Nelson Elemi And The Tinapa Transformation: A Story Of Renewal

The #EndSARS movement of 2020, a youth-led protest against police brutality in Nigeria, left a lasting impact across the nation.

While the movement itself was rooted in calls for justice and reform, the unrest that followed led to significant destruction of public and private infrastructure.

One of the most devastating losses was the Tinapa Business Resort in Calabar, a once-thriving economic hub envisioned as Nigeria’s answer to global commercial centers.

Vandalized and abandoned, Tinapa became a shadow of its former self, seemingly another failed dream. However, Nelson Elemi saw in its ruins an opportunity for reinvention.

Tinapa: a story of renewal

Tinapa Business Resort, once envisioned as a “Mini Dubai,” was launched in 2007 with grand ambitions. With retail spaces, entertainment centers, and a 400-room luxury hotel, it was a $450-million statement of Nigeria’s aspirations.

But years of underuse and the 2020 #EndSARS carnage left the facility in disrepair, looted and abandoned.

For Nelson Elemi, Tinapa’s decline is a foundation for something new. “As Silicon Valley is to America, Tinapa can be to Africa,” he declared. “It’s about creating a sanctuary where tech startups can grow without the challenges of overcrowded cities.”

Walking through the factory’s refurbished spaces, the signs of renewal are clear: sleek co-working spaces, reliable electricity, and modernized infrastructure.

Yet, Elemi knows this is only the beginning. “We’re rebuilding Tinapa into a tech hub that provides startups with affordable workspaces, mentorship, and end-to-end support. From funding to incorporation—we’ll ensure they have all they need to succeed,” he added.

Calabar’s promise

Lagos has long been the epicenter of Africa’s tech narrative. But its exorbitant living costs, crippling traffic, and infrastructure woes make it a challenging environment for startups.

Calabar offers a reprieve—a peaceful city where entrepreneurs can innovate without distractions.

“Tinapa gives startups the chance to focus on building global solutions in an affordable, well-structured environment,” Elemi said. For many attendees, this vision resonated. One founder noted, “Calabar has the right mix of affordability and opportunity. It feels like the next big thing for tech in Africa.”

Nelson Elemi’s vision for Tinapa is not just about restoring what was lost—it’s about redefining the future. With a firm commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship, Tinapa may soon rise as a beacon of hope, proving that even in the aftermath of destruction, new possibilities can emerge.