Amby Uneze in Owerri
Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha has urged the operators of hospitality industry in the state to patronise the produce of the local farmers as a way of encouraging them to boost food production in the state as well as increase their sources of income.
The governor made the remark during the official opening of a world-class Restaurant – the King’s Dine Restaurant and Lounge, established by the duo of a popular Nollywood celebrity, Chief Kanayo O. Kanayo and his kinsman, Chief Chime Aliliele in Owerri.
Okorocha, who was represented by his deputy, Prince Eze Madumere commended Kanayo and his partner for investing and adding value to the hospitality and tourism industry of the State. He assured him of government support since the establishment is set to bring in quality service to the hospitality business in the state, in addition to employing over 30young graduates from the state.
While describing King’s Dine Restaurant and Lounge as one of the most exquisite hospitality outfits that can readily compete with the bests in the world, the governor stated that Imo State remains a preferred destination for tourism as well as corporate bodies for conferencing and summits due the state-of- the- art facilities, infrastructural development and security.
According to him, the establishment of the world-class hospitality industry in the state is simply in line my several calls for investors to make use of the enabling environment the state government has created for business to thrive, and used the opportunity to call on other investors and entrepreneurs to patronise the state through investment in order to assist grow the economy.
He also used the opportunity to urge farmers to rise to the occasion and tap into the supply chain of the sector by rearing and growing the needed produce to support the industry in return for benefits.
The governor pledged his administration’s readiness to support farmers since it is in line with part of its chosen areas to diversify the economy. He added that the need to create wealth and diversify the economy is in line with the government’s back to farm policy.
Responding, Kanayo, who is that Chairman of King’s Dine Restaurant and Lounge said his vision to establish such business in the state, was aimed at promoting the hospitality industry in the state through world-class service and convenience.
He described King’s Dine Restaurant and Lounge as the first of its kind in the South East and maintained that its quality services would be second to none.
