Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort: Inside John Olajide’s Remarkable Rebirth of Nigeria’s Best Resort.
The breathtaking transformation of the iconic Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort in Ekiti State once again took centre stage on Thursday and Friday as a team of social media influencers and renowned journalists embarked on an exclusive tour of the revitalised destination. The visit offered a firsthand look at the renewed vision powering what has become one of Nigeria’s most iconic and fast-rising tourism assets.
The tour was at the instance of the Chairman of Cavista Holdings, John Olajide, a globally renowned industrialist and investor who believes that organising such a tasteful event is one of the best ways to appreciate the social media influencers' longstanding support for his investments in Nigeria. These investments include Glocient Hospitality, concessionaires of the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort and Conference Centre, Agbeyewa Farms, Cavista Technology, and Payzeep—a Fintech company based in Abuja.
Welcoming the media team to the resort, the General Manager of Glocient Hospitality, Mr. Lanre Balogun, delivered a compelling address highlighting the depth of commitment, investment, and community empowerment driving the resort’s rebirth. He credited the unprecedented turnaround of the Warm Spring Resort to the visionary leadership of Cavista’s Chairman, Mr. John Olajide, and his brother, Ron Olajide.
According to Balogun, the resort might have been lost to neglect and failed takeovers “years ago” if not for Olajide’s determination, commitment, and capacity to revive the facility. “You don’t just take over an asset like this when you don't have the capacity and expertise for hospitality development,” he said. Recalling the rundown state of the facility before Glocient took over, he noted that it was a relic of its past glory—overgrown surroundings, decaying structures, and a complete absence of the vitality that once defined it.
Balogun described the remarkable improvements achieved in just three years—an evolution that has restored the resort to national prominence. Today, guests are greeted by tastefully furnished rooms, world-class landscaping, colourful holiday décor, and upgraded leisure facilities, all reflecting the passion and heavy investment of a man globally recognised for excellence.
He further revealed that out of the over 200 staff of the resort, over 70% are drawn directly from the Ikogosi community and its surrounding towns—a testament to John Olajide’s commitment to using business and investment opportunities to create jobs, more jobs, and even more jobs in Ekiti and Nigeria as a whole. “Many of these youths were unemployed some years ago. Today, they have been trained and empowered, creating sustainable income and boosting the local economy,” Balogun said.
Speaking on Cavista Holdings’ broader operations, Balogun also highlighted the group’s expansive footprint, from Agbeyewa Farms—home to the largest cassava farm in the world—to Cavista Tech, one of Nigeria’s biggest employers of software engineers.
“John Olajide and his brother are people God has endowed to come into Nigeria for one purpose: create jobs, more jobs, and even more jobs,” he said.
Despite the huge commitment to the resort’s re-engineering project, Balogun revealed that the leadership has yet to make any profit from the investment, reiterating that they believe business as a force for good takes time to evolve. “Their motivation is simply impact, not immediate financial returns,” he insisted.
Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort has since earned national acclaim, winning Best Holiday Resort in Nigeria twice and recently clinching the award for Nigeria’s Most Unique Place to Visit, reaffirming its position as a premier leisure, nature, and adventure destination.
Balogun also announced an additional $2.5 million investment underway to upgrade Camp A of the resort—once a dead zone—which will soon surpass existing structures in comfort, design, and service delivery.
He proudly stated that all achievements at Ikogosi were realised without the involvement of foreign experts.
“Everything you see here, we did ourselves—no foreign hands,” he emphasised, highlighting Glocient’s reliance on direct labour and homegrown talent.
He further revealed that the resort is fully booked for December and the festive period, noting that internal adjustments had to be made just to accommodate the visiting media team. The revived resort has triggered massive economic activity in surrounding communities, resulting in a complete shortage of available accommodations.
He closed his remarks with a heartfelt appeal: “Let the world know about Ikogosi. Let people come and experience this place.”
Leading the visitors through the iconic sections of the resort were Alhaji Dauda Lawal (ADL), Director of Community Engagement for Agbeyewa Farms, and High Chief Ayo Ademiluwa, Communication and Community Engagement Manager at Glocient Hospitality.
The media team enjoyed an immersive tour of the resort, marvelling at the transformation of a once-abandoned facility now rising as one of Africa’s top destinations for leisure and wellness.
Addressing the visitors on behalf of the Chairman, ADL stated that the gesture was an act of appreciation for the support media influencers have shown to Cavista Holdings’ investments since January this year. “This is our way of saying thank you,” he told the group.
ADL praised the influencers and journalists for their unwavering support and commitment to Cavista’s investments in Ekiti and Nigeria at large. “Your commitment is part of the reason Agbeyewa Farms is today the number one cassava farm in Africa—and proudly number one in the world.”
Guests captured stunning visuals—from serene walkways to renovated chalets, the newly built Presidential Villa, the impressive swimming pool, outdoor lounges, and the legendary confluence where warm and cold springs meet.
He noted that three years ago, Ikogosi was just a shadow of its potential—overgrown paths, dilapidated buildings, no activity, and no hope. The turning point came when the Ekiti State Government entrusted the resort fully to private investor John Olajide. Unlike past government interventions that consumed billions with little result, this rebirth was funded 100% by Glocient Hospitality.
Lawal revealed that Olajide has already committed over ₦10 billion to reviving the resort and has stated that “what we are seeing today is less than 5% of what this place is destined to become.”
From the warm spring trail to the forest lounge, presidential suite, modern chalets, and recreational zones, visitors described the experience as “magical,” “energy-restoring,” and “better than expected.”
Influencers from Ekiti echoed these sentiments, calling Ikogosi the perfect escape from city stress.
Lawal agreed, describing Ikogosi as an “energy-reviving sanctuary” where Nigerians can regain strength. He highlighted Ekiti State’s peacefulness, business-friendly environment, and government support for investors.
“The best publicity we have received is from guests who come here and cannot stop talking about their experiences,” he remarked.
The tour climaxed with a lively evening of music, where media personalities danced to a live band while enjoying assorted refreshments—an unforgettable blend of rustic charm and premium hospitality.
Lawal also disclosed that several state governments have reached out to Glocient Hospitality to replicate the Ikogosi success story.
“Our Chairman has transformed economies across the world. What he has done elsewhere, he believes must also be done here at home.”
This philosophy birthed both Agbeyewa Farms and the Ikogosi re-engineering project—two ventures now reshaping Ekiti’s identity as a hub of innovation and sustainable development.
Some visitors remarked that Ikogosi now rivals international tourist destinations.
“Why travel abroad when Ikogosi gives you everything and more?” one influencer asked— a sentiment many agreed with wholeheartedly.
With upgraded rooms, captivating scenery, world-class service, and unmatched serenity, Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort stands firmly as a renewed jewel of Nigerian tourism.
