“Bottles Republik is an exclusive entertainment hub located in the heart of Ibadan. This strategically-positioned space offers premium experiences to all who visit, ensuring a secured, protected and preserved environment that caters to diverse tastes.”
The ancient city of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was once known and referred to as a centre of social activities in the country. It competed favourably with Lagos State in 1960s, till the early 1990s.
While nightlife and clubbing did not fizzle out totally in Ibadan, it slowed down considerably at a certain point in time. Reasons are not far-fetched: dwindling economic and financial power, deplorable infrastructural facilities, insecurity and poor services then obtainable in the hospitality industry.
It was Donald Duke, a former governor of Cross River State, who, stating the huge economic potentials inherent in hospitality, declared that tourism development is encompassing to all sectors to grow the economy and attract investors of note to any state.
Speaking at the International Tourism Summit, tagged #ITSOYOSTATE 2024, held recently by the state government, Duke said educating people in the hospitality sector is essential to adding value so as to make Oyo State one of the most visited tourism destinations in the world.
In consonance with the stance of the former Cross River State helmsman, successive administrations in the state, realising the economic importance and value of hospitality, have been up and doing in the bid to open up the state, especially the Ibadan, to investors.
Given its abundant economic potentials, the incumbent Governor ‘Seyi Makinde-led administration particularly made it a state policy to give hospitality a focal place in its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) drive, without necessarily creating holes in the pocket of both the potential investors and lovers of hospitality.
The governor disclosed the readiness of his administration to partner investors and other stakeholders to unlock the hospitality potentials in the state, via tourism, to engender sustainable development and guarantee the success of their investments.
Desirous to create an enabling and conducive environment for businesses to thrive, Makinde said his administration focused on the interconnectivity of the six zones across the state, via good road networks. It is also investing heavily in the reconstruction of major major roads having great economic potentials within Ibadan.
The governor is unrelenting in providing social safety nest for lives and property by establishing the state security outfit, codenamed Amotekun, which is working in synergy with the regular security agencies. He is also funding and providing vehicles and other logistics to the convergence of all security agencies in the state.
Makinde, speaking at the Oyo tourism summit, said the efforts being put in place can lead to economic prosperity for both the state and the potential investors, if properly harnessed.
“I always tell people that Nigeria has the potential and we have to unlock it to be able to realise the benefits from those potentials. The investors have their money for their investment and on the other side is profit. So, the question always is, what will be the Return on Investment (RoI)? Without the right key to unlock the potential they are seeking, they will not gain access to the expected benefit.
“One major thing is the role the government needs to play in fostering partnership that leads to sustainable development. I know that if I speak to these investors later today, the question they will be asking me is, what do we have to offer as a state government?,” he had asked.
With the relative security and peace obtainable in the state, nightlife is gradually finding its way back to Ibadan in full gear. Most parts of the state capital are now bubbling with activities, thus changing the narrative of Ibadan from a sleepy city to a place full of social activities.
From MKO Abiola Road (formerly Ring Road), through Alao-Akala Expressway, to Bodija, Mokola Hill, Iwo Road, fun centres are opening for fun-seekers to have their fill of the best of local and continental cuisines, asun, grilled and barbecue fish, with chilled beers and other exotic drinks with friends and families alike.
Bottles Republik holds the ace
While most of the relaxation centres at the aforementioned places are playing their roles in the remaking of nightlife in Ibadan, Bottles Republik recently made an entrance, with a loud bang and noticeable difference, into the world of entertainment in the ancient city. The Management of the apparently big masquerade that dances last announced its arrival on a unique day, test-running what it has in stock for Ibadan residents on 14 February, 2024, a day exclusively reserved for lovers globally.
Bottles Republik harps on delivery of quality services. It operates on the principle of Respect, Experience and Care (REC). Staffed with efficient and courteous employees, it is cultured to make a daily difference, treating its customers as kings and queens. Armed with a great deal of respect and experience, Bottles Republik gives value for money: it cares by passionately keeping its customers safe.
