Proprietors of the hospitality business in Awka, Anambra State capital, and environs have expressed joy at the level of patronage they experienced as a result of the gubernatorial election in the state.
They attributed this to the influx of people into the state occasioned by the massive deployment of security personnel and personnel of other organisations to the state for the poll.
Our correspondent who visited some hotels observed increased human activities.
Apart from security personnel, members of civil society organisations, International Non-Government Organisations, the media, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and other bodies deployed their officials to Anambra for the election.
Most hotels in Awka and Amawbia were fully booked ahead of the election that was contested by candidates of 37 political parties.
Johnson Okonkwo, a manager of a popular hotel located on Abakaliki Street, Awka, told BD SUNDAY that all the rooms in his hotel had been booked up to November 20.
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“I am happy that the hotel owners are doing good business this period because of the November 188 governorship election. All rooms in our hotel are fully booked and some of my colleagues are also sharing the same experience,” Okonkwo said.
“Apart from booking the rooms, sales of liquor and other goods are moving up; we thank God for the election.”
Another hotelier, who preferred anonymity, also told the same story of improved patronage.
He said that staff of three different organisations paid for 50 rooms, 35 rooms and 25 rooms, respectively.
Njideka Okafor, a restaurant operator at Azikiwe Avenue, Awka, said she had been recording increased sales since November 13 and had been smiling to the bank.
“There has been increased business in the past three days. Before now, I found it difficult to finish selling a quarter of a bag of rice and four custard bowls of garri, but since Monday, the story has changed,” she said.
“Yesterday (Friday), I was able to cook half bag of rice and before 4 p.m. the food finished and customers were still coming,” Okafor said.
Carol Afamefuna, who roasts plantain and yam near Radopine Shop at Aroma Junction, Awka, also shared her testimony of good business.
Emmanuel Ndukuba, Awka
