One Year in Office: Insights From Alhaji Olajide Alabi Sodunke, President of Ogun State Hoteliers Association

One Year in Office: Insights From Alhaji Olajide Alabi Sodunke, President of Ogun State Hoteliers Association

In an exclusive interview with The OCTAGON MEDIA Editor, Alhaji Olajide Alabi Sodunke, President of the Ogun State Hoteliers Association, shares insights on his first year in office. He highlights the association's achievements, challenges, and future plans, discussing notable accomplishments, progress, and outlining strategies for continued growth and development.

Can you start by introducing yourself?

My full name is Alhaji Olajide Alabi Sodunke, President of Ogun State Hoteliers Association.

When were you inaugurated as the President of the Ogun State Hoteliers Association?

We were inaugurated on Thursday, May 30, 2024.

What motivated you to contest for the presidency after serving as Deputy President?

I contested for the post of President to move the association forward in various spheres of our social life.

How would you rate your performance over the last year?

Our performance has been wonderful and superlative. We've made efforts to showcase what the association stands for.

What notable projects have you undertaken in the last year?

One of our notable achievements is giving the Secretariat a facelift. We've also reinforced the office with staff and equipment.

What impact has your administration had on the association?

Our administration has brought peace, progress, and love among members. We operate an open-door policy, which has been well-received.

What areas do you plan to focus on for further development?

Our focus will be on acquiring land for the association.

Can you tell us about your collaboration with the State government?

We have had effective collaboration with government ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Environments, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of Trade and Investment others are Internal Revenue Service, Signage & Advertisement Agency and others. The Security Services are not left behind such as Nigeria Police, DSS, Nigeria Immigration Service.

What benefits have your members derived from these collaborations?

Our members have benefited greatly, including receiving government palliatives such as bags of rice.

Do you have plans to move the association to a permanent Secretariat?

Yes, we plan to move to a new site, God willing.

How do you rate your relationship with the Southwest Zone of the Hoteliers Association of Nigeria?

We have a very cordial relationship with the Southwest Zone, headquartered in Ibadan.

What future plans do you have, and how do you intend to execute them?

In the second year, we'll focus on land acquisition for the Secretariat and its development. We'll also work on training members, embarking on foreign trips, and acquiring a bus for local use.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about the association's development?

We intend to work with stakeholders to move the association forward, bring big hotels into the association, and cooperate with government ministries and agencies. Unity is key to our progress.