guests is guaranteed with armed men on the ground all day.