Ekiti State government has reiterated its commitment to promoting hospitality industries in Ekiti State.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Art, Culture and Tourism Mr. Aderemi Ogunsemoyin gave the assurance in his office in Ado-Ekit while playing host to the representatives of the Hoteliers Association of Nigeria, Ekiti State.
The permanent Secretary appreciated the Association for their readiness to collaborate and synergise with the Ministry for more conducive operational environment
Ogunsemoyin, who was represented by the Director Tourism, Mr Banji Adeusi stated that the government would continue to improve on the existing relationship between the two parties in order to fish out unregistered hoteliers whom he noted always harbour criminal within the State.
He explained further that it was high time for the Association to stand in support of hospitality laws and make it work effectively.
He expressed his feeling towards seeing the new representatives of the Association coming for the first time seeking official cooperation and assured them of government’s maximum support to them describing the Administration of the executive as new dawn.
Also in their remarks, the Director of Planning Research, publication and cooperate affairs, Mr Babatunde Adewumi and Director of Art, Mr Joel Owooke said that Governor Oyebanji led Administration will always listen to the yawning of the Association and give considerable responses explaining that the Ministry was always ready to collaborate with the Association as long as their goals was to develop Tourism and provide employment in Ekiti State.
Earlier, the president of the Association Chief Michael Osaloni said the hoteliers were overwhelmed with the numerous taxes being place on them by the various government organisations pleading for tax review to prevent double taxation, calling on the Ministry to work out modalities on how to avoid multiple taxes as well as preventing their businesses from going into extinction.
Chief Osaloni also explained that the Association has contributed immensely to the development of the state through security of lives and property, job creations and provision of hospitality.
The President called on the government to give the Association necessary assistance and support, so as to allow their business to thrive easily.
While commending the governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji for the good he has been doing in the state since assumption of office, he pledged the support of all members of the Association across the state