CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER/MANAGING DIRECTOR OF CHARLINGTON HOTEL AND SUITES AGBARHO DELTA STATE. ENGR CHARLES MOWHARE EKJEH A QUINTESSENTIAL GO-GETTER
We are inspired to celebrate his remarkable life and accomplishment in Nigeria. He is a man of enormous and proven integrity, tenacity and character wise. His passion about a united Nigeria is a common thread that runs through his steering career in public service, which has remained so, till now. He remains the height of moral ethical and other standards that people must strive to attain. The entire people of Nigeria will always remember him with appreciation, his immense contributions and notable inputs to national development and the growth of true federation and democracy. He’s indeed fulfilled. Talk of great achievers in the African continent Engr Charles Mowhare Ekjeh stands very tall to this colossus of our time, hardworking, dedicated seriously towards serving humanity. Very patriotic, loyal and an accomplished Engr in Total Energies Company . A man with a glowing passion for excellence. An outstanding midas achiever and a disciplinarian by all standards. He is one Nigeria, by virtue of his absolute dedication to the service of God and Humanity; he has affected positively the lives of Nigerians. He is an icon of public service genius. What else can someone say of this exceptional man of extra ordinary capacity for humanitarian and public service? A philanthropist of no mean order, his contributions to humanity is unequalled. No wonder, his impeccable records career pursuits speak for him, the man with the total life dedication to God and has relied and still relying on God as the source of his strength. His shield and sheeted, that source him in all his endeavors. Professional work experience sparring over decades in various capacities of service, rendering to the Nigeria Nation like a glorious ambience of green vegetation responding to the alluring fascination of an early morning sun. It is important for us, especially in our nation today to learn and imbibe the value of celebrating that which is good. We must sincerely celebrate the success of those whose works and achievements bequeath our country positively. Such kind of people, because of their adventurous successes recorded, gains the admiration of all and sundry. Awards are bestowed on them by different organization; not because of their position or fame in the society but because of their positive impact. This is no different story with Engr Charles Mowhare Ekjeh, The Chief Executive Officer/ Managing Direct of Charlington Hotel and Suites. A saying said that he who sews beautifully reaps beautifully. He is a man who is dogged and committed to his businesses which has attracted complimentary remarks about his personality. He is endowed with the special knowledge of being respected, leading others to follow and an accomplished business tycoon whose always have his heart of people in mind for a betterment of the Nation and whose knack for excellence and avowed commitment to a better society set him apart on the Africa continent. A man of strong character and integrity from a humble prestigious background. This amiable personality stand in a ladder steady passionate and purpose driven manner, he climbed his way up to the ladder of success to become one of the best business tycoon who has distinguished himself; he is an embedment of peace, unity, progress and a workaholic. He is passionate about the progress of the Nation, guaranties welfare of the people, equal opportunity for all citizens. Charlington Hotels and Suites, Its services includes indoor and outdoor facilities like; room service (24 hours), catering services, dry cleaning services, ironing services, courier services, concierge services, car rental services, excursions and guided tours, flower arrangement, shoe shining services, turn down service, valet parking, massages, mail services ,laundry and valet service, doctor on call, ticket service, transfer and chauffeur driven limousine services, events centre. It also aids in facilitating genuine businesses and commercial activities on behalf of the Government, both for Nigeria and several Foreign, Nationals coming in or existing the Nation at any of the gateways. Discussing of being observant, shrewd intelligence and the rest by any of the employed staff who belonged to these categories of services, one can rightly talk on Engr Charles Mowhare Ekjeh the Chief Executive Officer of Charlington Hotels and suites; and those working with him. He is known to be a man of high integrity, a man with the divine prowess of touching lives in a very positive way. He is humble, unassuming, intelligent, articulate, a philanthropist per excellence and above all, handsome. Observing all these at the course of his business transaction and also enjoying the same from members of his staff and public. It takes dedication commitment, hard work and support, supported by divine guidance for anyone to rise to a position of trust and responsibility in life. And I can boldly tell you that Engr Charles Mowhare Ekjeh who is the Chief Executive Officer of Charlington Hotels and Suites ; is one Business man that is very conscious of this and he is clearly well prepared to handle challenges and responsibilities. The Forward News Media is the followers of happenings in Nigeria over the year, especially at the higher level of the course of interaction got.
