Wednesday, 23 May 2012
Gateway Hotel Otta Is Overtaken By Overgrown Weeds And Rodents
By Segun O'Law
One of the the vivid memories about my childhood is one associated with severe hardship yet with some touch of fun. As a little boy growing restrictively within the outskirts Lagos, I marched on an empty stomach with friends through the interlocking closes and streets that eventually linked us with Sango-Otta.
We gave every sacrifice including surrendering to the scorching sun, stress of trekking long distances during the day and the terrible pang of hunger, all because we were going to see a landscape design that amazed and presented us with impressive children programs during the festive periods especially at the end of the year. Though I especially was aware that I would return home with fever resulting from hunger, stress and harmful effects of prolonged exposure to the sun. My compensation after all was the fun-filled experience at the Gateway Hotel in Ota, Ogun state.
It also comes to satisfactory flash-back as we would meet famous theater practitioners who had come to show their current cinemas at the ‘Gateway’. I so much romanced the designs of the Hotel structures that possessed sculptural sketches of symbolic image-antiques that depicted numerous Oduduwa cultural paraphernalia. Though, other beautiful places and structures existed that I did not know of as a less-traveled Sango boy, but the pleasing building-design to behold with the most propinquity was the Gateway Hotel, Ota even though the situation presented us with only a few seconds reviewing distant appearance in drive-by-view, unlike the highly prolonged minutes of viewing vast hectares of land used by giant churches along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway these days.
The need to succeed in knowledge and rush for daily bread, which usually cause people to leave a community for another are the same reasons that threw me off from this area for sometime now, but I returned to see the Gateway Hotel, Ota in the messy pictures presented above. There are no more activities, fun events, shows or even human dwelling. The hotel has now surrendered to the invasion of overgrown weeds and rodents, showing significant infrastructural neglect and none care for a frightfully long time.
Worried about the wobbly state of this Ogun State patrimony, I probed to realize that the Ogun State government under the administration of Gbenga Daniel had sold off many state-owned properties which also included the three Gateway Hotels, Ijebu Ode, Abeokuta and Ota in the claim that he ‘concessioned’ them, and were inevitably followed by complete neglect.
Although the current leadership of Gov. Ibikunle Amosun has reportedly reversed the sales or concession of these properties which include that of Gateway Hotel, Abeokuta, Gateway Hotel, Ijebu-Ode; Gateway Hotel, Ota; Ogun House Victoria Island, Lagos and Olumo Rock, etc, it is however noteworthy to state expressly that since the government which created these hotels and other ones managed them without problems, it obvious that Gbenga Daniel is a monumental fraud.
OGD claimed that these hotels were difficult to manage, but the fact that they were managed before he took over as Governor proves his claims fabricated. Also, the simple fact that the current government is repossessing the same properties OGD claimed could not be managed by government also reveal that OGD either lacked management sense or is only dramatically converting the state heritage into his personal property in the guise of ‘concessioning’ them.
The only returns the OGD government served in his entire eight years of two terms was that of his political god-fathers like OBJ in his first term, and personal, family and friends interests in his second term.Towards the end of his second term, OGD sold large state-owned lands to investors and 'friends of Daniel’ at give-away prices. According to valuation experts over N23 Billion was lost by the state through the mismanagement in land allocations by OGD.
Fraud suave, OGD also machinated the naming of the newly constructed N1.5 bilion Ogun State Property Investment Company (OPIC), a 12-storey building in Abeokuta Central Business District as ‘OGD Plaza’ only few hours after he commissioned it.
The selling off of state-owned properties by governors seems to be peculiar to PDP governors generally. It was also gathered of recent that the Oduduwa House on Victoria Island, Lagos which was jointly owned by Ekiti and Ondo state was also sold off by the joint scam of former PDP governors of Ekiti and Ondo States, Segun Oni and Segun Agagu – without any document to the effect of sales.
Concession or not concession, the Gateway Hotel, Ota has suffered utter neglect and infrastructural collapse.
It is extremely upsetting that people who run our states are either clueless and unable to manage government resources, or are deliberately unpatriotic and uncaring.
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Stumbled across this article
Submitted by JTinkley (not verified) on May 21, 2012 - 14:26.
Stumbled across this article whilst away on buissiness whilst chilling in my Newark New Jersey hotel room, I'm agreed with this comment. It will take a long time and perhaps be to late to make a diffrence by the time people realize the need for change.
Managing government resources
Submitted by Andrea (not verified) on April 24, 2012 - 14:59.
Managing government resources it will be a thing that no one will understand that soon.Maybe only sleeping on a Temperpedic mattress and having a good breakfast when you'll wake up will give you some ideas about how to invest.
Nice taken photo and very
Submitted by Katie (not verified) on April 24, 2012 - 11:03.
Nice taken photo and very interesting personal experience story. I will be very happy if you post something about custom beats by dre for sale.
