When we talk about hospitality in Idiroko axis of Ogun State, what rightly comes to mind is the popular Mercyland Guest House located at the centre of Nigerian border, Idiroko. Aside the services, the security network there is better, all these feats can be attributed to the chairman of the organization, Otunba Olawale Erinle, a socialite par excellence. He is also into clearing and forwarding agency. In this interview with Top Celebrities Magazine’s Assistant Editor, Sunday Adeyemi at Idiroko, this young multimillionaire said if not for the power problem in the state, Mercyland would have grown more than what it is today. Enjoy the excerpts…
Mercyland is growing from strength to strength, how did you actually come about this idea?
I have been hoping for a hotel business for so long because if you know me so well, you will know that I socialize a lot. I believe in giving the people the best treatment when it comes to hospitality business. I like to provide an avenue for people to feel at home, so when I decided to start then, I said to myself that I must provide all the services that are expected at a place where people can get full entertainment. Today, all what you can get in any hotel can as well be enjoyed in Mercyland Guest House, just name it; bar, gym, restaurant, hall, etc.
Where did you get the passion from?
Well, I have been going out since I was single with my friends and I can tell you that I have seen different kinds of recreational centres, hotels and clubs in foreign lands. I now decided to provide these services to my people at my home front. Whenever my friends come back from overseas, I look at how they feel and I said I must do something about it that even outsiders will appreciate. Gradually, we began and that is what you are seeing today.
When did you start the business?
We officially opened Mercyland on July 30th, 2006.
Since you opened the hotel, how has the experience been so far?
Well, we thank God. We started with a carwash and a bar, we later introduced rooms; just three rooms then and gradually, it became a big place.
What have been the challenges you encountered so far?
The major challenge we face here is power and I believe it affects everybody in this business. The money we spend on diesel, if we could use it to develop the hotel, we would have definitely gone beyond this level, it is a lot of setback but at the same time, we thank God.
What makes Mercyland unique at Idiroko?
People say this virtually every time but there is no secret anywhere, what we do is to improve on what we do on a daily basis. I don’t know whether Mercyland is number one but we are improving on our own. I don’t compare myself with other people but all what I know is that, I improve on daily basis.
On the issue of security, how are you coping?
In terms of security, we look at the bible verse that says “if God does not keep the city, that watchman watches in vain”. But at the same time, we are putting efforts with the assistance of the NPF, we have a good relationship with the police. We also have the vigilante groups, more so, everybody in the community is being carried along on the security network.
Are you planning of vying into politics in future?
At the moment, I am doing my business although I do have a passion for political party. I am not a politician and whatever I do; I look through the manifesto of such party. I am not a card-carrying member of any party.
What has been Mercyland relationship with the immediate environment?
We have a good relationship, I was born in this land, I am a bonafide son of the land. I have 100percent support from my people.
If you are privileged to make a demand from the government, what will you request for?
Let them give us power; with power, many more industries will spring up and the economy of the town will come alive.
What are other developments taking place in your company?
Presently, we are embarking on international event centre; 2,000-seating capacity and the project is going on.
Tell us about your early life
I attended my primary and secondary education at Ipokia. I later proceeded to Federal School of Arts & Science, Lagos for my advanced level and later ventured into business. Now, I am at Lagos State University studying History and International Relations.
As a socialite, how do you cope with women?
I am happily married to the most beautiful woman on earth, she is very supportive and very understanding because I have to be around to monitor things.