The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has commissioned two newly completed projects at its Lagos zonal office, signaling a renewed commitment to providing world-class training facilities for Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sector.
The facilities include a newly built one-storey structure housing a training hall, a fully equipped kitchen for practical sessions, an ICT laboratory, and additional offices.
Another block within the zonal office complex, previously in a dilapidated state, was also demolished and rebuilt from the ground up.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, NIHOTOUR’s Director General, Aare Abisoye Fagade, described the state of the facility when he assumed office less than a year ago as unfit for learning and professional training.
“The first time I entered here, I asked myself, are human beings working here? I said we would do something about this place, and in less than ten months, we have achieved that,” Fagade recalled.
The NIHOTOUR boss, who previously worked in advertising before his appointment, noted that the projects were executed outside the agency’s budget. “It is like we squeezed water out of stone. It is only impossible if we think it is impossible, but with God all things are possible,” he said, while reaffirming his vision of making NIHOTOUR a world-class training institute with modern learning facilities.
The Oba of Odi Olowo, Oba Sikirulayi Williams, praised the NIHOTOUR DG for his energy and determination, describing him as “a young man that knows what to do at the right time.”
He expressed optimism that the transformation witnessed so far was only the beginning of greater achievements.
Similarly, the Aro Oba Elegushi, Chief Ganiyu Olalekan Bakare, who represented the Elegushi of Ikateland, Oba Yekini Adeniyi Elegushi, lauded Fagade’s leadership.
“He is somebody that loves perfection. Out of nothing, he is making something happen barely a year in office. NIHOTOUR is taking a different and positive direction that will leave a lasting impact,” he said.
The Lagos Zonal Coordinator of NIHOTOUR, Chinyere Ibeabuchi, also highlighted the importance of the upgrade, stressing that the previous condition of the one-storey building had hindered effective learning.
The commissioning marks a milestone in NIHOTOUR’s broader plan to improve training facilities nationwide, equipping professionals with the skills needed to grow Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry.
Reporting by Chioma Ezike