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Mr. Michael Emordi Ojede is Chairman/CEO of Pearl Hospitality Services Limited, operators of Pearl One Suites. In this interview with Saturday Business Vanguard, Mr. Ojede discusses a wide range of issues about his person, business associations, and the good and bad associated with hospitality business in Nigeria.
Mr. Ojede, son of a retired estate consultant and petty trading mother, says he never forgets the advice of his parents that success is borne out of one’s self determination to succeed no matter the harsh environment or unsavoury circumstances. This he said encouraged him to be ambitious and hardworking in his humble nature. Excerpts:
How did you venture into Pearl One Suites?
I have been in hospitality business for a long time. I didn’t just start over night. At a time, while growing up, I spent most of my time in hotels/suites, using their lobbies and sometimes their rooms as an office.Hospitality business for me is something I have always desired. My wish is to own a chain of five-star hotels across the country since it is one business that will always have immediate impact on the lives of people. Come to think of it, apart from good health and employment, the next or should I say the primary need of man is shelter.
And during these periods, I found out that staying in some of these hotels and suites actually helped in reducing my stress level and helped me to be focused. For me, it was a home away from home.
That experience is what inspired me into the business. I want to be able to also take away stress from people. That is why I have always ensured that at Pearl One, we give our guests the quality of service that is home away from home.
Environment and services
Our location is very beautiful. The truth is this, when somebody wakes up in the morning and decides to check into a hotel, such a person is actually looking for a home away from home. You are looking for where you will go and feel relaxed and treated like a king. Don’t forget that checking into a hotel once in a while helps to reduce stress, either from work or from the home front. The mission of Pearl One is principally to assist our guests in managing their stress.
System conditions
As someone who has spent close to 10 years patronizing hotels, I strongly believe that I am an authority in defining what people actually want. Other than a comfortable room to sleep in, we have one of the best restaurants you can ever think of. Our delicacies are actually out of this world. The traffic situation in Lagos is not helpful, especially within this axis. We have taken care of that by erecting a sit out bush bar, where you can relax, watch football and wait for the traffic to ease out. For those who prefer privacy, we equally have a mini sports bar to cater for their needs.
Why are you unique?
We are unique in terms of our services; our rooms are spacious and like I said earlier on, our dishes are first class. That in itself stands us out. First time visit to our premises simply gives you the air that we are passionate about what we do and that we truly understand the desires of our prospective guests. For us, it is the customer first.
We believe in the customers and we see them as part of the family because the business is run as a family. Every staff is treated as a family. It is that same spirit of love that we extend to our prospective guests. We welcome them in such a way that even after their stay, they will always yearn to come back at the slightest opportunity.
How affordable are these suites?
Our room rates are very affordable and within the pocket and budget of our prospective guests. Despite our unique services, we are still within a reasonable range and keep within the industry’s standard. Honestly speaking, our patronage has been word of mouth, occasioned by our unique services. We have set a standard and we intend to surpass it.
How secured is this environment?
The environment is well secured. Other than our in-house security, we also have regular Police officers that patrol the vicinity on an hourly basis. Discussions are already ongoing with the Police Command to assign us two Mobile Police officers that will be sorted out soonest. Our security consciousness is very high and we intend to continue to improve on it. Security within the environment is one major reason why we have high patronage.
What are your challenges?
Every business in Lagos State, or should I say all over the country right now, is faced with almost the same challenges: high cost of operations occasioned mostly by epileptic and erratic power supply, multiple taxation, traffic congestion, bad roads, etc. I strongly believe that if the people are not happy, government cannot be successful. If businesses are not thriving, both the people and the government cannot develop.
We are looking forward and believing that the governor-elect, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode will review the current tax system operational in the state with a view to encouraging small business owners like us who are willing to compliment government’s efforts by creating employment for our youths.
We are equally hopeful that the in-coming government at the federal level will address the issue of power supply and work towards diversifying the revenue base of the economy. It is high time we moved away from oil and revamp our agricultural and other sectors. Looking at it on a serious note, the government is not supposed to get involved in business but should rather work towards creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. It is only in Nigeria that the government is seen to be competing with corporate and not-too-corporate organizations in service delivery.
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