Photo: Florence Oyelade Adedayo-Tayo
By: Mandy Park
Women in Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism industry will be honoured for excellence, professionalism and integrity as the Ladies in Hospitality and Tourism Awards holds in Abuja on March 14, 2026.
The event, organised to commemorate International Women’s Day, is scheduled to take place at the prestigious Lake Greenfield Hotel, Abuja, and is designed to celebrate outstanding women who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of the sector.
Speaking during an interactive media session in Abuja, the Convener of the conference and Chairman of the Organising Committee, Florence Oyelade Adedayo-Tayo, popularly known as Lady FOAT, said the initiative was conceived to recognise women who have consistently upheld high ethical standards while demonstrating impactful leadership within the industry.
Adedayo-Tayo, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Philoxenia Global Hospitality Limited, noted that many of the awardees have, through resilience and dedication, built strong brands, mentored younger professionals, influenced policy direction and strengthened industry standards over the years.
She explained that beyond celebrating excellence, the awards would serve as a structured platform for mentorship and intergenerational dialogue. According to her, young and aspiring female professionals will have the opportunity to interact with accomplished industry leaders, fostering knowledge transfer, guidance and inspiration for the next generation.
The convener emphasised that inclusivity and accessibility remain central to this year’s event, stressing a zero-tolerance stance on discrimination within the industry.
She added that the initiative advocates equal opportunities for all, including People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs), and promotes the creation of hospitality spaces that are welcoming, accessible and empowering.
The event has received institutional endorsements from key industry bodies, including the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), the Association for Tourism and Hospitality Consultants in Nigeria (ATHCON), and the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN).
It is also supported by the Office of the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
Dignitaries expected at the event include the Honourable 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, among other policymakers, tourism stakeholders, hospitality entrepreneurs and industry professionals.
A major highlight of the evening will be the official unveiling of the Ladies in Hospitality and Tourism Conference and Awards brand, marking its formal launch as a platform for advocacy, recognition and professional development for women in the sector.
Organisers say the awards are poised to become a defining platform that brings together excellence, empowerment and policy engagement in Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism industry.
Members of the public, industry stakeholders and corporate partners have been invited to participate in what organisers describe as a historic celebration of women shaping the future of hospitality and tourism in Nigeria.
