The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the contributions of hoteliers to nation-building and economic development as sacrosanct, noting that the hospitality industry continues to play a significant role in the growth of the state’s economy.

The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, stated this at the second Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Hoteliers Association of Nigeria (HAN), Ogun State Chapter, held at Mokland Hotel, Abeokuta.

Abiodun said the contributions of the hospitality industry to the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), particularly through the registration of more than 2,400 hotels across the state, could not be overemphasised.

He noted that hospitality, culture and tourism were closely interconnected sectors capable of creating employment opportunities for youths, stimulating small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and contributing significantly to economic development across the state.

The governor urged members of the association to continue to build the organisation on the principles of love, strength and trust, assuring them that the state government would continue to support the association whenever necessary.

Speaking at the event, the State President of the Hotelier Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Olajide Sodunke, said the association had laid a strong foundation based on trust and unity among its members.

Sodunke said the executive had recorded significant achievements, including increased revenue growth, infrastructure upgrades, regular engagement with government and other industry stakeholders, capacity building for members, as well as peace and conflict-resolution initiatives.

He disclosed that, within two years, the Ogun State chapter of HAN had been integrated into the national body of the Nigeria Hotelier Association (NHA), adding that the newly flag introduction is intended to serve as a unifying symbol of love, unity of the association to be use during official engagement, saying his administration would continue to make the welfare of members a priority.

While appreciating the administration of Governor Abiodun for its continued support for the association’s vision and mission, Sodunke pledged that his team would establish a stronger presence for the association across the state through a friendly, cooperative and collaborative relationship with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Hotelier Association, Ogijo Zone, Mr. Adewale Adeosun, commended the leadership style of the association, saying it had positioned the body at the forefront of initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and professional development of members across the state.

Adeosun called on hotel owners who were yet to join the association to do so, stressing that membership offered numerous benefits capable of helping operators reposition and strengthen their hospitality businesses.

He, however, appealed to the state government not to relent in its support for the association, urging it to facilitate access to loan facilities for hoteliers to enable them to expand their businesses and further boost the hospitality sector across the state.

The event had in attendance the Ogun State Police Commissioner, Bode Ojajuni, represented by Assistant Supretended of police, Bakare Oladipupo, Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, represented by Director, Environmental quality control, Mr. Kayode Akinwande and a retired General, General Lekan Abayomi Sokoya.