By Uwakmfon Dan
Fictitious as it may sound, this is not fiction. It is a true story of growth, consistency, determination and hard work. It is an inspiring tale of a seed planted exactly 25 years ago which has today grown into a global brand of excellence in Nigeria's hospitality industry. This is the story of Royalty Groups, a foremost hospitality outfit in South South Nigeria that has operated with a world-class standard for over two decades.
Registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on 12th February, 1996 and opened for business on 11th December, 1997 in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, with just five rooms, Royalty Group has in the last twenty five years, become a leading indigenous organization, providing quality hospitality and allied services with a global mindset.
With a mission to provide clients with the best possible, hospitable, courteous and prompt service delivery in a clean, secure and homelike environment, the brand has made indelible imprints in the Nigerian hospitality industry and distinguished itself as a model of excellence, providing superb indoor/outdoor catering, accommodation and housekeeping services to a large spectrum of clients, including multinationals.
Managed by a group of seasoned hospitality professionals, Royalty Group is not just the first privately-owned outfit in South South, Nigeria, it has strived to set a standard like the Inntel Hotels in Amsterdam, Mihir Garh in India, Kayakapi Premium Caves in Turkey and other global brands.
Just like its name, Royalty; it has carved a niche for itself as a highly respected key player in the industry. According to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Ebong Eno (Prof), "Royalty is distinct. What makes us different is that Royalty isn't just a business but a vision. What has made us distinct also is our mission statement. We uphold cleanliness. Our security has been topnotch and for the last 25 years, we have not had any casualty. I won't rule out the fact that God has been involved from the beginning to this point."
Twenty five years after, Royalty Group reaches beyond its roots to offer innovative management solutions. The Group has expanded and spread its tentacles across Akwa Ibom State, building customer relations on trust, integrity and excellence.
"From five rooms, we grew and added 30 rooms for the hotel. In 2006, we entered bid for an offshore catering and house-keeping job with ExxonMobil and we got the contract. From there, we moved on and created 'The Apartment' which was for out-of-state clientele. It was a concept of a facility for those who got transferred to Akwa Ibom and needed where to stay.
" We called it a self-service apartment and it had a kitchen and other amenities attached to it.A home away from home.
"We went on and added the eateries called the Big Daddy Coffee Shops, where we serve coffee and snacks. we also tried our hands on what we called the Bukka. Ofcourse, the Bukka was designed to meet the culinary needs of people with varied tatses and to ensure everyone could afford it. We went ahead to add the water factory called, Akwa Fresh.
"We moved from there and started the Campus Corner where we established outlets first in Eket and then Uyo, then we started the Big Daddy Coffee Shop, the Signature by Royalty and the Economy Lodge," MD/CEO, Ebong Eno revealed.
Aside creating thousands of job opportunities for Akwa Ibomites and Nigerians, the Royalty Group has lived up to its Corporate Social Responsibility. At 25, the firm has worked with host communities, governmental agencies and various high level consulting firms to achieve desired results of mutual benefits.
It is Royalty's policy to support community spirited projects like healthcare, scholarship and sponsorship of cultural, educational and social development of different communities.
Royalty Group believes in human development and has over the years, shown commitment to the growth of its staff. From regular trainings and retrainings within and outside Nigeria, Royalty has ensured that its employees get better everyday, just like the brand itself.
For instance, General Manager, Operations of Royalty Group, Henry Owolabi, General Manager, Support Services, Edem Ikpe and Assistant Hotel Manager, Grace Silas, have all been with the company for more than 24 years, growing over the years into members of the management team.
According to Mrs. Grace Silas; "I joined Royalty Group 24 years ago. I did my Youth Service while serving here. Royalty has been good to me, if not, some of us wouldn't have remained here for these numbers of years. Most of us have attended trainings nationally and even internationally courtesy of Royalty."
The story of Royalty Groups speaks volume of its Founder, Pastor Umo Eno's unmatched capacity and managerial prowess.
Though he has left for a higher call, one cannot deny the fact that Pastor Eno laid a strong foundation for the Group to blossom. The underlying message is that the Pastor gentleman, now the Gubernatorial Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, is a visionary and prudent manager of men and resources, with an unquestionable penchant for excellence, growth and development.
MD/CEO, Ebong Eno said Pastor Eno teaches entrepreneurship and always looks out for opportunities to grow enterprises.
One can therefore be assured that he will adopt similar or perhaps a better formula in growing entrepreneurship in Akwa Ibom State, when he eventually assumes office in 2023.
"In the last 25years, we've had difficult clients but it's our job, so we know how to treat persons of that nature and it is what our father, Pastor Umo Eno has taught us for years.
When Pastor Umo Eno started the Royalty Group, he had the idea that the vision will outlive him and stand the test of time for more than 50 to 100 years and as well compete with international companies and brands."
"The truth of all these process is that our Founder, Pst. Umo Eno kept seeing opportunities and was tapping into it. One morning, we had a management meeting and made an x-ray of how much we spend on water. We discovered the expenses was much, so we said why don't we establish a water factory, where we can consume and sell? That was how we started the water factory."
For a firm that combines the expertise of a truly global management team with hospitality excellence for which Akwa Ibom is known for, Royalty Group has earned several laurels, including Merit Award “Highly Productive Company Award-Private Sector” by National Productivity Centre, Abuja, May 2004; Leadership Award “Overall Best Hotel in the Niger Delta” by Niger Delta Leadership Award Forum; Award of Excellence in service by The Nigerian Society of Engineers, Eket Branch April, 2008; UYOCCIMA Award for Hospitality by Uyo Chamber of Commerce Industry Mine & Agriculture (October 2016); Excellence Award for Good Safety Performance & Food Quality Process by Chevron- Agbami FPSO January, 2016 and Service Award on Outstanding Service & Support to the Growth of the Hospitality Industry by Nigerian Hotel & Catering Institute (NHCI) November, 2014, amongst others.
As Royalty Groups celebrates 25 years of quality operations and service to the people, one would pray that the spirit of growth and excellence which has sustained the firm over the years be extended to other enterprises in Akwa Ibom, even as the state awaits the services of its Founder, Pastor Umo Eno come 2023.
Happy Silver Jubilee to the management and staff of Royalty Group.
#Royaltyat25
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