Tourism expert seeks synergy between government and hospitality operators to fight insecurity
The General Manager/CEO, Enugu State Tourism Board, Hon. Steve Odo has canvassed for synergy between Government at all levels, and Hospitality establishments in the fight to address insecurity.
He stated this at the presentation of his book “The Principles and Practice of Hospitality and Tourism Management” recently in Enugu.
He said the synergy between various levels of government (Federal, State, and Local Governments) and hospitality establishments would go a long way in identifying questionable characters using their facilities.
Odo emphasised that the hospitality sub-sector is very important in the national security architecture warranting the need to incorporate the sector in the efforts to check insecurity, not only in Enugu State but Nigeria at large.
“Evidence abounds that most crimes are committed in hotels and other hospitality outfits such as public parks, gardens, nightclubs, and terminals among others.
“Some of these criminals use these private and public facilities as their hiding places from where they plan and execute their nefarious activities, ” he said.
Odo said that hospitality establishments have very important roles to play in maintaining national security if well organised.
“Therefore, the government should synergize with all hospitality establishments for the purpose of enhancing national security.
“These partnerships should include training programs, seminars, public enlightenment, and workshops.
“Information sharing is also very necessary by both parties for the purpose of the clearer identity of persons that patronize those hospitality establishments, ” he said.
According to him, there is also the need for security operatives to have some knowledge and experience in the hospitality industry.
The GM further stressed that if Nigeria is to win the war against insecurity, all stakeholders must be fully involved and be made to play their roles effectively.
“National security should be everyone’s concern and not to be left for security operatives alone, ” he said.