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Having Heard Little About You, Can You Tell Us In Details Who You Are To The Society?
My names are Engr Charles Mowhare Ekjeh , I am a petroleum Engineer by training , I work with TOTAL ENERGIES which is the offshore able section of the work in Nigeria, am also an hotelian by practice so what you see here is more part of me. I hail from Agbarho in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State. I am happily Married and blessed with children.
As The Director/MD Of Charlington Hotel And Suites Agbarho, What Is Your Experience In Managing Hotel?
Charlington hotel and suites is a vision I have always thought of, so far so good but quite challenging of having a hotel especially when you are not available to monitor your business. Like as in told you previously, I still work with Total Energies Company in Lagos state. My schedules are usually four weeks on, and four weeks off but somehow through the help of technologies you can manage your businesses/investments anywhere you are. As you can see from my CCTV screen, I have about twenty cameras as they are all Connected to my phone to monitor the activities that is been carried out, so wherever I am in the world, I open my phone to view what is happening at different section. you know in Nigeria business when most staff are there trying to cheat you so you have to put in place measures to fight to ensure that the finances that are supposed to accrued to the hotel are intact because the major challenges in the hotel business is maintenance. We try to ensure that there is light all the time and the maintenance cost is very high so if you don’t have the funds coming in as at when due, you will have challenges.
What Are The Established Ethics Of This Hotel And What Make Your Services Unique From Others?
Well, we are in one stock hotel where you enjoy. We can provide you everything from accommodation, we have a good restaurants where you can have every dishes prepared and we have very reliable cooks. We have an indoor bar where you can have assorted drinks, if you go to the back, we have a swimming pool ‘’ we have pool for kids and for adults’’ so you can come with your kids and also come around to swim. Most times I come with my wife and kids during weekends to swim, we have a cool side bar with some good music for you to relax, then at the back of the upstairs we have a lodge and a night club. Sometimes like Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for those that are event like, some of my friends that came from U.K some weeks ago, we had a party here. You can see that we cover every area of hospitality. Once you come in here we check you because we have the best security that nobody can come in here and harass you.
And How Do You Publicize Charlington Hotel And Suites For People To Know That There Is A Hotel Here?
When we started, we had lots of shows with some different artist which we invited to display their talents, we did jingles and advertisements on televisions and radio stations, we also have social media page where we advertise our program, so every season for example, during the valentine show, some comedians and some artist always do some advert with us, without our Knowledge especially people from inside the town. Even from effurun roundabout, over time people have come over from Ughelli, warri, sapele down here to play and display their talents, so that is what we actually use to publicize the hotel, then after six years, we became known from an extend within these environment.
As An Experienced Engineer in The Oil Industry, Why Are You In to Hospitality Business?
Well, it was by accident somehow, personally I like hotel because after working hard I have to enjoy hard to balance the equation. I normally travel out of the country if not for the covid-19 I travelled in the year 2019 and then came back December. Every year I travel outside the country to relax because of the stress of work, I had a friend who once asked me what will be my faith after my retirement from active services and that my friend advised me to go into hospitality business by having my own hotel so that each time am out of work, I will always have a place to relax instead of patronizing different guest houses. Again, he encouraged me to venture into the business so that at my retirement era, I will use my business to fall back to. Haven listened carefully to my friend, and there is no hotel in Nigeria I haven’t stayed in, I decided to venture into hotel business, so that was how I started. I discovered that this is what I enjoy doing and I like clubbing and swimming. Most times when you see me in my club dancing you will be surprised; sometimes my staff will be looking at me and be spying me but that is my life. It happens to me and this is my calling and these are the things I enjoyed. I create leisure time for myself because to me, life without pleasure is meaningless. I might end up with high blood pressure so I try to keep myself alive, I like good music and like dancing.
