Christopher Atane is
the Managing Director/CEO of Paradise Hotel and Garden, subsidiary of CIA IRENS
International Company Ltd. The hotel is noted for unlimited hospitality,
accommodation, event place and fun arena. In this interview with Prestige International Magazine, the amiable
hospitality investor opens up on various issues including how the hotel became
a mega brand, what it takes to run a successful hospitality business in Nigeria
and the real reason Paradise Hotel and Garden is customers and fun lover’s first choice. This
smart and vibrant young man with top business acumen hails from Owan West Local
Government Area of Edo state. Paradise Hotel is a high flying one in Lagos
hospitality Industry.
As an investor in the
hospitality industry, how did you get into the hospitality business?
I came into the business by accident. I started the business
about eight years ago, before then I was an agent with business centre at Ogba.
When I came back from abroad I sourced for the funds and I started the
business. I hail from Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
What is the
experience so far?
The experience is not bad so far so good. Every time we have
to spend to watch your games here whenever there is sporting event. We are
living in a country, Nigeria where you get a business and your business will
get you. We are not in a foreign country where everything is in place to run
the business. You have to be there most times to manage your business.
Paradise Hotel and
Garden is one of the top rated hotels in the city, how did it happen?
That is what I have stated above, but most especially gives
kudos to my clients. I am always here as the chairman of the company to look at
the affairs of the company. If there is any complaining I don’t just leave it
for workers, supervisors and managers alone to handle. Apart from that I
appreciate security so much. I have cordial relationship with Area Commanders
and DPOs. They always position their vehicles outside there and always around
whenever there is distress call. I am also good in public relations management,
you have to appreciate your neighbours and be in good relationship to run your
business. When it comes to Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), they know
that I pay my bills as at when due. I pay all the government tax and I have no
problem with them.
As a learned person
why did you venture into the business?
I read law but I am not a lawyer. You know in Nigeria factor
we have instances where it is not what you read that you practice. I appreciate
law but this is my calling now.
What are the areas
your knowledge in law is helping you now in your business?
I know my boundary; I don’t go beyond my boundary with my
knowledge of law. In all sincerity I appreciate reading the law. It helps me in
every area of doing my business. You cannot intimidate me when I know what I am
doing. I know the ambit of the law I know what the law say and I am following
it. I have my CCTV camera and everything that I have to have to do a business I
think I have them. And moreover I read my books to keep myself abreast.
What are the
challenges facing the running of businesses in Nigeria?
As you can see as you are here now, we are running on
generator. If you don’t have access to money you can’t run hotel of this
standard, you need to furnish all the rooms to standard. For you to have this
kind of hotel you need to have the building and equip it to taste. Running
hotel is capital intensive. We also have to cope with double taxation. Also,
you need to pay your staff well, all over the world it is always like that but
in Nigeria it is critical because there is shortage of electricity. You have to
supply your own water, there is no support from anywhere, there is no
government presence in what we do, and you have to supply all you need to run
your business.
What is your
management style?
I have workers under supervisors and managers. We work like
one family. In the same vein my staffs have access to loan. I pay as at when
due and we do declare excess on a very good day. We pay salaries early and
regularly and it works for me and make them to be more committed. I see them as
my children.
What is your
assessment of hospitality business in Nigeria, do you think we have come of age
like what is obtainable in developed worlds?
We have come of age in Nigeria like what is available in the
developed world. We have so many big hotels in Nigeria that are making people
comfortable. Apart from the fact that you have to spend so much money to run
the business in Nigeria, we deliver the same quality in Nigeria and abroad.
What are the areas
you want government to come into assisting investors in hospitality industry?
I want government to assist us in finance, so that we will
be able to upgrade our hotels into what is comparable with what is available
outside. I also want government to assist us in security so that we have our
records to show for it.
Who is your kind of
man?
I like honest person because I am honest, I like helping
people, and in my community I do personally sponsor community projects like
road construction. Even here I do help our neighbor.
What is your
assessment of current administration in Nigeria?
I am not a politician but with present government I believe
that we should have hope that it will be well. This government has come to
redeem our image, we need to endure. Let them fight the corruption and we see
those who are corrupt and those who are not.
As a shining light
for young investors, what are your words of advice for younger generation?
Honesty and hard work never fail. Idea that everybody wants
to be in music at the age of 14 and you abandon education does not augur well.
They should go for honest education that will last for them.
What words do you
have for your customers?
With my customers we are one, I relate with them well, we
are always in the garden talking together. All my customers are my friends.
What is the expansion
plan of Paradise Hotel and Garden?
It is our plan to expand beyond Nigeria shore.
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