Elegbede Abiodun
The Ladies in Hospitality and Tourism Awards Dinner stands as a testament to the power, resilience, and impact of women.
In a remarkable celebration of women’s excellence and contributions to the hospitality and tourism industry, distinguished guests, industry leaders, and professionals gathered for the Ladies in Hospitality and Tourism Awards Dinner, an evening dedicated to honouring trailblazing women and inspiring the next generation.
Convener of the awards, Florence Oyelade Adedayo-Tayo, popularly known as Lady FOAT and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Philoxenia Global Hospitality Limited, delivered a heartfelt welcome address, setting the tone for an evening of recognition, reflection, and inspiration.
Addressing an audience that included top government officials, industry stakeholders, and notable personalities; Mr. Ayomide Adeagbo, Special Assistant to the President on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy; Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, Director General of Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, Director General of National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) ably represented by Joy Vou Ango,a Deputy Director in the Special Duties Department of the Institute; Chief Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the first Mandate Secretary of Women Affairs FCTA,; Dr. Aliyu Badaki, President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, and Chief Abiodun Odusanwo, National President of the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN). The convener emphasised the importance of recognising women whose work often goes unnoticed despite their significant impact.
“Tonight, we are not just gathered to celebrate women; we are gathered to honour legacy, courage, excellence, and impact,” she stated.
Lady FOAT highlighted that the initiative was born out of a strong conviction to intentionally recognise and celebrate women in hospitality and tourism who continue to shape the industry through leadership, innovation, and resilience.
She noted that many women in the sector work tirelessly behind the scenes, building businesses, creating opportunities, maintaining standards, and delivering exceptional experiences, yet often receive limited recognition.
“This evening is our way of saying clearly and proudly: we see you, we honour you, and we celebrate you,” she added.
The awards platform is built on three key pillars: celebrating trailblazers who have broken barriers and paved the way; amplifying the strength, resilience, and courage required to thrive in the industry; and inspiring young women professionals to pursue excellence and leadership.
Some of the Award category are; Tourism Development Award, Hospitality Leadership Excellence Award, Hospitality Trainer and Capacity Development Award, and Emerging Hospitality Leadership Award.
Recipients of the Awards include but not limited to, Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Oyenike Monica Okundaye(Founder: Nike Art Gallery; Dr. Ebikaboere Seimodei (GM Ogeyi Place Hotel PH); Hajiya Maryam Aliyu (MD Shelter Suites and Hotels Ltd); Dr. Sara John (MD Sarajohn Travels and Tours); Mrs. Khadijat Abiose Fashina (Rector/CEO Masterminds Academy for Tourism, Culinary Arts and Hospitality); Mrs. Abimbola Ogunlusi (MD QMDCI Hospitality); and Mrs. Blessing Audu.
The theme of this year’s celebration, “Professionalism and Sustainability,” is both timely and significant. The hospitality and tourism industry thrives on excellence, innovation, and responsible practices, and women have consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment in advancing these ideals.
In the words of the FTAN president, Dr. Aliyu Badaki, “The theme of this year’s celebration, “Professionalism and Sustainability,” is both timely and significant. The hospitality and tourism industry thrives on excellence, innovation, and responsible practices, and women have consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment in advancing these ideals.”
According to the convener, the event serves as a bridge between legacy and the next generation, ensuring that the achievements of today’s leaders become a source of inspiration for tomorrow’s innovators.
The ceremony featured the recognition of outstanding women whose contributions have significantly advanced hospitality and tourism in Nigeria, alongside expressions of appreciation to partners and supporters who have contributed to the success of the initiative.
Lady FOAT concluded with a call to celebrate excellence and inspire continued growth within the industry, expressing hope that the evening would be not only memorable but transformational for all attendees.
The Ladies in Hospitality and Tourism Awards Dinner stands as a testament to the power, resilience, and impact of women, reinforcing the importance of recognition, inclusion, and empowerment in driving sustainable industry growth. The event is scheduled to hold annually as ‘Ladies in Hospitality and Tourism Conference and Awards “.
The initiative was endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria and the Association of Tourism and Hospitality Consultants in Nigeria (ATHCON)