All the Gateway hotels in the
Submitted by BOBBY Lewis (not verified) on April 23, 2012 - 01:35.
All the Gateway hotels in the world are stunning pieces of architecture and are temples of luxury. The only time when I came close to staying in something like that was with a hotel in Ann Arbor which has the same style as the Gateway. It's quite sad to see this kind of degradation and bad management.
This proves once again what
Submitted by JOSE Ainsworth (not verified) on April 23, 2012 - 01:28.
This proves once again what can happen if an investment is poorly administrated and neglected. I've heard that it once looked like one of those Hawaii vacation hotels, very luxurious and beautiful. I wonder if rebuilding it could be an option.
I'm so sorry to hear about
Submitted by mark (not verified) on April 20, 2012 - 17:55.
I'm so sorry to hear about this... I had a very good opinion about it from my last staying at Gateway: its position on the top of the hill, very big rooms with nice furniture and its the very clean pool... It looks just like the Brunswick GA hotel...
The imagine of the hotel is
Submitted by delaco32 (not verified) on April 19, 2012 - 12:35.
The imagine of the hotel is everything for its prosperity and profit. The hotel has to be clean and modern for their guests. I see from the photos that the area isn't maintained, although the landscape is rustic and traditional. I bet that if they start using the Okanagan rubbish removal company for cleaning the hotel and the surroundings they will have twice the number of clients that they have had so far.
The imagine of the hotel is
Submitted by delaco31 (not verified) on April 19, 2012 - 11:58.
The imagine of the hotel is everything for its prosperity and profit. The hotel has to be clean and modern for their guests. I see from the photos that the area isn't maintained, although the landscape is rustic and traditional. I bet that if they start using the Okanagan rubbish removal company for cleaning the hotel and the surroundings they will have twice the number of clients that they have had so far.
The imagine of the hotel is
Submitted by marta80 (not verified) on April 19, 2012 - 11:51.
The imagine of the hotel is everything for its prosperity and profit. The hotel has to be clean and modern for their guests. I see from the photos that the area isn't maintained, although the landscape is rustic and traditional. I bet that if they start using the Okanagan rubbish removal company for cleaning the hotel and the surroundings they will have twice the number of clients that they have had so far.
It's nice that you gave us
Submitted by paraschiva (not verified) on April 18, 2012 - 17:22.
It's nice that you gave us photos from the place where you have spend your childhood.I hope that were you live now you don't have termites or bad weather.I find you a strong guy with a good perspective on life.
I was searching for some
Submitted by Paul M (not verified) on March 20, 2012 - 20:47.
I was searching for some Israel hotels and I came upon your article. The photos you posted are really interesting and I may say that they recalled me of my childhood, when I was visiting my great grandparents at the country side. Great writing
hotel
Submitted by ADYNA (not verified) on February 17, 2012 - 09:03.
Thank you for this interesting article! I was searching for some Galveston hotels when I found this article about the Gateway Hotel. I still remember my childhood holidays there and it was one of the most comfortable and elegant hotels.
Gateway Hotel
Submitted by Sasha (not verified) on February 17, 2012 - 08:59.
Thank you for this interesting article! I was searching for some Galveston hotels when I found this interesting article. I still remember my childhood holidays at the Gateway Hotel and I miss them a lot. The hotel was very elegant and comfortable.
CNETgfDUKMj
Submitted by sheko (not verified) on February 13, 2012 - 10:51.
cmc033098 on September 19, 2011 Giving away this lptoap because i just got a macbook pro so theres no need for me to have it all you have to do is comment saying GATEWAY FAVORITE LIKE SUBSCRIBE THANKS FOR WATCHING! Category Film & Animation
Government has no business
Submitted by Kunle Amosun (not verified) on February 1, 2012 - 19:34.
The government has no business in doing business.
Government has no business
Submitted by Kunle Amosun (not verified) on February 1, 2012 - 19:31.
The government has no business in doing business.
end result of ole gbemiga's disaster
Submitted by jimi b (not verified) on January 30, 2012 - 23:05.
what is sad that he was able to spend 8 years and it will take 32 years to get the state back to where it was before ole G D became governor
end result of ole gbemiga's disaster
Submitted by jimi b (not verified) on January 30, 2012 - 23:04.
what is sad that he was able to spend 8 years and it will take 32 years to get the state back to where it was before ole G D became governor
Am disappointed in SR reporters!
Submitted by Lekan (not verified) on January 25, 2012 - 20:28.
I think d spirit of investigatg journalism is gone in ds country!How can a national e-media put up a story of ds nature thinking dt morons like them will read and call for d head of d man dt was in power?Do u know dt for over 30yrs,ds hotels have not been providing any income for d state?Instead d state govt has been footing d salary of workers?Do u know dt only 25million has been generated since Bisi Onabanjo's regime?An amount dt is not enough for repayment of d loan taken to construct ds edifice.you guys can fool many pple at a time but not everybody @ a time!
reply.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on January 18, 2012 - 11:56.
