Encomium
‘I’M TURNING AROUND OUR NEW OKO OBA, LAGOS BRANCH’
Group Managing Director, Glonik Group, Mr. Inox Bradford has rubbished the rumour he has resigned his appointment in the conglomerate. In an exclusive interview with ENCOMIUM Weekly on Monday, June 30, 2014, the top-rated manager and hospitality expert explained the insinuation was far from the truth as he was only seconded to one of their hotel branches at Oko-Oba, Agege, Lagos.
According to Mr. Bradford, leaving the Glonik family is not on his mind at the moment as he is more concerned with taking the organization to greater heights. He also opened up on Glonik’s N2 billion Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos hotel and suites which has been put on hold for months now.
The story in town is that you have resigned your appointment as Group Managing Director of Glonik Hotels?
No, that’s not correct. I have not resigned my appointment as Glonik GMD and I have never contemplated resigning soon.
What then happened because many claim you no longer report at the headquarters of Glonik?
What actually happened was that I was seconded to one of our branches at Oko-Oba, Agege, Lagos, to reposition it. And that is exactly what took me to that part of the world.
So, how has it been?
It has been very fruitful. I have been meeting stakeholders in and around Oko-Oba. I’m striving very hard right now to restructure the hotel.
What are you really expecting there?
I’m expecting a 100 percent occupancy rate and also to be a key player in our sector there. And since Glonik Hotels are synonymous with comfort, we want to provide affordable comfort at Oko-Oba, Agege, Lagos.
We learnt Glonik Hotels is really expanding?
Yea, we have so many branches. Our corporate headquarters remains Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos. We also have one in Mende, Maryland, plus the Oko-Oba branch. The Ikoyi and Somolu branches are in the works and would soon be completed. Similarly, we are also branching out to other African countries.
Many are worried that the much-talked about N2 billion facility you were putting up in Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos, has not yet seen the light of the day?
The building is already there. We are only waiting for the Lagos State government to give us the permit to proceed. It’s going to be a four-storey building stretching to the end of Adeniyi Jones. We have all the materials and funds to translate our dream to reality.
Once we are given the nod by LASG, the structure would be completed. Then you will see a sprawling tower adorning the Glonik logo (laugh).
You are known for your shows and community services. Is Glonik still on course?
Yes of course, we would continue to relate with organizations like ENCOMIUM Weekly, who promote arts, culture and entertainment. You are aware, we host shows at festive periods for all Nigerians resident in our beautiful Lagos. We collaborate with Nigerian artistes.
I can tell you for free there is no notable Nigerian actor, singer or comedian we have not hosted since inception. That is more like our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). And we will continue to do more. It is not all about stars, we also promote budding talents.
What is your relationship with the chairman and board of directors of Glonik Group?
It has been wonderful. My chairman is the best boss in the world. All my directors have also guided me with love and unerserved respect. They are all impressed with my performance.
Where are you taking Glonik Hotels in the coming years?
To a greater height. We want to prove to the world that a hospitality business wholly owned by Nigerians can compete favourably with global brands. So, we are taking Glonik to the highest height ever.
– UCHE OLEHI
