By Joel Ajayi
The Ladies in Hospitality and Tourism (LIHAT) Awards is set to commemorate International Women’s Day with a prestigious ceremony in Abuja, celebrating women who have demonstrated exceptional professionalism, integrity and leadership in Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism industry.
The event, scheduled to hold on March 14, 2026, at the Lake Greenfield Hotel, Abuja, is designed to spotlight excellence and honour female professionals who continue to shape and strengthen the sector.
In a statement signed on Sunday in Abuja by the Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Florence Oyelade Adedayo-Tayo, the initiative was described as a landmark platform created to recognise women who have consistently upheld high ethical standards while contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of hospitality and tourism in Nigeria.
Adedayo-Tayo, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Philoxenia Global Hospitality Limited and popularly known as Lady FOAT, made this known during an interactive media session with journalists in Abuja.
According to her, the awards will celebrate women whose resilience and dedication have enabled them to build reputable brands, mentor emerging professionals, influence policy directions and strengthen industry standards over the years.
She explained that beyond recognition, LIHAT is structured to serve as a mentorship and intergenerational dialogue platform, where young and aspiring female professionals can connect with accomplished industry leaders. This, she noted, will foster knowledge transfer, guidance and inspiration for the next generation of practitioners.
Adedayo-Tayo further stressed that inclusivity and accessibility remain central to this year’s edition, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance toward discrimination within the industry.
She underscored the need for equal opportunities for all, including Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs), and called for the creation of hospitality environments that are welcoming, accessible and empowering.
The awards have received strong institutional endorsements, reinforcing their credibility and national relevance. The event is endorsed by the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), the Association for Tourism and Hospitality Consultants in Nigeria (ATHCON), and the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN).
It also enjoys the support of the Office of the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs, FCTA.
Dignitaries expected at the gathering include the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy; the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA); the President of FTAN; and the Honourable Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs, FCTA, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, alongside policymakers, tourism stakeholders, hospitality entrepreneurs, general managers and other industry operators.
A major highlight of the evening will be the official unveiling of the Ladies in Hospitality and Tourism Conference and Awards brand, marking the formal launch of what is expected to become a leading platform for advocacy, recognition and professional development for women in the industry.
The LIHAT Awards is poised to stand as a defining moment for Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sector — a convergence of excellence, empowerment, policy and purpose.
Members of the public, industry stakeholders and corporate partners have been invited to participate in the historic celebration of women who are shaping the future of hospitality and tourism in Nigeria.