What Are The Contributions Of Charlington Hotel And Suite To The Economy Of Nigeria?
Starting with this community, Charlington Hotel and suites have brought a lot of developments and improvement in the community. Before this hotel came into existence here about six years ago, this area was actually underdeveloped and I was prone to security challenges, arm robbery, and other anti-social vices but since I establish this hotel from day one I have soldiers around guiding and securing the environs but when people saw the existence of this big hotel, it has actually helped to increase the value of the land around here even people within the government circle started coming around to buy land. If you look from the filling station you will see a lot of new structures is all because of this hotel which have caused lots of improvements in the community and we also have about forty-five staffs working here of which some of them are from the neighboring communities, thereby taken away forty-five youths out of the street, fully employed and have a means of livelihood, somehow we have contributed to the development of the community by reducing the rate of jobless youths . We have created a conducive environment for the habitants by employing security personnel’s to reduces the crime rates in the environs thereby making lives meaningful and livable for the people of this area. There are so many shops, chemist and boutique they all sprang up within the hotel area because the hotel is here. So those are the simple interest of the presents of the hotel.
Outside Human Development, What Other Social Responsibility Are You?
As a cooperate citizen we have supported the community in different s ways and narrate the pains of the people, if I can remember during the Covid-19 pandemic period, the President General of the Community called to inform me that people were hungry, women and youth are trying to get contributions to provide some kind of relief materials, so I made my own contribution as a good citizen, I donated Two hundred and fifty thousand Naira (N250,000) to the community which they used to purchase some bags of garri together with other things . They shared for the indigenes especially women and children, so those are the kind of support I love rendering and also we have sponsored series of activities within the community. Sometime last year, before the Covid-19 we have Miss. Agbarho Beauty pageant which we partners in the program, we are fully represented and also support them with finance and logistic. We have also in one way or the other supported sports. There was a time we sponsor the Delta State football Association under thirteen screening Agbarho, the chairman of the State board came to me and then I provided finance and we were fully represented in that ceremony so we have been available in support in whatever we think it is right in keeping the environment.
You Made Mention Of Where You Work, What Are People Into?
Total Energy is an oil producing company and it is a French company. We are into crude oil exploration board.
How Is Your Relationship Between You And Your Staff, Is It Cordial?
Yes is cordial, I have a good training with my staff and as well trained by an international oil company so am trying to bring my experiences of my work from international company into my hotel business. We did a lot of training, re training of staff, as well have a system whereby we have a feeding arrangement to encourage them and we also have involving loan scheme for the staff at low interest rate in case you have one kind challenges, you can apply and they give it to you and you pay overtime from your salary will be deducted and no interest so all the things I do to support my staff, so they will be happy doing the job.
In A Null-Shell, What Are The Most Difficult Situation You Have Overcome In This Your Work Place?
Well, the major challenge I have is the fraudulent act of people we employed and that is the reason most times we have a high turnover of staff. Somebody can be employed within Six months, get involved in the hands of fraudulent act, we sack and we have to employ again, because we need to train people, and we will continuously train. Most of these youths doesn’t want to work, everybody is pressing phones, laptops and doing yahoo, so if you give them a job , they won’t work. Those that are interested in working and been honest are very minimum, we have some of them here, I try to encourage them, we have the best staff of the month, you select the best staff of the month based on the person’s commitment and honesty, we put the person’s picture frame at the reception every month, and then you have a cash reward. That is the system we put in place to encourage the staff for good and to also know that for every hard work, there are rewards. In business, you will have a fund that is meant for you, or else you will run a hotel like half of the money will be going to the staff and you will not be seeing the money, that is what kills most hotel businesses.
How Do You Access Governor Okowa’s Performance In Seven Years In The Office?
