HOTEL PROPERTY VALUATION IN A PANDEMIC ECONOMY: A STRATEGIC STUDY OF IMO CONCORDE HOTEL OWERRI IN 2020

Of all classes of real estate, the hotel property is so unique in character and structure that assigning a value becomes the most intriguing aspect of the profession of Estate Surveying and Valuation. The uniqueness of the property rests partly on its distinctive outlay as against the business potential. Incidentally, most valuations of this property rely on the propensity of the property to produce acceptable returns to pay off the cost of investment and the management. Being that as it may, the quantum of externalities that play varying roles in shaping the final value of a hotel property is such that any professional must be careful not to circumvent even the minutest of considerations. It is all too known that the value of real estate rises and falls with the character of the neighbourhood and region where it is located. Hotels values are not different and in addition rise and fall with the whim of fashion and the fortunes of the region of location. This study examined not just the different methods and approaches to the valuation of a hotel property but also explored the benefits of other micro economic parameters that play significant roles in establishing the basis of any monetary index that could be referred to as value by conducting a comprehensive review of the hotel itself in comparison with its competitive market to confirm whether the hotel is under- or over performing against its competitors the intention being to have a grasp of the income-generating ability of the property upon which the application of a capitalization rate will convert the estimated cash flows into an estimated value. Though a 5 star hotel was used as case study, the outcome is applicable to all hotels carrying on business in Nigeria and other parts of the world. The study recommends among others that Estate Surveyors and Valuers involved in the valuation of hotels need to be skilled in reading financial statements and translating them into stabilized net-operating income because as much as hotel properties are physically different, in different locations, and with different management; volatility of the hospitality market and the external factors are bound to affect value. The study revealed that in so much as the travel patterns of lodgers were affected by the Covid 19 pandemic bringing with it a crash in the income-generating potential, the value of hotels was not so affected especially with relation to furniture, fittings and equipment.

COMPONENTS OF NON REVENUE WATER; ITS MANAGEMENT AS A TOOL FOR SUSTAINABLE WATER RESOURCES; A CASE STUDY OF DOKA DISTRICT, KADUNA NORTH LGA

Non-revenue water (NRW) is the difference between net water inputs in the distribution system and billed authorized consumption. Water resources are under stress due to growing population and climate change making a shift towards the implementation of non-revenue water reduction strategies in most countries worldwide (Kanakoudis and Muhammetoglu, 2014). It is expected that by 2030, 47 % of the world population will live in regions with severe water stress (González-gómez, García-rubio and Guardiola, 2015). The increase in water demand coupled with Non-Revenue Water (NRW) is causing a challenge in meeting water demands for all competing uses of water; hence the need to assess the management of non-revenue water in Doka district of Kaduna North LGA. In assessing the existing situation and the management strategies to minimize non-revenue water in the Doka district questionnaires and Key Informant Interviews (KII) were administered using purposive sampling. Results show that plumbing materials to fix bursts and leakages which contribute highly to NRW are inadequate to the tune of about 70%. There should be a proactive programme of constantly reviewing the basis for estimation of bills for customers who are currently not metered to improve the accuracy of these estimates while efforts should be made to complete the metering of all customers.

“END-SARS”AGITATION IN NIGERIA: A CORRELATIVE DISCOURSE OF UZO NWAMARA’S DANCE OF THE DELTA

Until recent time, the Nigerian space is besieged with issues emanating from “End-SARS” agitation, masterminded by some aggrieved youths who publicly protest to seek redress in fundamental issues that are affecting the Nigerian front in the 21st century. These issues include police brutalities, corrupt governance, hardship, weak political system, incessant killings, poverty, tribalism, divide, and rule system, and suffering. Their means of agitation include public demonstrations, blockade of governmental establishments, and disruption of governmental and non-governmental economic and social activities. This further paves room for hoodlums to acerbate their heinous and malicious acts, which includes likes of youth restiveness, shop breaking, theft, looting, and destruction of properties. These malicious dichotomies unequivocally increase the pain, suffering, hunger, and death of the people and threaten the existence of the Nigerian state. The study, therefore, aims at identifying the cause and effect of “End-SARS” agitation in the Nigerian space, drawing reference from Uzo Nwamara’s Dance of the Delta. To achieve this, Textual Analytical Approach and Social and Behavioural Change Communication Theory are employed as guides. Uzo Nwamara as a new generational Nigerian playwright strives in his plays to address issues of terrorism, youth restiveness, political bigotry, and tribal sentiments. Amongst the major suggestions, the study insists that job opportunities should be made available to the Nigerian youths as that would help decrease the rate of crime which paves room for the establishment of SARS and other crime-related agencies that are positioned to tackle crimes in the Nigerian state.

ARTS, CULTURE AND TOURISM AS VERITABLE INSTRUMENTS OF A STABLE NIGERIAN POLITY: THE NEED FOR AN INCLUSIVE PUBLIC POLICY

Like in most other nations of the world, the round leather game (football) is one sport that triggers the display of solidarity among Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion and other social affiliations. Another experience of a similar magnitude of show of solidarity in this country is the Festivals of Arts and Culture which also displays the potentials in tourism. This study examined the potentials of Arts, Culture and Tourism as instruments of unification of Nigerians for purposes of a stable Nigerian political environment as well as the need for an inclusive public policy. Data was obtained from secondary materials while the mode of analysis was content analysis. The secondary materials include – books, journals, periodicals, newspapers, the internet, etc. The sociological and anthropological modernized theory, Durkheim (1997) was adopted as the theoretical framework of the study. Findings showed that, the Festivals of Arts and Culture across this country are often associated with so much fanfare, enthusiasm, relaxation, show of solidarity, oneness, that people tend to forget their social identities, groups, ethnicities, religions and other social inclinations. Hence, this paper suggested that government evolves an inclusive policy that would regularize and formalize the organization of Festivals of Arts and Culture in this country. The paper came to the conclusion that such festivals with great potentials for the unification of nationals should be harnessed for purposes of the peaceful co-existence of all Nigerians. The paper noted that this could only be realized through a well-articulated and inclusive public policy on Arts, Culture and Tourism.

EFFECT OF DEPRESSION ON PRODUCTIVITY AMONG THE YOUTH

Youth can only achieve meaningful social and psychological maturity if he or she is able to master the successful roles expected of him/her at different stages of life. Maturity and responsibility lead to productivity that will be of benefit to the youth and society. Depression is one of the major mood disorders; it is associated with a pervasive feeling of sadness/low mood, lack of interest and engagement in previously pleasurable activities and reduction in energy or feeling of weakness. The youth suffering from depressive reactions, on the other hand, is an unhappy individual with a pessimistic outlook on life, vulnerable to threats and even minor frustrations, which may bring along increased feelings of depression and low productivity. The belief that youths are the leaders of tomorrow is still strongly held in our societies. As future leaders, youth can only actualize the goal of maintaining national stability, integration, and productivity if they can successfully surmount the academic, social and psychological challenges confronting their present stage of life development. This paper discussed the causes of depression, the effects of depression on productivity and a way forward.