Speeches

Official Opening Of Protea Hotel, Ikeja

Nov 6, 2008 - I am delighted to be here today at the official opening of a new branch of the Protea Hotel which clearly demonstrates the commitment and determination of the management and owner of the hotel, Avalon Intercontinental Nigeria Limited to contribute to the vibrant hospitality industry in the State.

May I, therefore congratulate the management and staff of the company for your dedication and commitment to the growth of the industry and by extension the economy of the State. By this new investment, you have truly demonstrated your faith and confidence in our economy. It vindicates our policy position that the task of development is a joint effort between the private and public sector. I am proud to be associated with you and your numerous achievements over the years.

I have no doubt that the ultra modern hotel we are opening today will further boost your business base; increase the number of customers and employees; and create wealth for other citizens, the State, and the country in general. As often said, one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy of our time is the hospitality industry, which has been described as exciting and offers unlimited opportunities for the stakeholders. With the rapid expansion and series of achievement recorded so far, Protea Group of Hotels, undoubtedly have proved to be a major player in the hospitality business.

With your experience spanning many years in the industry, you have no doubt carved a niche for yourself as a leading brand providing quality services to your numerous local and international customers.

However, the choice of the location of this new branch of Protea Hotel within the choice and serene Government Reservation Area, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos no doubt is a tourist delight especially with its proximity to both international and local airports in the State.

Our administration has embarked on a number of programmes and projects aimed at enhancing the tourism potentials of the state. The establishment of the Ministry of Tourism is in line with our policies and strategies in this regard. Our efforts are geared towards transforming the State to a destination point in tourism by harnessing all available resources and potentials in this regard.

Accordingly, we have continued to explore and create new opportunities and partnership with the private sector in our efforts to improve, encourage, develop and grow Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, and also create employment opportunities in our State.

Apart from these efforts, we are also committed to creating the enabling environment to facilitate growth and development in the sector. Our ongoing efforts in the areas of security, infrastructure rehabilitation, traffic and road management, effective transportation services and many more are intended to create the conducive environment for business activities to thrive. We remain focused and committed to our dream of building an African Model-Mega-City.

I wish to therefore seize this opportunity to solicit the cooperation, support and understanding of all stakeholders and the business community in our collective efforts to transform Lagos to a city we all shall be proud of.

Once again, I congratulate the Board and Management of Protea Hotel on the successful addition of this branch to the chain of Protea hotels. It is, therefore, my honour and privilege to declare it open to the glory of God, the growth of Lagos, Nigerian economy and the enhancement of the hospitality industry in the State and indeed the Country.

Thank you for listening.

Eko O Ni Baje O!

Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN),
Executive Governor,
Lagos State