By Ado Salisu
The Ladies in Hospitality and Tourism (LIHAT) has announced plans to host an awards ceremony to celebrate women demonstrating excellence, professionalism and integrity in Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism industry.
The Convener of the conference and Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mrs Florence Oyelade Adedayo-Tayo, disclosed this during an interactive media session with journalists on Friday in Abuja.
Adedayo-Tayo, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Philoxenia Global Hospitality Limited, said the awards were organised to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day.
She said the event would hold on March 14 at the Lake Greenfield Hotel, Abuja.
According to her, the initiative is designed to recognise and honour women who have consistently upheld high ethical standards while contributing significantly to the growth and development of hospitality and tourism in Nigeria.
She noted that many women in the sector had built strong brands, mentored professionals, influenced policies and strengthened industry standards through resilience and dedication.
Adedayo-Tayo added that beyond recognition, the awards would provide a structured platform for mentorship and intergenerational dialogue.
She explained that young and aspiring female professionals would have the opportunity to interact with accomplished industry leaders to promote knowledge transfer, guidance and inspiration for the next generation of practitioners.
The convener said inclusivity and accessibility remained a major focus of the 2026 edition, stressing that the event maintained a zero-tolerance stance toward discrimination and advocated equal opportunities, including for Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs).
She added that the awards aimed to promote hospitality spaces that were welcoming, accessible and empowering for all.
Adedayo-Tayo said the event had received institutional endorsements from key professional bodies, including 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).
She also said the programme was supported by the Office of the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
According to her, dignitaries expected at the event include the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, the President of FTAN, and the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs, FCTA, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi.
She said a major highlight of the ceremony would be the official unveiling of the Ladies in Hospitality and Tourism Conference and Awards brand.
Adedayo-Tayo described the initiative as a platform aimed at advancing advocacy, recognition and professional development for women in the hospitality and tourism sector.
She invited members of the public, industry stakeholders and corporate partners to participate in the event, describing it as a significant celebration of women shaping the future of hospitality and tourism in Nigeria.