In recognition of the challenges faced by member companies operating in the Hotels and tourism sector, the PHCCIMA visitation train led by the President, Dr Chinyere Nwoga on Wednesday visited Focal Hotels Limited owned by Engr Dr. Obadiah Ezenekwe. Making his welcome remark Engr Ezenekwe said it is unfortunate Nigerian Hotels Association, Rivers state chapter has not been working efficiently, he however assured that stakeholders like him in the industry intend to change this narrative by first registering with Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce.
According to him, the registration with PHCCIMA has become necessary so that PHCCIMA can help open frontiers of opportunities as a strategic business body to reach out to government and relevant authorities to provide solution. He said Power is one of the biggest challenges, the Afam power station unfortunately is working on 50% capacity, and even though Rivers state is generating power in Trans Amadi and Omoku, we are still faced with these power challenges. According to him, Government must show the political will to address this problem and we believe with PHCCIMA pushing for us we can succeed.
Similarly, Engr Ezenekwe and Chief Surv. Emmanuel Ogbonda, the PHCCIMA Financial Secretary and MD/CEO Kefo Suites, a hotel in Woji were in corroboration with identifying the challenges of technology integration, adapting with changing market trends and rising operational cost. The duo called for PHCCIMA support, expressed belief in the present leadership of PHCCIMA led by Dr Chinyere Nwoga to help facilitate access to fund from relevant authorities to help achieve set objectives.
In her response, PHCCIMA President, Dr Chinyere Nwoga had expressed appreciation to the MD/CEO of Focal Hotels Limited, Engr Dr Obadiah Ezenekwe for the reception accorded the delegation. She said her administration decided to tow this path of visiting member companies to show solidarity and support, to interact with them and understand their challenges if any with a view to share their success stories.
According to the PHCCIMA boss, ’we want to achieve that objective where members understand the business of other members, and support and patronize them before they go outside. This has become necessary because we have found out over the years that some of us don’t know what our fellow members do, and we are committed to changing that narrative with this strategic visits. Thirdly we intend to create a data base of PHCCIMA members in various industries so that we can present same to government, NACCIMA and other relevant institutions when the need arises for interventions.
Hear her: “ On access to fund, we are blessed to have former President, Dr Emeka Unachukwu in our midst, he will be of immense value in this direction. We will appeal to him to slash cost for our members and help with any documentation process that will facilitate approval and access to funds. On the Power issue, she requested that a detailed report about the power situation and the way forward should be forwarded to PHCCIMA for a follow up action. She however requested that the Hotel Association register with the chamber first, assuring him of PHCCIMA’s readiness to work closely with him and others in the hotel business to ensure their businesses thrive.
The delegation led by the President had the prestigious presence of past President, Dr Emeka Unachukwu, Financial secretary, Chief Surv. Emmanuel Ogbonda, Chairman of Financial services Trade Group, Amb. Clement Akanibo, Chairman SME’s and NGO’s Trader Group, Mr Jack Daboikiabo, Deputy Coordinator of Women Chamber of Commerce, Rivers/Bayelsa state, Madam Pat Ihunze and the Acting DG, Mr. Philip Obiandu.