Though less than two-month old, Bottles Republik has created the perfect ambience for relaxed and pleasant evenings, putting its services at the disposal of all classes of people who are out for assorted culinary and drinks, spiced with soft music.
Strategically situated on about one acre of land adjacent University College Hospital (UCH) Second Gate, along the state Secretariat Road, Bottles Republik is a unique entertainment hub that is all out for business. It is the cynosure of all eyes with beautiful views from within and outside the premises. Equipped with world-class facilities, the entertainment hub is a top-notch, irresistible to fun-seekers.
From the main entrance, Bottles Republik is alluringly grand with a well-secured expansive parking space which leaves clients with little or no worries about their vehicles disturbing traffic or getting damaged or stolen, if parked along the road, as is often the case with most fun centres across the city.
Bottles Republik, which opens by 5pm daily, has different sections with a variety of facilities that are eye-catching. It has a big stage for life band; an exquisite club; swimming pool with a bar by the side for cocktails; rooftop for inviting aerial views; and a bar with a captivating ambience, among others.
Some of the regular customers at the entertainment hub shared their comments with the Newscoven.com on their experiences and impressions so far…
“This is beautiful and I like the ambience…,” one said.
Another one: “This is Lekki in Ibadan. Now my weekend is secured in Ibadan.”
Yet another one said: “Many thanks to Governor Seyi Makinde for allowing this to happen in his city. Many governors will move to close it down because it is not their own. But here, I believe the governor understands the sort of revenue and employment this entertainment centre will bring to the state. You too look at the number of waiters and waitresses and those behind the kitchen and the pool area.”
“Omo..any angle you stay is a beautiful scene on its own,” one other customer said.
The unassuming owner, Funso Ayeni, spoke with the Newscoven.com on why he embarked on such a money-spinning venture, given the prevalence of many other entertainment centres in Ibadan. He said he embraced the idea, given the fresh air Governor Makinde has breath into the social life of Oyo State and Ibadan in particular. To him, Bottles Republik is different from others in concept, with its mode of operations been its Unique Selling Point (USP).
“With the City of Ibadan changing generally and more social events returning to the biggest city in Africa, and with the numerous social projects embarked by the current government in the state at opening up the city to more social activities that keep the city lively and encouraging for the new generations, the idea of Bottles Republik was engineered.
“Bottles Republik is an exclusive entertainment hub located in the heart of Ibadan. This strategically-positioned space offers premium experiences to all who visit, ensuring a secured, protected and preserved environment that caters to diverse tastes.
“Through meticulously curated events and amenities, Bottles Republik delivers an unparalleled entertainment experience, embodying the essence of luxury, exclusivity and diversity.
“Built on the concept of freshness, quality experience and everyday innovation, the Bottles Republik is committed to making every time spent with us an extraordinary experience,” he said.
Not unaware of the fact that it was located at a serene environment, and in view of the noise pollution that usually accompanies nightlife, Ayeni said every necessary measures have been put in place to factor in the state of health and well-being of residents of the community.
“We are mindful of our environment, hence state-of-the-art acoustic panels are being put in place to always keep the noise level at the required level. With trained engineers, sounds and entertainments from our stables are encouraging. This we do to live up to our core value of respect for our community everyday,” he said.
The entrepreneur who has successfully mentored many people in business leadership also allayed the fear of continuity and sustenance as he disclosed that the entertainment hub will be self-sustaining.
“At the centre of these all, we have put a system in place that creates everyday fresh fun and entertainment that will cater for the growing needs of the consumers in the city. With this, and God helping us, I can assure you that we entertain no fear about how to sustain the venture,” he added.
Undoubtedly, Bottles Republik is the ideal place for nightlife and fun-seekers who want value for their hard-earned money. It is a place for both the rich and the average income-earner who craves good relaxation after a hard day job. It is the go-to place for weekend fun-seekers.
As another customer succinctly puts it: “The icing on the cake is that Bottles Republik is an attractive and low-budget fun centre. Despite its alluring attractions and grandeur, it is a very good place to hang out with families and friends without creating holes in your pocket. With as low as ₦10,000, you will enjoy yourself.”
