Take health as a priority in your business — Diaspora Affairs Commissioner says

By Ifeyinwa Ogwo  :

Awka, Feb. 9, 2021 (MOI) Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Indigenous Artworks, Culture and Tourism, Dr Kenneth Anierobi has urged the executive body of Anambra Restaurant and Bar Association to make health a priority in their business.

Dr Anierobi said this during a meeting with them at the Ministry’s Conference Hall, Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka.

He emphasized the importance of health, noting that no customer would like to patronise any restaurant or bar with a bad record of customers contracting food poisoning.

“Your business is very important because it not only satisfies human hunger but what your customer experience in terms of health can destroy your business.

“Ensure your staff members and customers wear face masks; maintain social distancing, and wash their hands regularly under running water and also use hand sanitisers, to curb the spread of the disease.

“Go for COVID-19 testing at Government General Hospitals to ascertain your health status; the test and treatment are free,’’ he noted.

The commissioner then informed them of the recent survival palliative funding from the Federal Government to help cushion the effect of COVID-19 on their business.

“Government is concerned about the effects COVID-19 on your business that is why FG came up with this palliative to help you to pay your workers.

The Acting Director, Hotel and Hospitality, Mrs Stella Anah listed the requirements needed by the FG in assessing the fund as follows; Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) certificate, Bank Verification Code (BVN), name of staff members, Telephone numbers and staff members payroll.

“Although the portal has been shutdown but the state government has written to FG for an extension of the payment.’’

The Chairman, Anambra Restaurant and Bar, Mr Jude Obianusi thanked the Commissioner for the opportunity accorded to them to familiarise with him.

He appealed for a consolidation of all the state levies that they pay, into one receipt paid once yearly.

“Consolidating all the levies we pay to the state into one receipt will enable us to detect illegal revenue collectors.

“We also need the support of the state government to unify the various restaurants association in the state into one umbrella body.’’