U aren't talking like a Nigerian kudos to Sahara reporters. Dis so called political leaders are plain rogue and we all know it even u know it, they don't do anyfin to help the poor masses nor to elevate the needy they do things for themselves and for strictly their favor. Those money that were gotten from the so called concession where is it. They make all this policies I call bullshit to greedily extort from the country b.cos dey know nofin is gonna be done. The bible says he who doeth good let him continue still, and he who doeth evil let him continue still; behold I come quickly and my reward is with me to pay to every man whatsoever hi work shall be. God bless u all. Long or short God will see us tru all this.
Re:Get your facts right.Who's political interest is SR serving?
Submitted by Segun (not verified) on January 11, 2012 - 10:05.
Hi Wurloo,I think SR should at the end of each article always verify every article and state the status as verified or not. Also,the articles should always carry valid names and email addresses.
Nevertheless, the fact that the Concession Program was initiated by the FG does not mean that it's in the best interest of the country. Most times,these programs by state govt and FG are for selfish interest.
Furthermore,there's the need for sound, relevant and adequate Maintenance Programs for all public infrastructures. Look at the National Theatre,can you say that that's how it should be? No!
Lastly,SR should find ways of getting the verified reports across to those who can effect positive changes on them. They should throw them open for public discussion maybe fora with experts,govt and TV stations!
Best Regards,
Segun.
Re:Get your facts right.Who's political interest is SR serving?
Submitted by Segun (not verified) on January 11, 2012 - 10:04.
Hi Wurloo,I think SR should at the end of each article always verify every article and state the status as verified or not. Also,the articles should always carry valid names and email addresses.
Nevertheless, the fact that the Concession Program was initiated by the FG does not mean that it's in the best interest of the country. Most times,these programs by state govt and FG are for selfish interest.
Furthermore,there's the need for sound, relevant and adequate Maintenance Programs for all public infrastructures. Look at the National Theatre,can you say that that's how it should be? No!
Lastly,SR should find ways of getting the verified reports across to those who can effect positive changes on them. They should throw them open for public discussion maybe fora with experts,govt and TV stations!
Best Regards,
Segun.
ogun state govt has failed
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on January 11, 2012 - 04:26.
U can imagine the other day along that toll-gate road which lead to this same gateway hotel otta,as we were in the hold up,I saw a very big snake coming out from that animal game reserve they called hotel,people where running up and down shouting the name of daniel,abusing him for keeping that hotel in that nature.make the new govt do some thing fast before that place go turn to some thing else.I just thank God that day say the snake no enter inside my car.we are finished in this country.
Multi-billion naira venture
Submitted by Kola Onabanjo (not verified) on January 9, 2012 - 18:04.
Another multi-billion naira venture to no avail. Just like Iwopin Paper Mill Company Limited .......
http://tribune.com.ng/sun/life-a-living/5364-iwopin-pulp-and-paper-compa...
maintenance culture
Submitted by Obi (not verified) on January 9, 2012 - 15:02.
construction, building is fine but the ability to maintain is better, look at out our refineries, our steeling companies , airports, roads, schools, we lack maintenance culture, we like to award contracts and share money that's all.
maintenance culture
Submitted by Obi (not verified) on January 9, 2012 - 15:02.
construction, building is fine but the ability to maintain is better, look at out our refineries, our steeling companies , airports, roads, schools, we lack maintenance culture, we like to award contracts and share money that's all.
maintenance culture
Submitted by Obi (not verified) on January 9, 2012 - 14:58.
construction, building is fine but the ability to maintain is better, look at out our refineries, our steeling companies , airports, roads, schools, we lack maintenance culture, we like to award contracts and share money that's all.
Get your facts right. Who's political interest is SR serving?
Submitted by wurloo (not verified) on January 9, 2012 - 11:22.
Sometimes i wonder what interest SR is serving. Beauty of journalism is when a story is researched thoroughly for its facts b4 it sent out. obviously, the writer of this misleading story is not interested in presenting facts but misleading the public for his/her own political gain. All your write up is a fraud cos it does not represent the true picture.
We all know the facts of all the Hotels including Gateway Hotel ota. The new concessionaire would have finished and commenced operation but for General Amosun who's not ready to create more patrimony but bent on rubbishing his predecesor,s achievement. Go to Gateway Hotel Ijebu and see what the concessionaire there has transformed the place. Concession policy is a policy that's encouraged by FG.
na wa
Submitted by Shalommmmmmmmm (not verified) on January 8, 2012 - 21:24.
Are these facts not enough to call for the head of this man? Stupid, foolish and ignorant people being led by demons in human form.
Why?
Submitted by Sf Ojo (not verified) on January 6, 2012 - 21:59.
Why did you removed/delete my previous comment? O, because it negates what you expect. Your credibility isn't improving.
