Once a towering figure on the local and international basketball courts, Chief Felix Akiga has now taken a powerful leap from the world of sports into the realm of hospitality.
And the former proprietor of Gboko Giants and Gboko Heats is doing it in grand style as the Chairman of Royal Choice Inn Hotel Worldwide.
On a bright, memorable day in Zaria, 16th August to be precise and within the historic grounds of Ahmadu Bello University, a new chapter was written—not just in Akiga’s journey, but in the hospitality offerings of one of Nigeria’s most respected academic institutions.
The occasion was the commissioning of Royal Choice Inn Hotel, ABU Zaria. It was a launch marked with colour, culture, and class.
Dignitaries from across the nation converged, including HRM Prof. James Ayatse, the Tor Tiv of the Tiv nation worldwide, His Highness Malam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the Emir of Zazzau, retired Commissioner of Police Chief Iorbee Ihagh, President General Mzough U Tiv Worldwide, HE Mal.Isah Yuguda former Governor of Bauchi state/Governing Council Chairman Open University, Gen. Ibrahim Adamu (Rtd), Porf Steve Ugbah, Prof. ishaya Tanko VC UNIJOS and many more.
Their presence was more than ceremonial—it was a testament to the weight of what Akiga had just achieved as the traditional rulers jointly commissioned the project.
Standing tall beside the ribbon, Akiga is supported by his lovely wife, Mrs. Amazing Grace but he was not looking less like a retired athlete.
“This is more than a hotel,” the visionary entrepreneur said. “This is my tribute—to ABU Zaria, to my roots, and to the countless students and athletes who deserve better.”
Akiga, a proud alumnus of the university and a former Nigerian basketball international, understands the grind of academia and the strain of competitive sports.
“I’ve been that student, juggling lectures with late-night training sessions. I know what it means to need a place to rest, to think, to recover—to be ready.”
The Royal Choice Inn, ABU Zaria, is his answer to that need. With a serene environment, high-grade security, and modern amenities, it’s tailor-made for scholars deep in research, visiting dignitaries, or athletes preparing for championship games.
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His gratitude was as sincere as his vision as he singled out former Vic Chancellor Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, the University’s Governing Council Chairman Mal. Yayale Ahmed CFR, former ABU VC Prof. Kabiru Bala and Vice Chancellor, Professor Adamu Ahmed, for their unwavering support.
“This couldn’t have happened without your faith in the dream,” he said.
The Zaria property like others in the Universities across the nation are, an entirely build, operate and transfer under (PPP) at no cost to the Universities and transfer back to the Universities at the end of an agreed tenure (No land sold to Royal Choice Inn) by any of the Universities.
“The project funded solely by Royal Choice Inn Limited is the latest gem in the Royal Choice Inn’s three star budget hotel growing empire—a brand that now dots key Nigerian cities such as Abuja, Makurdi, University of Jos, and the University of Benin, with international footprints even as far as Dubai.
Yet, despite its expansion, its heart remains firmly rooted in Benue State, where the headquarters resides in Makurdi.
As the sun set behind the rooftops of ABU Zaria, casting a golden hue on the freshly commissioned hotel, it wasn’t just the building that stood as a symbol but Akiga. A man who once soared for slam dunks is now setting new records in business, community development, and legacy-building.