The chairman of the Imo State chapter of the Nigeria Hotel Association recently announced his resignation from the position, leaving a year remaining in his tenure. In a farewell speech at a gathering held in his honor, he emphasized the importance of hotel owners actively participating in the association.
Having served for eight years and approaching his 70th birthday, the chairman cited personal reasons for stepping down. He highlighted the challenge of leadership within the association, particularly the prolonged power struggle between directors and managers of hotels. He lamented the negative impact of this struggle on the association, fostering mediocrity, recklessness, and internal conflicts.
Despite facing opposition during his tenure, the outgoing chairman expressed satisfaction in standing up for the rightful ownership of the association by hotel owners. He recounted facing resistance from certain factions within the association and the successful interventions made to uphold the interests of hotel owners.
Notable achievements under his leadership included resisting extortion attempts by revenue touts, resolving conflicts between hotel managers and directors, and influencing policy changes to benefit the association’s members. The chairman also emphasized the importance of thorough background checks before hiring hotel managers to ensure ethical conduct.
In response to his resignation, the acting chairman of Imo NHA commended his predecessor for his accomplishments and wished him success in his future endeavors. Attendees at the event praised the outgoing chairman for his dedication and leadership, acknowledging his resilience in the face of challenges.