The Kogi State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Acharu Okpanachi has admonished hoteliers to work hand in hand with the security personnel to ensure that their hotels are secured to meet the standard of security measures set by his Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
The Hon. Commissioner who was ably represented by the the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr.Comrade Ojo Ranti Matthew, gave this advise during the First Security Summit and awards of excellence to Hotels and Public Places tagged “Enhancing Effective Security System for all Hotels and Public Places” held at Ayonete Hotels in Lokoja, Kogi State.
Hon. Acharu Okpanachi said the business of providing security to hotels cannot be left for the government alone.
“As you all know, the administration of his Excellency Alhaji Usman Ododo is working round the clock to ensure that the entire Kogi State is safe from criminal elements,as this will encourage both local and international visitors whom will stay in the hospitality outfits in Kogi State,”stressing that since security is a collective effort,she had brought all in the hospitality industry and security personnel to discuss and come up with policies on how to provide adequate security in the hotels and other hospitality outfits in the state.”I urge you all to contribute positively to this summit,” she advised, commending the General Manager, Kogi State Hotels and Tourism Board(KSHTB) Hon. Prince Philip Orebiyi, for organizing such a rich programme, appreciating all for making out time to be there. She wished them successful deliberation and safety ..
Earlier, the General Manager,KSHTB, Hon.
Prince Philip Orebiyi stressed the need for first security summit for hotels and public places in Kogi State. He stated that “the program was a crucial step towards ensuring the safety and security of our tourists, hoteliers and citizens.”As the General Manager of the KSHTB,I emphasize our commitment to creating a secure environment for all.Security is paramount in the tourism industry,
therefore, hotels and public places must prioritize the safety of their guests and staff,”he added.
Hon. Orebiyi itemized the security measures to include implementation of robust security protocols to prevent and respond to emergencies,work closely with the Police, DSS and other agencies to ensure a secure environment, offer training for hotel staff to enhance their skills and knowledge on security matters ,emphasizing that the role of KSHTB is dedicated to regulating and promoting the Tourism industry in the State.” We are committed to ensuring compliance with set standards and regulations,showcasing Kogi State’s potential and attracting more tourists,”Hon Orebiyi stated ,appreciating hotels that demonstrate efficiency and excellence in their operations, appreciating
the support of the Kogi State Hoteliers’ Association and members adding that their collaboration has been instrumental in promoting tourism and driving economic growth in the state. He thanked the DSS, the Police and other security personnel for their support and ensuring a safe and secured environment for tourists and hoteliers. “Let us work to promote tourism, drive economic growth, and showcase Kogi State’s potentials,” he concluded.
The State Director of Security, Mr. Tajudeen Olumomi Adeogun (Fsi) ably represented by Mr. Peter Odoh Uwah, highlighted security measures to be taken by hotels,adding that the hoteliers should provide the database of all functioning hotels in Lokoja, Kogi State to assist the security personnel to have the needed information in the cases of emergencies,stressing that enhancing security requires the maximum cooperation of the hoteliers,therefore, all hands must be on the deck to achieve fruitful results. The SDS thanked the General Manager of KSHTB for organizing such a meaningful programme and charged the hoteliers to cooperate with the General Manager to ensure that citizens are safe.
The State Commissioner of Police Mr. Dantawaye Miller, who was represented by A C P Ali Ansalem and Bar. S P Gabriel Otowe ESQ, itemized the possible caution to be taken regarding security issues.According to him, workshop should be organized for all hoteliers once in a while. All entrances and exits to the hotels must be accessible, surveillance personnel should be on guard, there must be security personnel, it is an added advantage to ensure safety. He also stated that the use of e- card should be put into consideration.
The Commandant of the Nigerian Security Civil Defence Corps.
Mrs. Esther Akinlade, represented by Mr.Abdullahi Ademolu Bello emphasized the need for hotels and public places to mount CCTV Cameras to monitor visual activities in order to collect evidence of any criminal acts.
Engineer Onoja Samuel from New Moon Nigeria Limited. came out with facilities that will aid power supply for hotels in a subsidized way,to prevent any form of crime in hotels,urging the hoteliers to patronize her company considering the fact that solar power is what is trending.
The Executive Chairman of Kogi State Internal Revenue Services(KGIRS), Hon. Sule Salihu who was represented by Hajiya Hassanat Salawu called on hoteliers to make effort to put all it takes to ensure that the lives of their customers are secured. The chairman KGIRS affirmed that hotel serves as a huge support in the state because it contributes to revenue generation and job creation. Therefore, he admonished hoteliers to be proactive to meet up with rules and regulations that govern payment of taxes in the state. He stressed that in KGIRS there are laws, reforms, new business policies,change in technology,hotel renewal and much more, assuring Hoteliers of the KGIRS’ maximum support to ease the process of payment of tax. “Just be transparent and comply. By so doing ,you pay less tax,”he admonished.
Hon Sule Salihu
applauded the KGIRS number one tax compliance and for being transparent all these years, pointing out that Hon. Ocheni Matthew Oko, the proprietor of Hotel Pacific has distinguished himself among others for his compliance in tax payment. The chairman therefore urged other Hoteliers to emulate him.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to the best hotels and public places in Lokoja, Kogi State. The awardees included Hon. Ocheni Matthew Oko of Hotel Pacific, Mr. Ekundayo Jimoh of Reverton Hotels, Hon. Julius Arojojoye of J B Motels. Many hotels and public places also benefited from the awards given by the General Manager KSHTB, Hon. Prince Philip Orebiyi.
Elizabeth Ladi Samuel
Information Officer
Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
