Everest Ezihe || As part of their commitment to ensure the eradication or reduction of criminal activities such as armed robbery, kidnapping and to boost their businesses, owners of hotels cum hospitality businesses in Imo State under the auspices of Real Hotelier Club have vowed to partner with all the security agencies in the state as well as the Rescue Mission Government of Owellle Rochas Okorocha in all their efforts to ensure protection of lives and properties in the state.
Chief Darlington Oforjioha, the State President of the club disclosed this on Thursday during the club’s well attended Special get-together held at Presidential Hotel, Amurie Omanze in Isu Council Area of Imo State.
Oforjioha expressed satisfaction on the efforts of the security agencies to curb criminal and anti-social activities but advised on the need to have a mutual understanding, trust and communication between hoteliers and the security agencies for efficient and effective operatives.
He cautioned the security agencies on incessant raiding of innocent hotels in search of hoodlums, kidnappers, and armed robbers, thereby presenting hotel business as flash points of criminal activities noting hotel business as a business for responsible men and women, who are committed in the growth and advancement of the economy and sanity of its environ.
The President further lamented on high taxation and indiscriminate levies by the state and local government areas noting it as one of the major factors strangulating the growth and advancement of their business and called on the various tiers of government to carry along in making policies and taking decisions concerning their hospitality businesses.
Oforjioha also pleaded with the State and Federal Government to consider hoteliers as partners in reduction and boosting the economy through their tourism and hospitality activities as well as their payment of taxes and levies.
He decried the absence of enabling environment like power and good roads, lack of government support and patronage in terms of access to low-interest loans, regular and indiscriminate raiding of their hotels by security agencies as factors militating against the growth and development of the industry.
While noting that the club which was formed six years ago is an exclusive membership for hotel owners and that the welfare of members is their top most priority.
He passionately called on other hotel owners yet to join the club to hasten up their membership registration, revealing that the benefits are enormous and that they are committed to transparency, probity, and accountability.
Earlier, Hon Ken Nwaguma one of the special guests at the occasion applauded the Hoteliers for having the spirit of unity of purpose and brotherly love.
Nwaguma while considering the frontline roles hoteliers played in nations’ development advised them on the need to have a bigger vision and dream by being committed to savings and investment, philanthropic in things of God and humanity as well as advancing their interest towards political relevance.
The occasion which went on with pomp and pageantry as big names in the industry including top government officials graced the occasion.
Other eminent Nigerians that attended the occasion include Chief Ikenna Nnadozie, Chief Collins Duru, Barr. Julius Onyenucheya, Sir, A.A. Agbara, High Chief David Aguocha, Chief Cajetan Obinna, Chief Emeka Polycarp, Comrade Chima Okorie, Mr. Joseph Adaraku and Mrs. Okechukwu Nnalee among others.