HOSTING THE WORLD

In less than 72 hours, Abuja not Nyanyan will be hosting regional and global leaders in World Economic Forum for Africa. The theme for discussion is "Forging inclusive growth, creating jobs". Between 7th and 9th  of this month,  WEFA 2014 will be a  pool of debates and interactions on how to effectively address the theme of the summit.

Nigerians of course will not be actively participating for so many reasons. It is also doubtful if serious global leaders will want to come and waste their time. Except for the opportunity to be on a two day paid for holiday,the economic summit like the previous ones has absolutely nothing to offer the over 160 million Nigerians.

Preparatory to the summit, so much empty statistics have been bannered about the economy of the country by the government tale spinners. It was wildly reported that our economy has overtaken that of South Africa and that made us the biggest economy in the continent. Are we for real? Whatever economic indices used in arriving at that ludicrous conclusion must have excluded jobs creation, housing, light,living standards, security, food and  even the theme of the summit.

What is the essence of fanciful economic summit to a country under siege from her citizens in collaboration with neighbours you cannot love. How is the congregation of regional and global leaders who have their peculiar problems at home going to impact on a nation who cannot guarantee housing for few, education for all, jobs for some and security for defenceless students!

We love to deliberate. The sovereign national conference is on with more members sleeping on duty than active,and the rest totally clueless about their involvement. The FEC meet every week and still cannot fathom a way forward for the country. The citizens are not any better; our anger is misplaced and misdirected. Our priority is how to replace the ruling elites and loot the country further.

Apology for the digression, we are supposed to be preparing to host the world in few days. Advance reservations is a lot easier these days with the emergence of social medium. From the comfort of your environment you can browse for suitable and affordable accommodation. You can read guests' comment and feedback about any hotel. The snag however is that most hotels in the country are not even on the web. Those on the net are not active. This of course will present a challenge to our visitors. While they are here, they are enjoined to stay within protected environment. Guided tour of the city is not advised.

Rather than make brisk business, hotels should concentrate more on delivering quality service to guests in a way that will expose our culture and warm hospitality. Receptionists should not be slothful. Housekeepers must deliver a spotless room and  environment. We must be honest in all our dealings with the guests. Security must be preemptive, tight and friendly.

There is no second way to make a first impression.