Hotels have evolved beyond accommodation and entertainment facilities, becoming important spaces where business, government, communities and social activities intersect, participants at the JAGZ Hospitality Conference 2.0 in Ibadan have said.
The conference, held on Thursday under the theme, “The Hotel at the Centre,” brought together practitioners and representatives from the hospitality industry, government, security, finance and other sectors to examine the growing responsibilities of hotels in Nigeria.
Discussions at the conference focused largely on the intersection of money, elections and security, with participants examining how hotels can pursue commercial opportunities while maintaining safe environments for guests, employees and communities.
The role of hotels during elections also featured prominently, particularly the need for operators to prevent their facilities from being exploited for criminal activities while accommodating the increased demand that often accompanies political engagements.
Speaking as a panellist, the General Manager of Glocient Hospitality, Lanre Sharafa Balogun, said the conference provided an opportunity for the industry to confront issues that directly affect the safety, reputation and sustainability of hospitality businesses.
Balogun called for hotels to adopt proactive security structures and strengthen their relationships with relevant authorities rather than waiting for incidents before taking action.
He also stressed the importance of building stronger relationships with host communities, particularly through employment and meaningful engagement.
According to him, hotels operate within communities and cannot achieve long-term sustainability without recognising the interests and needs of the people around them.
Balogun further called for improved government infrastructure, particularly roads, saying better access would support hospitality businesses while also making it easier for security agencies to respond to emergencies.
He advocated stronger collaboration between hotels and financial crime agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, with regular training for hotel owners and operators as part of efforts to improve compliance and security awareness.
Beyond security, Balogun urged hotel owners to place greater emphasis on professional management, encouraging them to engage qualified professionals to oversee critical areas of their businesses.
He said professional management would help hospitality establishments improve their operations, meet regulatory requirements and build sustainable businesses.
The conference attracted several prominent figures, including the Chairman of JAGZ Hotel, Engr. Kayode Adegbulugbe; Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun; a representative of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Oyo State Commissioner of Police Affairs, CP Gbenga Abimbola; and the Zonal Coordinator of the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering at the EFCC Ibadan Zonal Directorate, Mrs Toyin Ehindero-Benson.
The organisers said the conference was aimed at sustaining conversations around the changing responsibilities of the hospitality industry as hotels increasingly serve as venues for business, political engagements, social activities and community interactions.
The event also reinforced calls for a hospitality industry that is professional, secure, responsible and sustainable as Nigeria continues to develop its tourism and hospitality ecosystem.
A major highlight of the conference was the presentation of a merit award to Balogun in recognition of his contributions to the development of hospitality and tourism in Nigeria.
