Nigeria’s drive to reposition the hospitality and tourism sector received a significant boost as the Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Aare Abisoye Fagade, hosted the Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja on a high-profile courtesy visit to the Institute.
The visit underscored the deep cultural connection between the revered Ibadan traditional institution and the nation’s hospitality training and regulatory body. Adding symbolic significance to the occasion, the NIHOTOUR DG also holds the traditional title of Asoju Oba of Ibadanland, a role that further strengthens his bond with the ancient Yoruba kingdom.
During the visit, the Olubadan was conducted on an extensive tour of NIHOTOUR’s facilities, giving the monarch first-hand insight into the Institute’s infrastructure and operational capacity in driving professional standards within Nigeria’s tourism ecosystem.
The royal visit culminated in a closed-door tête-à-tête between the monarch, the Director-General and NIHOTOUR’s management team. In the meeting, the Olubadan offered prayers for the leadership of the Institute and shared words of wisdom and guidance, emphasizing the importance of dedication and excellence in service delivery within the hospitality industry.
Speaking during the engagement, Fagade highlighted the notable progress recorded in implementing the NIHOTOUR Establishment Act. According to him, the Institute is intensifying partnerships with stakeholders across the hospitality, travel and tourism value chain to strengthen regulation and professional development within the sector.
He explained that NIHOTOUR remains committed to its statutory mandate of registering, training, certifying and licensing personnel, practitioners and operators across Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism industry, a move he said is vital to raising standards and ensuring global competitiveness.
In his response, Oba Ladoja expressed deep appreciation for the warm reception accorded him and praised the leadership of the Institute for the visible progress achieved since Fagade assumed office.
The monarch said he was particularly impressed by the Institute’s renewed energy and commitment to advancing its mandate, noting that strong regulatory institutions are critical to the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sector.
Offering royal blessings, the Olubadan prayed for continued wisdom, strength and dedication for the Director-General and the entire NIHOTOUR team. He urged them to remain steadfast in their mission to elevate service standards while promoting innovation and professionalism within the industry.
The monarch further emphasized that NIHOTOUR’s regulatory and training role is pivotal to unlocking the enormous economic potential of Nigeria’s tourism sector, which remains a key driver for job creation, cultural promotion and national d
