Hospitality business hope for Nigerian economy--- Expert

Emeka Ibemere

Hospitality business in Nigeria has taken a flight to the next level in Nigeria, with a sound tourism capacity building, employment, and cultural rebirth. 

Following the establishment of the National Tourism Policy in 1990, the tourism industry in the country has grown beyond expectations.

Today, tourism is regarded as one of the fastest growing sectors in the Nigerian economy equivalent to communication sector.

According to TPL Bisi Adedire, Chairman of Happy Crown Hotel, which commenced operation few months ago, the intention was to make the hotel a strong player in tourism development, as well as contribute its quota to the economic growth of Meiran, a suburb of Lagos, Lagos State and the entire nation. Adedire said the contribution of hospitality in Nigerian economic development cannot be quantified.

“As a matter of fact, huge percentage of the nation’s economic growth can be linked to tourism. Many of the foreign investors in the country today were firstly attracted to the country by the richness and diversity of the Nation’s culture and tourism”, he quipped.

“The rate of economic and physical development between 1990; when the tourism industry was accorded priority and now is unfathomable. This reveals the importance the tourism”.

According to him, one of the incentives provided in the 1990 National Tourism Policy was the involvement of the private sector participation in the operations of the tourism industry. He explained that the government has given individuals and corporate bodies the opportunity to partake in all the sub-divisions of the tourism industry.

Adedire further explained that the hospitality sector of the tourism industry seems to be the most competitive area in this regard with various individuals being involved in the building of luxury hotels within the country.

“Without missing words, many of the hotels in Nigeria as of today are owned by private individuals. Sheraton, Nicon Hilton, Oriental Hotel, Intercontinental Hotel, Le Meridian Hotel, Shangri Lai Hotel, Eko Hotel and Suites; to mention a few are all own by citizens of the country or foreigners. The effects of which has been so massive on the economy”, he stated.

Speaking last Friday, December 5, 2014  on packaging Nite of the hotel at Happy Crown Hotel situated at Idowu Ogunesan Street, Omolayo Bus Stop, Akitan Meiran, Adedire maintained that apart from packaging Nite, lots of other events have been lined up to make this year Christmas celebration in the area a unique. Among such event is ‘Laugh Amicably,’ where notable comedians would thrill fans and customers.

The event brought together politicians especially members of his APC political class, business associates and corporate bodies from Ifako-Ijaiye and Agbado/Oke-Odo LCDA, in packaging Nite to boost socio-economic activities of Meiran in Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.

The packaging Nite, according to the Chairman of Happy Crown Hotel, Adedire, was to re-awaken entertainment circuit as well as raising the socio-economy of the area and its environs.

The Chairman of the hotel, who was also immediate past chairman of Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON), looking at the calibre of the people in the area, as well as members of the APC that gathered at the hotel for the celebration of Makinde’s victory, it was obvious that the event was meant to repackage the business which has given employments to the residents of the area.

The ‘Laugh Amicably’ event, which took place on Sunday, December 14, 2014, saw several high players in the comedy and music industry. Mc Tom, Laff Doctor, George, Mercury, Jay Money, Professor Holy Rock, Ochi F Rado, Ad Tayloy, Street Feet, Jay Styka, Princess Jay and Helen 1Da.

Others are Big Mouth, Funny White boy, Papa C, Rette, Little Ray, Danpzee, Psalm 70 and Osato Street Relatives. Other performing artists at the event include, Fancy Aye Alamu, Yinka Samuel, Babs Dixmos, Kareem Ayinde Olumide, Leez and Mezzy and other hip-hop musicians.

Speaking on his victory as the candidate for APC in the February 2015 general election for Ifako/Ijaiye State Constituency, Rasheed makinde said it was through divine intervention from God and the love and support that his people have for him that made him to win the primary election.

He said without the support of leaders of the party in his constituency, as well as support of every members of their party there was nothing he could have done to attain this feat. He now used the occasion to thank God, and all members of the party for their immeasurable support they gave him towards achieving the victory. Makinde promised to represent the interest of his constituency, if he eventually emerged victorious at the State House Assembly election coming next year February. Realising the importance of music as one of the key factors in uniting the people, irrespective of tribe, religion or party and group affiliations, as well as merry –making, the management of the hotel invited the leading Fuji maestro, Alhaji Kolington Ayinla and other notable musicians to treat the people with resonant songs.