By John Odhe, YENAGOA
The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, (CP) Ajao Saka Adewale has held a strategic security meeting with the Association of Hoteliers in Bayelsa State and other critical stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism sector.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Mr. Musa Mohammed, the engagement was part of the State Command’s deliberate efforts to strengthen security around hotels and other hospitality facilities across the State.
The meeting, had in attendance the Director General, Tourism Development and Hotel Licensing Agency, Mrs. Oluseyi Ayamasaowei; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Aziebi; representatives of the association of hoteliers, and other notable stakeholders.
The engagement focused on practical measures to prevent criminals from exploiting hotels and hospitality facilities as hideouts, meeting points or locations for the planning and commission of crimes.
Discussions centred on strengthening security consciousness among hotel operators, effective guest identification and documentation, functional surveillance systems, prompt reporting of suspicious activities, and improved intelligence sharing with the police.
Ajao emphasised that the hospitality industry remained an important partner in the security architecture of the State, noting that denying criminals anonymity and safe spaces required the active cooperation of hotel owners, managers and relevant regulatory authorities.
He urged operators to take reasonable security precautions and immediately alert the police to suspicious persons, movements or activities within their facilities.
The commissioner assured the stakeholders of the command’s readiness to sustain the engagement and deepen cooperation with the hospitality sector, stressing that security is a shared responsibility.
The stakeholders, in their respective remarks, welcomed the initiative and expressed their commitment to working closely with the police and relevant government agencies towards improving security standards within the hospitality industry.
