Setting the Record Straight: Abisoye Fagade’s Exceptional Hospitality Expertise
The appointment of Abisoye Fagade to head the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) is another step in the right direction by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) is a government agency established in 1987 to manage and aid the development of tourism in Nigeria.
Fagade is no doubt a renowned figure in Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry with decades of experience as hospitality proprietor, he has consistently contributed to the growth and transformation of the sector, his expertise and experience will play a pivotal role in the efforts to revamp and promote the hospitality and tourism sector given the necessary support by players in the industry, peaceful terrain to operate and the needed funding from the government.
Recent misconceptions have surfaced, labeling Abisoye Fagade as a “greenhorn” in the hospitality and tourism industry. This notion is not only inaccurate but also undermines Abisoye’s impressive credentials and significant contributions. With over twenty years of experience in the industry, Abisoye has established himself as a seasoned professional, boasting extensive knowledge of hospitality operations and management, specialized expertise in event planning, customer service with proven leadership skills, having successfully led and planned successful projects.
With the vision of President Bola Tinubu to redirect the economy of Nigeria from the existing source of foreign income which is majorly crude oil.
The tourism industry is another cash cow which if well annexed and managed properly is capable of changing the country’s fortune.
The efforts to reshape the tourism sector to achieve all the aforementioned requires the expertise and a professional approach such as the appointment of Dr.Abisoye Fagade as the Director General of The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Abisoye Fagade, an erudite scholar, a purposeful and visionary leader and above all, he’s a tourism enthusiast, an attribute that made him the needed square peg to fill the square vacuum in Nigeria’s Tourism and Hospitality Industry.
Fagade is a renowned figure in Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry. With decades of experience as a seasoned marketing communication expert, he has consistently contributed to the growth and transformation of the sector. His hands-on approach, innovative mindset, and passion for brand development have left an indelible mark across the nation.
After Aare Fagade graduate from the university he started what eventually became his background in brand promotion, having traversed all 36 states of Nigeria during his tenure with Indomie to execute groundbreaking marketing campaigns. His ability to connect with diverse audiences and adapt to local contexts set a benchmark record which others in the industry are still struggling to match.
In 2007, Fagade worked closely with the Akwa Ibom State Governor on the development of the world-class Ibom Hotel, showcasing his expertise in elevating hospitality standards which is unknown to many.
As a passionate believer in the Nigeria project and advocate for “Brand Nigeria,” Aare Fagade spearheaded the creation of the first official Naija Corner at the prestigious Notting Hill Carnival in London, a landmark effort to showcase Nigerian culture on an international stage.
He has brought his professional sagacity in hospitality industry by serving as a trusted consultant to several state governments to develop the hospitality and tourism industry in the country with notable collaborations in Kwara and Lagos States. His insights have helped shape tourism strategies and elevate the arts in these regions.
Over the years, Fagade has been involved in numerous capacity development and youth empowerment initiatives such as the establishment of the Abisoye Fagade Foundation, which aims to tackle youth unemployment in Nigeria by providing skills training. He is also the founder and convener of the “Oyo Si Ma Dun” Network (OSMD), a platform he established to support youth empowerment in Oyo State.
He is a widely traveled marketing consultant, with wealth of knowledge and fresh ideas to the tourism and hospitality sector. His experiences abroad have enriched his perspective, making him uniquely positioned to drive transformative growth in Nigeria’s tourism landscape.
His background and business interests in the tourism and hospitality sector and his desire to contribute to the growth of the industry are depicted by his ownership and establishments of numerous Boutique Hotels in Lagos and Ibadan.
Olubisi J. Adekunle
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