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With 18 years and counting in the Nigerian hospitality industry, Victoria Crown Plaza (VCP) Hotel, has impacted the industry, amid giving foreign brands a run for their money.
But the impact, according to the hotel, is better felt by the guests and the communities it operates in, particularly Victoria Island, Lagos.
Speaking on the rationale for its community-focused initiatives, Emeka Ofor, chief executive officer, VCP, noted that success for the indigenous hotel brand is not measured by profit, but by the lasting impact on lives and communities around it.
For him, prioritising humanity over profit, especially in the face of the economic hardship, should be core to a responsible organisation.
According to Ofor, a hotelier, who is at the heart of VCP’s enduring success, the hotel places premium on corporate social responsibility (CSR) through several initiatives aimed at community development, economic empowerment, and social impact.
The efforts, according to the VCP CEO, are not just about philanthropy but fostering mutually beneficial relationships with stakeholders while uplifting the surrounding community.
In a recent interview, Ofor explained that VCP’s approach to CSR revolves around creating a positive impact in the communities it operates in.
Such impacts include the hotel’s focus on providing opportunities for teenagers and young adults, particularly through employment and training.
“By hiring and training youths to work in diferent departments in our hotel, we are equipping them with essential skills and offering them platform for career growth beyond the hospitality industry,” he said.
From waiters, bartenders, chefs, pastry, health and fitness instructors and to many others, the opportunities, according to him, abound.
He also shared that many of the employees have risen through the ranks over time, transforming their lives through hard work, guidance and mentorship.
Also, part of the impact is the hotel’s dedication to supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in recognition of their critical roles in economic development.
To further the impact, Ofor revealed that VCP prioritises working with local suppliers and ensures timely payments to help them remain sustainable during challenging times.
According to him, the relationship is symbiotic, as the hotel and its suppliers benefit from this proactive approach, which contributes to the broader economic stability.
The CEO also highlighted VCP’s collaboration with some local governments, particularly the Eti-Osa Local Government Area in Lagos State. He noted that the hotel actively participates in community development initiatives, such as supporting firefighting services and other local government activities. Ofor described the partnerships as a way of giving back to the system that supports the hotel, reinforcing its role as a responsible corporate citizen.
In addition to economic and institutional support, VCP extends its CSR efforts to vulnerable groups, including orphanages and other charitable causes.
Ofor explained that these activities stem from the hotel’s commitment to ensuring everyone in the community has a chance at a better life.
He acknowledged the challenges posed by Nigeria’s current economic situation and the need for solidarity and collaboration. Hence, VCP’s CSR effort is a way to help people in its host communities to stay afloat and navigate the uncertain times.
Reflecting on the hotel’s overall philosophy, Ofor stated that CSR is deeply embedded in its operations, with efforts designed to align business goals with community needs.
He concluded by emphasising that true success for VCP is the many lives it impacts positively on a daily basis and not the profit, no matter how big.
