Dr. Segun Akindayini is a United Kingdom trained teacher. At the age of 20, he left Nigeria for the UK where he spent most part of his life. For 10 years, he was a lecturer at Tames University in the United Kingdom. He was also one of the people that pioneered the marketing of Nigerian films in the UK with the setting up of African Video Centre in the early 90s. A few years ago, he returned to Nigeria to join other Nigerians in setting up a hospitality business, Chicago Bar Grill and Motel in Ogun State. He spoke with GBENGA ADERANTI about his new found faith and hospitality business, the challenges that come with doing business in Nigeria and the face-off between the Federal Government and university teachers, among other issues.
YOU returned to Nigeria a few years ago after spending close to four decades in the UK. What was the motivation?
I came back from England in October 2014 to establish a full-fledged hospitality business called Chicago Bar Grill and Motel. The main attraction was to give a taste of modern entertainment and comfort in a conducive atmosphere.
Why did you return to Nigeria when you could have stayed back and earned a living?
Prior to my return, I had lived in England for 38 years covering my education, working and living as a family man. I wanted a change of environment and I felt that it was time to come back home.
How receptive were your hosts in the community?
The community was excited to experience and have access to a unique hospitality business. We enjoyed good patronage from the community.
It is intriguing to see that part of your hotel has been turned into a church. What could have informed this?
I believed that big cities had many of such businesses and it would have been more challenging for us as a new business to compete with them. Also, I already had a suitable landed property in Ogun State. It was rightly located in a community which needs and would appreciate our business.
How involved are you in the church activities?
It is not a church but a gathering of interdenominational believers’ fellowshipping together.
By the grace of God, I am fully involved. It was a calling and a turning point of my life after running a successful hospitality business and realising that I could add a lasting value to the lives of the people in the community. I am a born again Christian and I decided to use the platform to preach the gospel – the word of God.
Some people would argue that hospitality business and religion do not go together. How would you explain this?
Although some people might see it as a conflicting idea, it is a golden opportunity to reach a large number of people who are already accustomed to the environment. Even the bible says that we should use every opportunity in our possession to spread the good news
Do you feel uncomfortable that your faith conflicts with your profession?
In this case, my faith actually complements my business, because Chicago Bar Grill and Motel has been turned into a retreat centre. We are now a place where people may stay for a period devoted to prayer, study or relaxation. Most of our guests and lodgers join us for morning devotions, special praise and worship service on Fridays tagged: ‘VICTORY HOUR’. We also have Chicago Night of Praise tagged “Party with Jesus”, which is held on the last Sunday of every month.
How do you feel when you get flak from people about the conflict between your faith and business?
I feel they need more orientation because this actually demonstrates a form of ignorance on their part. Hospitality business is a service whereas faith is a mindset. Although they are different, they can complement each other.
How do you respond to these criticisms?
Whenever this occurs, I use the opportunity to explain the need to accept Jesus Christ into their lives. And on most occasions, they tend to agree.
How would you describe the business climate in Nigeria?
The business climate in Nigeria at the moment is not encouraging. The economy is bad, the government is not helping, and we have bad leadership.
What were the initial challenges you faced and how did you overcome these challenges?
One of the challenges was the attitude of workers towards their duties. Most of them were lazy, untrustworthy and required a lot of supervision. The most challenging part was the lack of provision for basic infrastructure that was needed for a startup business: bad roads and unstable electricity supply. We have to provide all the necessities for the business which requires a huge financial capital cost.
Any regrets returning to Nigeria?
To the glory of God, I have no regret returning to Nigeria. In actual fact, it has been a blessing in disguise.
You were a lecturer in the UK. If you were to advise the Federal Government and university teachers union, what would you be telling them?
Education is an important aspect to the development of a nation. The Federal Government and teachers have a major role and must work hand in hand. They should reach a compromise and quickly resolve the issue at hand for the sake of the students.
You seem to be Afrocentric considering your wardrobe, the pictures and paintings in your hotel. How involved are you in Africa and its culture?
African culture and tradition is very profound, rich and must be respected. I love our fashion, music, arts and crafts. There are loads of paintings that portray African heritage in the Chicago Retreat Centre.
What is your attitude to African religion and culture?
Personally, I don’t have anything against African religion and culture. It is a matter of individual choice of belief. But I believe in the Supremacy of the Almighty God, and His Son Jesus Christ.
How would you describe night life right now?
Nightlife in Nigeria at the moment is insecure. People must be vigilant and also be security conscious. In general most businesses are affected because people are not completely free from the fear of unexpected attack at all levels.