By Ike Njoku
In a bid to appreciate and motivate his workers, the proprietor of Hotel Arizona Ltd Owerri,Nze Okeke Arinze,on Wednesday July 31, 2024, distributed bags of rice and other gift items to workers in his establishment who have worked for over two years and above.
Our correspondent who covered the event observed that the kind gesture was coming at a time it is needed most considering the planned hunger strike slated for August 1, and coupled with the present hyper-inflation that has bedevilled the country making it difficult for most families to afford three square meals.
Addressing the workers and members of the Board of Directors,the hotelier said that the gesture is in appreciation of their commitment to work, diligence and dexterity, pointing out that the expansion work going on in the hotel would not have been possible without them.
Nze Okeke,the akaepuchi onwa of Ibiasoegbe, assured them that he will continue to play fatherly role so long they live up to expectation.
He urged them to continue to put in their best and eschew sharp practices that will drag their names to the mud.
Addressing the beneficiaries,a clergyman,Rev Fr Anthony Iwueze in his remarks, said that knowledge is power, stressing that one may acquire knowledge without having wisdom.He noted that the proprietor of the hotel is a man with wisdom and urged the staff to tap from his wisdom.
He stated that it is not easy for one to remain in a private firm for 2 to 3 years, adding that for them to have remained in the service is an indication that he is showing them love.
The clergyman admonished the staff to reciprocate same love to their boss by being committed, diligent and truthful.He warned them against sycophancy ,sharp fraudulent practices and pull him down syndrome, pointing out that someday,they will equally be employers of labour.
Fr.Anthony seemingly urged Nze Okeke to have listening ear to complaints of his staff.He prayed for them and for the growth of the hospitality industry.
In their separate remarks,the staff poured enconium on their boss for his milk of human kindness.
In her remarks,Mrs Blessing Chukwunyere, thanked their Boss for the show of love and expressed shock that inspite of the present economic quagmire, coupled with the expansion work going on in the hotel,that their boss will go extra miles to put food on their table,she thanked him and prayed God to continue to bless him and his family.
Lending her office, another staff , Jennifer Daniel appreciated the Managing Director for his kind gesture, noting that he has been a wonderful father,uncle and brother to them.
She disclosed that she was employed in the Hotel shortly after her Youth Service as a waitress, and later transferred to the Food and Beverage department as the captain.Jennifer hinted that she works at the accounts department at the moment as the General Cashier, pointing out that the experience she has garnered in the hotel is unquantifiable.
Also speaking,Mr Kelvin Ibeawuchi, popularly known as “Papi” said that he was surprised to see his name among those to be celebrated, having been celebrated last year.He hinted that he has experienced a lot of growth in his life since he joined the hotel, revealing that he got married under Hotel Arizona, God blessed him with a baby boy and he has been promoted to supervisor 1.
He thanked his boss for the gift, the Board of Directors and the consultants.
Others who spoke were Sir Moses Onwugamba,(Owners Representative),Mr Philip Edem and Noble Zak Uchegbu, consultants to the hotel.
Similarly,all the beneficiaries had turn to express themselves.
It would be recalled that Hotel Arizona replicated same gesture last year.
