…pledges to unite members, liase with govt on multiple taxation
Precious Oham
The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Pastor Stephen Abimbola has been elected as the new President of the Hoteliers Association of Nigeria, Ekiti State Chapter.
Abimbola, who was elected unanimously alongside other executives, on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti, will serve the association for two years. Adetunla Lucia emerged Vice President while Olayinka Akinloye was elected as General Secretary.
Other executive members include; Olaosibikan Tope, Assistant General Secretary; Adaoluju Bosede Kehinde, Financial Secretary; Akinwade Ajayi, Auditor; Olayinka Ogunyemi, Social Secretary; Ijigbo Yomi – PRO; Ajayi Olorufemi – Welfare Officer; Ogbonna Daniel, Treasurer; and Olubusayo Olufemi – Chief Whip.
Speaking with Journalists after the election, Abimbola, who appreciated the members for electing him to serve in the capacity of President, equally thanked the outgoing President for his contributions to the growth of the union.
He pledged to unite all the aggrieved members towards having a formidable association while promising to liase with the state government on the issue of multiple taxation.
“We will try to do new things away from the norm in the association by ensuring we promote quality hospitality industry in the State. We are going to make maximum use of the necessary stakeholders and relate with the state government to ensure we promote the association and ensure that hospitality industry strives within the State.
“We will liase with the state government, most especially on the issue of multiple taxation. The new tax reforms from the federal government will actually settle most of our grievances. The FG tax reforms will bring solutions to multiple taxation. I want to believe that the hoteliers are waiting for the implementation of the tax reforms.
“We want to assure our members who are aggrieved with the last administration of transparency and looking at the new executives as people who are worthy and intelligent. These are experienced members who are not forced but showed their interest to contest.”
The outgoing President, High Chief Mike Oshaloni, the Oloti of Ado Ekiti, charged the new executives to imbibe honesty, transparency and proper coordination of its members in the State aimed at bringing responsible members that will contribute positively to the growth of the association.
On his part, the newly elected General Secretary, noted that the new executives will set their target towards ensuring they have an identity that will be recognized by all stakeholders and government in the State.