Yinka Oshilaja is the General Manager of Cheers Hotel & Suites, located in the business district of Ikeja, the power base of Lagos, Nigeria’s richest state.
She combines a background of a Bachelor’s degree in economics from Ambrose Ali University Ekpoma, Edo State, with practical job experience to provide nuggets of wisdom on how the hospitality industry can be a tool for Abuja and states to lift the economy of local communities and internally generated revenue for the treasury.
Oshilaja also tells Special Correspondent, RENN OFFOR, the problems facing tourism and hospitality, and how the government at all levels can help solve them, and thereby boost employment and raise living standards.
A first encounter may not explain all the sway she carries.
But when one notices the efficient approach of the staff in receiving guests and prompt responses to their needs, which make the hotel to stand out, then one begins to see beyond the facial mien that she must be some sort of a two-faced manager: amiable but firm.
Beyond words
To infuse that sort of efficiency in the national economy for multiplier effects, Oshilaja advocates action.
She asked Abuja to demonstrate stronger commitment through practical activities “which must go beyond words of mouth and paper to raising infrastructure that will enable the hospitality industry to fulfil its objectives, top among which is to stimulate the growth of local economies.”
She said Cheers Hotel & Suites is focused on getting guests to experience “luxurious hideaways” within its facility.
“If the federal government can replicate or apply the principles of what successful hospitality outfits like our hotel, Cheers Hotels and Suites, are doing, our economy would be so vibrant by now and not be in this shambles because of over-dependence on oil over the years.
“We deliberately cited our hotel right in the heart of Ikeja, in a lowland, a few metres away from the popular Allen Avenue road interjection, otherwise called Allen Junction, and partly surrounded by the lush natural marshy vegetation off Awolowo Way.
“This gives us a unique setting. Everything is about planning and deliberate efforts with potential profits consciously set at the back of our minds.
“With that kind of setting, we have continued to enjoy the benefit of a subtly cool ambience that absorbs the restlessness of the hustle and bustle of the noisy city.”
The hotel is within five minutes’ drive from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport and two minutes’ drive from the popular Shoprite City Mall and Lagos State government secretariat.
From the top floors, a guest has a rare, breath-taking panoramic view of the city of Ikeja.
Oshilaja gave a summary of the aesthetic setting and disclosed that “we‘ve spent so much money on furnishing the hotel to meet international standards, and employing a team of experienced and highly motivated staff.
“So, our hotel comprises exquisitely furnished rooms and executive business suites, with relaxing and beautiful works of art abundantly doting the passages and walls.”
Responsibilities of government
She also spoke on the challenges facing the industry and how the government is not doing much to alleviate them and create platforms that will enable the industry survive.
“With all of these kinds of investments, government agencies still chase us around to maintain this and maintain that. They ask us to pay several levies and fees.
“The value of hospitality to some areas of the country is critical. We are enormously contributing to both local and national economy partnerships for events, employment and payment of levies and several other fees.
“But in the actual sense of it, what is the government doing to help this industry?”
Oshilaja then zeroed in on the responsibility of the government to enable the industry achieve its goals.
“According to the British Hospitality Association (BHA), there are significant barriers to growth over which central government rather than local government has responsibility.
“If these barriers are not addressed then the United Kingdom government’s targets (set out in the UK Tourism Policy) will not be achieved.
“These targets include (i) to grow inbound tourism to the UK by an additional £2 billion and (ii) to increase the proportion of what the British people spend on holiday in the UK to 50 per cent (it is currently 40 per cent).
“Going from what I just quoted from the BHA, it is clear, therefore, that the responsibility of the government is what makes the hospitality industry succeed in its mission.
“The failure on the part of our government to live up to its responsibility is killing this industry, despite the huge investments in this sector.”
She explained that the three tiers of government all have roles to play in growing the tourism and hospitality industry through funding tourism initiatives and also ensuring the economic development of localities.
Benefits of tourism, hospitality to localities
Oshilaja said the hospitality industry enables both local residents and visitors to enjoy the community in many different and profitable ways, and also provides business and social facilities crucial to the community’s sustainable future.
In her view, hospitality and tourism are an integral part of the fabric of local life, and the government should play its part in helping the sector to thrive.
“Therefore, the relationship between the hospitality industry and the government is symbiotic, a ‘give and take’ kind of relationship.”
Apart from enhancing the local economy, she reiterated, the government also has a responsibility towards the environment.
She said this includes
• Ensuring and maintaining the attractions of an area.
• General tidiness of the area.
• Provision of car parks at reasonable fees.
• Regular emptying of litter bins.
• Provision of floral displays and flower baskets.
• Timely opening and cleanliness of public toilets.
• Good signposting.
• Provision of local maps on boards.
Others include government recognising and supporting cultural events and festivals in the area, local investment opportunity promotions by insisting that the community is a good place to do business, and provision of good roads and efficient transport system.
Oshilaja also listed promotion of local hotels, restaurants and other attractions as a means of emphasising standards and quality.
She said such can appear in local tourism guides as local bodies insist that businesses that appear in local guides are inspected and their quality approved.
Quality landmarks
On the quality landmarks that enable Cheers Hotel & Suites to sustain its innovative brand, she disclosed that it has “remained a choice hideaway for discerning guests who prefer sophisticated hospitality that is unequalled.
“Albeit, set in an exuberantly quiet location within the noisy city life of Ikeja in Lagos.
“The hotel boasts of a cheerfully disciplined staff with a high sense of enthusiasm in responding to guests’ needs and complaints, and thereby ensuring that guests are ever satisfied, leaving a pleasantly memorable impression on their minds.
“A very observant guest will certainly be thrilled with the deliberate, yet careful dedication and attention to detail, cleanliness and perfect room settings intended to give you the experience of a lifetime.
“It is obvious that the hotel cautiously works toward making guests stay in the hotel a thrill.”
Facilities
Cheers Hotel & Suites is a fine relaxation place for both business and leisure travellers. Indulge your taste buds with over 100 African and European on offer in the restaurant.
There is individual room service, plus access to free Wi-Fi internet connection, DStv on television, and refrigerator in each room.
There are event halls and a spacious car park that can contain over 200 vehicles. Other trappings include swimming pools, fitness and gym facility, bars and lounges with intercontinental wines and dishes, security, and standby generator for 24/7 power supply.