NHCI felicitates A’Ibom Gov-elect, makes case for Tourism Devt

Nigerian Hotel and Catering Institute (NHCI), an indigenous hospitality institute, has charged the Governor-elect of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, to fly high the institute’s banner and give full attention to the development and promotion of tourism more than all his predecessors have ever done.

NHCI stated this while congratulating Eno, who is a Fellow of the institute, hotelier and investor in hospitality business, on his victory at the March 18 Governorship election in Awka Ibom State.

The institute, however, tasked the Governor-elect to see his victory as an opportunity to serve the people and ensure that he not only consolidate on the towering achievements of the incumbent governor, Udom Emmanuel, but also carves a niche for him in enthroning the tenets of democracy and good governance in all his pursuits.

NHCI in a congratulatory message to Eno signed by its President, Alhaji Gbenga Sunmonu, noted that the institute is proud and honoured to be associated with the governor-elect.

“Your victory was a hard fought one, especially given the circumstances surrounding it and the fact that many hurdles, including ligations were put in your way. Yet, you triumphed and crowned it all with resounding victory on March 18, which was the battle of all battles.

Your victory shows courage, tenacity of purpose and vision, as well as the sterner stuff that you are made of. We as an institute are proud of you and are honoured by your victory, because it is not your victory alone, but that of the institute, as you are not only a Fellow, but also one of the pillars of the institute.

“As you prepare to take over the mantle of leadership, we want you to see yourself as the Ambassador of the institute and also of the good people of Akwa Ibom State. We, therefore, pledge our unalloyed support to your government and charge you to strive to uphold the tenets of democracy and good governance. You should not only strive to consolidate on the achievements of the incumbent governor but surpass it and carve a niche for yourself and the institute in the annals of the state and Nigeria.”

It continues: “We charge you to be focused and purpose-driven and pay attention to the economic development of the state in every respect and continue in the mode of transformation of Akwa Ibom to an industrialised and prosperous modern state where peace, security of lives and properties are guaranteed.

More importantly, as a member of the institute, hotelier and investor in the hospitality business, we charge you to pay serious attention to the tourism sector. God has blessed your state with all that it takes to be a thriving tourist destination, therefore, your task in transforming your state to the foremost tourist destination and a dream haven for both business and leisure travellers in Nigeria is easier.

You have a trusted and tested ally in this regard as the institute humbly offers its services and personnel at your beckon in the pursuit of this noble dream. God bless Your Excellency. We wish you well in this journey of transformation and renewal.”