Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa, former Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed and several stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism sector were on Thursday honoured with fellowship awards by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) in Abuja.
The event, held at Merit House, Maitama, also featured the induction of hospitality and tourism practitioners as well as the inauguration of the governing boards of the Hospitality and Tourism Sector Skills Council of Nigeria (HTSSCN).
Others honoured included NIHOTOUR director-general Abisoye Fagade, Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) director-general Olayiwola Awakan, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) executive secretary Biodun Ajiboye, former NTDC director-general Segun Runsewe and former NIHOTOUR director-general Nura Kangiwa.
Speaking at the event, Minister Musawa said the Federal Government was working to strengthen professionalism, regulation and standards in the tourism and hospitality sector.
According to her, the sector can support employment, foreign exchange earnings and national development through proper coordination and skilled professionals.
She also said the NIHOTOUR Establishment Act had expanded the institute’s role beyond training to include certification and regulation of practitioners.
Fagade described the event as part of efforts to strengthen institutional coordination and professional standards in the industry.
He said NIHOTOUR was focusing on workforce development, certification and industry partnerships to support the growth of the sector.
President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Afam Osigwe, who also attended the event, said regulation and accountability were important for the development of the tourism and hospitality industry.
Ajiboye said culture could support tourism growth and job creation, while Awakan stated that improved standards would help service delivery and investor confidence.
The event also featured the induction of registered practitioners across fellowship, senior membership and membership categories.
