Hospitality Firm Celebrates Women With Excellence Awards

Philoxenia Global Hospitality Limited hosted a dinner to celebrate the impact of women through its Leadership Excellence Awards in hospitality and tourism, as part of efforts to mark International Women’s Day with the theme “Professionalism and Sustainability.”

The awards dinner was dedicated to honouring trailblazing women who have made remarkable contributions to the hospitality and tourism industry, bringing together the sector’s leaders and professionals to inspire the next generation.

The initiative was supported by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism, the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria and the Association of Tourism and Hospitality Consultants in Nigeria (ATHCON).

The award categories were Tourism Development Award, Hospitality Leadership Excellence Award, Hospitality Trainer and Capacity Development Award, and Emerging Hospitality Leadership Award.

The recipients included Oyenike Monica Okundaye (founder, Nike Art Gallery); Ebikaboere Seimodei (general manager, Ogeyi Place Hotel); Maryam Aliyu (managing director, Shelter Suites and Hotels Ltd); Sara John (managing director, Sarajohn Travels and Tours); Khadijat Abiose Fashina (rector/CEO, Masterminds Academy for Tourism, Culinary Arts and Hospitality); Abimbola Ogunlusi (managing director, QMDCI Hospitality) and Blessing Audu.

The event brought together government officials, industry stakeholders, and notable personalities, including Ayomide Adeagbo, special assistant to the President on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, and Olayiwola Awakan, the director-general of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority.

Others included Abisoye Fagade, director-general of the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (represented by Joy Vou Ango); Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, mandate secretary of Women Affairs, FCTA; Aliyu Badaki, president of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria; and Abiodun Odusanwo, National President of the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria.

At the event, the convener, Florence Oyelade Adedayo-Tayo, popularly known as Lady FOAT and managing director/chief executive officer of Philoxenia Global Hospitality Limited, underscored the resilience of women and their inspiring impact in shaping and mentoring the younger generation.

Adedayo-Tayo emphasised the importance of recognising women whose work often goes unnoticed despite their significant contributions.

“We are not just gathered to celebrate women; we are gathered to honour legacy, courage, excellence, and impact,” she said.

She noted that the initiative was born out of a strong conviction to intentionally recognise and celebrate women in hospitality and tourism who continue to shape the industry through leadership, innovation, and resilience.

According to her, many women in the sector work tirelessly behind the scenes—building businesses, creating opportunities, maintaining standards, and delivering exceptional experiences—yet often receive limited recognition.

“This evening is our way of saying clearly and proudly: we see you, we honour you, and we celebrate you,” she added.

The awards platform is built on three key pillars: celebrating trailblazers who have broken barriers and paved the way; amplifying the strength, resilience, and courage required to thrive in the industry; and inspiring young women professionals to pursue excellence and leadership.

Similarly, Aliyu Badaki noted that the theme highlights the critical role women play in advancing professionalism and sustainability within the sector. He added that the event serves as a bridge between legacy and the next generation, ensuring that the achievements of today’s leaders inspire future innovators.

The ceremony featured the recognition of outstanding women whose contributions have significantly advanced hospitality and tourism in Nigeria, alongside appreciation for partners and supporters.

He concluded with a call to celebrate excellence and inspire continued growth within the industry, expressing hope that the evening would be both memorable and transformational for all attendees.

The awards dinner stands as a testament to the power, resilience, and impact of women, reinforcing the importance of recognition, inclusion, and empowerment in driving sustainable industry growth. The event is scheduled to be held annually as the Ladies in Hospitality and Tourism Conference and Awards