He has tried to an extend but there are still so much to be done because Delta State is actually an oil producing state, there are much funds coming from this area which can normally be channel to get out of this present situation, our road presently are all in bad situation. I will say fine it’s not easy Delta State has being just like that, he is trying but he can do better.
What Advice Do You Have For Those Aspirants For 2023 Election In Each Parties?
like I said earlier, am not into politics and the present politicians are not really sincere in providing services to the people, that is why am still watching from a distance. My advice for those that are goings in for any position in 2023 election should always know that if you are aspiring for any position let your objective be served to the people, if you are identify just in three areas , I think in four years you should be able to achieve something like that, if you says you want to do road and I also want to provide support for like providing infrastructure, transformer it will help to stabilize the light situation. For me, what the average Nigerians need is just good roads and stable electricity which is achievable and then create some level of employment. For the past eight years there have been no new industries in the whole of Delta State, State or Federal, so I don’t see reason why the state Government cannot initiate the development of an industry that will produce products and also create employment for our youths, especially going into farming and get some large space of land, bring some equipments from China for processing and packaging and that shows you have created employment for the people. Look at this juice Chivita and what have we, we can have something like that in Delta state, we have variable lands that we can plant, we can be able to import cassava if you really put effort in it, the state government should do it if they want to provide in every environment for few of them that are jobless. There are so many challenges that we pass through and later got discouraging, you will see so many demand notices from different land of people, multi taxing, at a time, I was even in regret. If I put this money in a fixed deposit account, I will do anything that will be getting so much interest, but am putting it in here today. Some persons said we are paying for a sign board. I pay my tax regularly, I pay my bill regards to the state government but what do they do for me? the road now is bad, most time I try to end up and do maintenance of the road. I have three generators, I just bought another one and I have my own transformer I spend so much money, I buy diesel on a very high price, then I will still pay tax, this is quit discouraging. They need to find a way to encourage people to set up businesses so that they would not be harassed by migrant to all kind.
Are You A Philanthropist, Do You Have Any Foundation?
I am a philanthropist, not yet but am working on it.
What Prompted You Into This Direction?
I have always been a philanthropist before. I learnt it from my mother because the little my mother had, she is always wanting to share it out to the public , while I was growing up, I have always prayed to God for his blessings upon my life. One of the commitment I had is that if God blesses me, I will bless others and for me, God has blessed me, now it is my duty to bless others. I have done a lot of philanthropist work, I have paid school fees for lots of people that I can’t even remember and as well as supported people in one way or the other. I have started working towards it to ensure I put smiles at the face of the needies. That is my life and it gives me Joy to help people and I have seen it as a testimony. The more I give, the more I get, the more I spent for others, I will just see a lot of fund coming into my hands, am a testimony of the goodness of philanthropic work.
What Will You Want People To Remember You For?
I have built a good name for myself over the years, if you call my name anywhere, they will say that guy is a good guy. While working in total, am a senior manager in Total for overtime, I was the PENGASSAN Chairman Petroleum and Natural gas system Association of Nigeria, I was the branch Chairman of Total, I am a senior staff in the company, I was always communicating with the managing director for staff welfare they had in the company is part and parcel of me. Along the line I have been involved in most activities whereby they will say this man is a straightforward man, this man has integrity, and I have started this Charlington as a brand, this is Charlington Hotel and Suits, I also have Charlington table water and as well manufactured by my water factory and soon I will to going into other business investments which will bear the Charlington brand, so whenever you go anywhere you will see Charlington, then you know that it is Engr. Charles Mowhare Ekjeh. I want to leave a standard legacy in such a way that whenever you call my name anywhere, you will say this man has integrity.
How Do You Combine Your Work With Your Hotel Business Added To Your Family?
It is not easy because it has been very tough so once in a while, I go and relax myself. Previously I told you am building an event centre, when you go outside you will see massive event centre, two floors is going to be a gym over there , training room, conference room, event centre so it’s taking my time and energy, presently am building another hotel in Warri refinery road which is almost completed.
