Sagamu Hoteliers Celebrate Year-end Party, As Chairman Oyeyemi, Police Boss Call For Professionalism
By Our Reporter
The Zonal Chairman of the Hoteliers Association of Nigeria, HAN, Sagamu Zone, Ogun State Chapter, Otunba Sunday Oyeyemi, has called for professionalisation of the hospitality business in Nigeria, saying government should regularise hotel business to put proliferation of the industry under control.
Otunba Oyeyemi who is also the Chairman and CEO Of Adebola Prestigious Hotel, Sagamu, stated this while fielding questions from news men during the Year-end party of the association held inside Molaroid Hotel Sagamu on Monday.
Speaking on same issue for better management of hotel industry while giving security tips during the ceremony, the Police Area Commander for Sagamu and its environs, ACP Akinjide Jones Alabi noted that Ogun State has transformed into an industrial hub, hoteliers must consequently prioritize security and professionalism.
ACP Alabi emphasized the need for hoteliers to adopt robust security measures, in view of the state's rapid growth and influx of industries.
"Criminals often gather in hotels to plan their acts," he warned. To combat this, he advised hoteliers to verify guests' identities, install CCTV cameras, and ensure proper documentation. By doing so, hoteliers can prevent crimes and aid law enforcement.
With Ogun State's growth, hoteliers must review their vision, expand their facilities, and prioritize security to provide a safe and welcoming environment for guests. Professionalism and security go hand-in-hand in the hospitality industry.
He disclosed that the incumbent commissioner of police in Ogun State operated with application of ICT to combat crimes. This, according to him, contributed immensely to the curbing of criminalities in Lagos/Ibadan Express Road, Sagamu Interchange and Sagamu/Ore/Benin Express Road axis.
Earlier, the Sagamu Zonal Chairman has said the gathering was not just to wine and dine but to create a forum for rubbing minds together and for their members to know the critical stakeholders like the senior officers of the Nigeria Police and other security experts in Sagamu, Tax Officers and others.
"The purpose of this New Year Party is to create a platform for us to interact and interface with our members and critical stakeholders for better collaboration.
"So that it won't be when any of our members has problems with the police, tax collectors, DSS and so on, that they will begin to ask for the phone number of the DPO or other senior officers in the Zone." He earlier explained, during his welcome address.
Explaining further on purpose of the party, Otunba Oyeyemi said: "We want to do such a germane business in a relaxed environment. There are some challenges that the Area Commander of the Nigeria Police will be able to address through Security Tips he would give us today".
The Director of Hotels And Allied Services of the Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Funmilayo Ilori, spoke on the need for good relationship between government and hoteliers in the Sagamu Zone, commended the HAN leadership in the Zone for their great stride in educating their members on the precautionary actions to safeguard their members against nefarious activities of criminals who do patronise hotels while carrying out their operations.
She then asked for the continuous cooperation and support of the hoteliers in the State so that such partnership can continue to bring good dividends.
The Leader of the Elders Council of the Sagamu HAN, Omooba Dada disclosed that hoteliers are made to pay taxes in double and multiple ways, saying such burden may bearable if government provides enabling environment and facilities that could make their jobs easier. He underscore the need for provision of good electricity that would reduce dependency on fuel, adequate security to minimize criminalities, among others.
He also counseled the hotel operators to continue to cooperate with the government, but to never give up in demanding what will make the services they render to be easier and the industry to be safer to operate in. Omooba Dada then asked HAN leadership to never give up in negotiating with the government in the overall interest of their members.
Notable among dignitaries at the occasion was the Ogun State President of HAN, Alhaji Olajide Talabi Sodunke. An Officer of the Department of State Security. Awards were then presented to three top hoteliers who have consistently supported the Association and contributed immensely to the development of hospitality business in the Sagamu Zone.
They are: Omoba Olujimi Dada, who is the Leader of the Elders Forum of HAN and Chairman/CEO of Molaroid Hotel Sagamu. Prince Abdul Wazee Abayomi, a veteran charted accountant, former banker and Chairman/CEO of Awabat Hotel, Sagamu. And Patron of the Association, Alhaji Femi Oteju.
The Executive Council members of the association, Otunba Sunday Oyeyemi; Chairman, Alhaji Olayinka Banjo; Vice Chairman, Mr. Lasisi Lamidi; General Secretary, Mrs Nike Ashimolowo; Assistant Social Secretary, Mr Kayode Abiodun; Public Relations Officer, Mr Amosu Adeoye; Financial Secretary, Mr Mayowa Adenusi; Assistant Financial Secretary, Mr Oyekunle Bamigbelu; Treasurer, Alhaja Omolara Makanjuola, Social Secretary, AP Olasunkanmi Olorunsomidotun; Chief Whip, Otunba Muyiwa Olokokun; Ex-Officio, who were then commended for their immense contributions and relentless efforts since they took over the mantle of leadership on 25 April 2023.
Other notable guests at the event include: Alhaji Jamiu Ogunmodede; immediate past chairman of HAN in Sagamu, Engr. Simeon Adebayo of Crystal Hotel, DPO and DCO of Nigeria Police, Sagamu (Station Area), Mr. Adesina Raphael; Chairman of HAN Ota Zone Vice Chairman.
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