Owaza Gburugburu joins forces with security operatives on safety

By Ezurike Ugochukwu and Ambrose Nnaji

Owner and operator, Owaza 24/7 Hotel and Suits, in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, High-Chief Michael Chinonyerem Nwachi, has joined forces with major security operatives including the police in providing security for people in the hospitality industry in the Lagos State in particular.

High-Chief Nwachi with Chiefs and titled men of Igando area who came on solidarity visit to him on his recent election as vice president of Seniorate Mess of the Nigerian Navy

He has also combined with the traditional rulers and vigilante groups to cement a cordial collaboration between business owners and the people of the community.

Meanwhile, Nwachi has been elected as the Vice-President of the Seniorate Mess at the Naval Training Command, Apapa in the Lagos state, serving under the president who remains a serving officer.

The mess provides meals and recreational facilities for officers in the armed forces. However, connected civilians can become honorary members of particular mess, under some conditions, so they can use the available recreation facilities and networking opportunities, building bridge of cordiality between officers and civilian populace.

Nwachi said that the purpose of identifying with the security personnel was to help in creating a lasting synergy between the military and the public believing by so doing, contributing his own little quota to national security.

“I was sworn in to raise the bar of the mess, I wish to work hand in gloves with them in providing security, and building trust in our society”, he stated.

The business owner said that he was also interested in ensuring that there was cordial relationship between the security operatives and the people. He however blamed the fracas that often ensue between men in uniform and the people on approach

While advising the people to always cooperate with the security operatives and see them as part of them, he also urged the men in uniform to always exercise caution while dealing with members of the public

High-Chief Nwachi, Owaza Gburugburu

He said that as a member of the navy family now, he would be more committed in assisting the security operatives in carrying out their duties. He noted that when there is adequate security especially in the hospitality industry, people would want to do business with you. When you are guaranteed of security, you will wish to come back as a customer”, he expressed.

He added,  “I work hand in gloves with chiefs of the community to help keep law and order in this community. We have contributed to the employment of reasonable number of persons into our establishment.

“I’m beating my chest that as the Vice-President, the work that I will do will speak volume in a very short time. As an honorary naval person who has identified with them, it’s a symbiotic relationship. I assure to improve the infrastructure of the place. I will work harmoniously with them”, he stated.

The new vice president stressed the urgent need for the government both at the federal, state and local government levels to provide adequate security to the people through the provision of more patrol teams, electricity as well as accessible roads.

The business owner nevertheless agreed that he was in good working relationship with security agencies in the area noting he has never had any casualty in the course of doing business in the area.

“We are doing well for nine months now the business came to be in this area, though not without some challenges, every business has its own peculiar challenges,” he noted.

“In the hospitality business, we require adequate supply of security which the government ought to provide, but we are providing them by ourselves, he stated.

“We have given the people what they wanted and longed for with our water tight security and unique entertainment, that has made here a home away from home.”

Nwachui believes that when you give what the people wanted, they would be attracted to you. Adding,  “when you adhere to the rules of the land, people will feel free to do business with you.”

Manager of the hotel, Michael Nwankwo, expressed the encouragement that the business is growing gradually though not where it’s supposed to be yet. According to him, to whom much is given much is expected.

He said: “I feel good, we’re improving, and we’re meeting up expectations. I’m impressed even as I’m yet to meet my expectations. We need to go higher, expand this business and to other locations.

“We wish to see our customers come today and, and continue to come around based on the satisfaction they are able to get. One other thing that excites me is the satisfaction customers express from time to time after visiting this place.”

Nwankwo, agreed that various departments of security agencies in the area including the police had been involved and therefore assured customers of their safety while patronising the business especially now his boss is an honourary member and member of the Nigerian Navy family.

Prince Martins Noah is the uncle to High-Chief Nwachi. He was impressed that the younger brother had given to his community what he described as “a name outside home”.

The business owner who hails from Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State had earned the title ‘Owaza Gburugburu 1 of Owaza Kingdom’. The entire Ukwa-West Council of traditional rulers had bestowed on him the honour based on his humility and patriotism.

The uncle accounted that he had a very good record even in the village where he’s coming from, his humility has endowed him to many, he added.

He has a good plan for his people, both widows, elderly and the young people adding even as Christmas approaches and always he has provided for them.

“His record in the village speaks for him. When you get there, you will be surprised on what the people will tell you about him. When you look at his business name, it’s the name of the community, which is rare to see people being so proud of their community. He is very proud of that clan he has come from”, Noah expressed.

According to the uncle, his personal and genuine efforts has given him honour and recognition adding that nobody from his community had given him fund to do business however believing that God gave him the wisdom to excel.

He advised the youths to be humble because it pays a lot, when you are loyal to people you’re valued, he believed. “People invest in you only when they test and see loyalty in you, youths need to learn from his humility so that God and mankind can uplift them.

“I’m not surprised that people are patronizing his business regardless of cases of insecurity in the country, I’m not surprised of what am seeing here he has always lived a humble life. His impeccable record speaks for him”, noting that people he associates with have found him worthy.

The uncle also advised the mess to bring him closer and harness his ingenuity within the two years he has to serve. He however expressed the doubt they will accept to let him go after the two years not asking him to continue.

He said: “As for the Seniorate mess where he belongs, they have not seen any of him yet. He is very accountable, creative and judicious in spending. They will see results, greater results.”

A customer at the Owaza 24/7 Hotel, John Umemba, who spoke to our reporter expressed satisfaction to the watertight security in the establishment.

Entertainment group from Enugu State on display at the Owaza 24/7 Hotel pavilion last weekend

Umemba who came in the company of his wife, children and friends said the place has continued to offer them a good relaxation point in the evenings.

“I got to know about this place in April this year, since then, I have fallen in love with this place.

“I see this place as where matured minds come to relax not for irresponsible persons, not where harlotry is the bane of business.

“The presence of military personnel here today is good though I learnt the Managing Director of this place is celebrating his election as the Vice- President of the Nigerian Navy Seniorate Mess. This is a plus to him and the business.

Am impressed by their dishes, security and location. If they sustain this standard they will remain relevant for years in this area and in the hearts of people,” Umemba reassured.