Creative Industry
LIHAT Marks International Women’s Day with Landmark Hospitality, Tourism Awards to Celebrate Professionalism and Integrity
By Joel Ajayi
The Ladies in Hospitality and Tourism (LIHAT) Awards is set to commemorate International Women’s Day with a prestigious ceremony in Abuja, celebrating women who have demonstrated exceptional professionalism, integrity and leadership in Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism industry.
The event, scheduled to hold on March 14, 2026, at the Lake Greenfield Hotel, Abuja, is designed to spotlight excellence and honour female professionals who continue to shape and strengthen the sector.
In a statement signed on Sunday in Abuja by the Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Florence Oyelade Adedayo-Tayo, the initiative was described as a landmark platform created to recognise women who have consistently upheld high ethical standards while contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of hospitality and tourism in Nigeria.
Adedayo-Tayo, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Philoxenia Global Hospitality Limited and popularly known as Lady FOAT, made this known during an interactive media session with journalists in Abuja.
According to her, the awards will celebrate women whose resilience and dedication have enabled them to build reputable brands, mentor emerging professionals, influence policy directions and strengthen industry standards over the years.
She explained that beyond recognition, LIHAT is structured to serve as a mentorship and intergenerational dialogue platform, where young and aspiring female professionals can connect with accomplished industry leaders. This, she noted, will foster knowledge transfer, guidance and inspiration for the next generation of practitioners.
Adedayo-Tayo further stressed that inclusivity and accessibility remain central to this year’s edition, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance toward discrimination within the industry.
She underscored the need for equal opportunities for all, including Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs), and called for the creation of hospitality environments that are welcoming, accessible and empowering.
The awards have received strong institutional endorsements, reinforcing their credibility and national relevance. The event is endorsed by the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), the Association for Tourism and Hospitality Consultants in Nigeria (ATHCON), and the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN).
It also enjoys the support of the Office of the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs, FCTA.Dignitaries expected at the gathering include the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy; the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA); the President of FTAN; and the Honourable Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs, FCTA, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, alongside policymakers, tourism stakeholders, hospitality entrepreneurs, general managers and other industry operators.
A major highlight of the evening will be the official unveiling of the Ladies in Hospitality and Tourism Conference and Awards brand, marking the formal launch of what is expected to become a leading platform for advocacy, recognition and professional development for women in the industry.
The LIHAT Awards is poised to stand as a defining moment for Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sector — a convergence of excellence, empowerment, policy and purpose.
Members of the public, industry stakeholders and corporate partners have been invited to participate in the historic celebration of women who are shaping the future of hospitality and tourism in Nigeria.
Creative Industry
NTDA Moves to Transform Gelede Festival into a National Cultural Event with Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom
Cyril Ogar
The Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Ola Awakan paid a courtesy visit to the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom, Yaba as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration for cultural tourism development.
The delegation was received by His Royal Majesty, Oba Owolabi Adeyemi Adeshina Adeniyi (Maforunyomi I), the Onisabe of Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom, Yaba; Olori Mosunmola Anike Adeniyi; the Bales of the kingdom; and members of the White Cap Chiefs. The visit commenced with a vibrant cultural procession by the revered Gelede Masquerades, showcasing the rich heritage of the community.
Addressing the Director-General, the monarch applauded him for honouring the invitation and commended his efforts in leveraging his office to drive innovation within Nigeria’s tourism sector.
The monarch applauds the NTDA Boss for his initiatives towards repositioning the country’s cultural heritage on a global stage.
Oba Adeniyi further expressed his interest in fostering a strategic partnership between the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom and the NTDA, emphasizing the community’s readiness to actively participate in ongoing efforts to develop and promote tourism across the country.
He highlighted key cultural assets within the kingdom, including the Gelede Masquerades; an important cultural symbol associated with fertility and childbirth; and two ancient iroko trees within the community, each over 250 years old.
In response, the DG appreciated the traditional ruler for the invitation, honour, and warm reception, stating that the visit was not only culturally enriching but also strategically important to the Authority’s mandate.
He continued by emphasizing the role traditional institutions play in advancing Nigeria’s tourism sector.
He stated that effective storytelling is essential to unlocking the value of cultural heritage, explaining that documenting and sharing the stories behind cultural elements such as the Gelede Masquerades and the ancient iroko trees would enhance their appeal to both local and international tourists.
The NTDA DG further proposed featuring Igbobi-Sabe’s tourism assets in the ongoing NITOUREY Project, the first-ever tourism dedicated streaming platform in Africa aimed towards showcasing Nigeria’s rich and vibrant tourism assets to the world.
The meeting proceeded with a guided tour of one of the iroko tree sites located in Abule Ijesa, Yaba, where the Director-General observed that the site holds significant potential for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
He encouraged the traditional ruler to work closely with the NTDA in developing initiatives that would revitalize the historic landmarks, positioning them as prominent symbols of Nigeria’s cultural tourism.
The Director-General received royal blessings from the Monatch who wished him wisdom and success in his tenure, while expressing confidence in his leadership and vision.
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