AnniversaryTheme: “Culture, Tourism, And Hospitality As Agents of Economic Growth in the South-West Region”
…. Lagos Airport Hotel should deliver exceptional hospitality service deliveryto customers – Owokalade
…FG should create sustainable conducive environment, and support the private sector in tourism development for economic growth and development and this will lead to positive national transformation – Owokalade
Olushola Okunlade Writes
The Lagos Airport Hotel Limited marked a week-long 80th anniversary with an anniversary lecture on Tuesday at the hotel Oranmiyan Hall.
The event commenced with a Jummat service on Friday, October 21 2022 at Alausa Central Mosque and staff night at the Lagos Airport Hotel poolside. On Saturday Health Walk tagged “Walk for life, save your health” with a health check at Oranmiyan Hall frontage and a Novelty match in the evening was also part of the celebration.
Thanksgiving service was held at Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral by 9:00 am and later in the afternoon Customer Day at the poolside on Sunday, October 23, 2022. Artistes Night at the poolside was held on Monday 24th of October 2022 in the evening as customers enjoyed 30% discount to celebrate the iconic 80th anniversary.
Cross section of Lagos Airport Hotel Limited staff
The anniversary lecture commenced at 11:44 am with the national anthem and opening prayer by Pastor Femi Emmanuel of Living Spring Chapel International.
In a welcome address, Mrs. Folashade Awe, Acting General Manager, Lagos Airport Hotel Limited said “This hotel standout in providing 80 years of hospitality to numerous customers, the hotelier of distinction since 1942 as the subsidiary of Odu’a Investment Company Limited owned by the southwest states of Oyo, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Lagos States.
In her opening remarks, Princess Funnke Olugboji, Chairperson, Lagos Airport Hotel Limited stated, “I am delighted to have you in attendance at this event, one of the legacies left behind by the founding fathers is Lagos Airport Hotel with 277 comfortable rooms within three major blocks presidential suite, and monarchial suite, the hotel was famous for its location on over 10 acres of land with a standard hospitality setting. She said many businesses are already collapsing.
Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Chairman, Board of Directors Odu’a Investment Limited said that the attainment of 80 years for the hotel was a testament to the resilience of both management and boards at various times in its history.
Ashiru said since his inauguration as the Chairman of the Group board, he had remained resolute in achieving the vision to make the hotel among the top five hotels and conferencing destinations in Lagos.
Delivering the anniversary lecture theme: “Culture, Tourism, And Hospitality As Agents of Economic Growth in the South-West Region” Mr. Taiwo ‘Gbenga Owokalade, President Institute of Chartered Secretaries & Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) and Managing Partner of Owokalade & Co. Legal Practitioners) urged the Federal Government to embark on accelerated infrastructural development to attract tourism with all attendant benefits.
Owokalade said that government should lead the way by creating a sustainably conducive environment to support the private sector in tourism development for economic growth and development and this will lead to positive national transformation.
He said Nigeria must strive to improve its ease of doing business profile as there is a direct correlation between auspicious business and growth in tourism and hospitality business. To fully explore culture, tourism, and hospitality as agents of economic growth, deliberate, purposeful, and sustained efforts must be made by the government to develop many of the huge tourism potentials of the country that is yet untapped.
“Government should also make efforts to reduce visa bureaucracy with a view to promoting visitations to the country. The more complicated the bureaucracy, the less inclined people are to embark on tourism to such destination
“There should be a collaborative effort among all stakeholders to improve the image and brand of the country while efforts should be sustained to inculcate in the people’s psyche the national ethics and ethos,” he concluded.
Task Systems Limited, a pioneering force in the West African Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, has announced the appointment of Mrs. Gozy Ijogun as its new Managing Director effective April 1, 2023.
Gozy Ijogun, known for her transformative leadership, has a rich professional history in the digital technology realm. At the age of 25, armed with a degree in Chemistry from University College London and a Master of Science degree in Accounting, Organizations, and Institutions from the London School of Economics, Gozy made a significant impact on the digital landscape of Nigeria by setting up TD-Mobile, Nigeria’s first structured mobile devices distribution company. She propelled the company to generate a substantial N38 billion in revenue within its first year of operation, guiding the organization from its initial team of seven to become TD Africa Distributions Ltd., now a dominant player in technology distribution in sub-Saharan Africa, representing more than 25 top global brands and introducing a plethora of ICT solutions that consolidated its standing as a solutions-focused tech firm.
“Gozy’s proven leadership, strategic acumen, and passion for technology make her the perfect fit for Task Systems Ltd,” Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Task Systems Ltd said. “Her impressive track record and innovative vision align seamlessly with our growth trajectory. We are excited to usher in this new era under her stewardship.”
Mrs. Gozy Ijogun, New Managing Director.
Reflecting on her appointment, Gozy said, “I’m honoured to join Task Systems, a company that has consistently been at the forefront of tech innovation. We have a remarkable opportunity to grow and become Africa’s leading integrated technology and services company, and I am enthusiastic about leading Task Systems into this future.”
Besides her commercial accomplishments, Mrs. Ijogun is also deeply committed to social change. She was instrumental in launching “This is Me”, a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative championed by TD Africa to aid individuals and uplift their dignity.
With 36 years of industry leadership, Task Systems has consistently provided innovative ICT solutions across various industries, including oil, banking, media, manufacturing, and the public sector. The company has received over 27 global awards for its exceptional contributions.
With the visionary leadership of Mrs. Ijogun, Task Systems is poised for unprecedented growth and success.
Know About Task Systems Ltd: For over three decades, Task Systems has been a pioneer in the tech sector, introducing revolutionary ICT solutions across a broad spectrum of industries. Known for its trailblazing contributions, Task Systems remains a significant player in providing support solutions to numerous Nigerian companies.
Employees of Airtel Nigeria, under its CSR initiative, Employee Volunteer Scheme Initiative, paid a visit to Kuramo College, a government secondary school in Lagos, and donated modern routers, each equipped with 100GB of data and a two-month roll-over access fee.
The connection devices were donated by Airtel’s Information and Technology team, with a mission to empower students with enhanced digital connectivity.
Speaking during the event, Director, Information and Technology, Seun Solanke, said, “Airtel aims to empower young minds by equipping them with the connectivity to imagine and unlock a world of knowledge and opportunities.
“For Airtel, it is no longer about being a smartphone network but giving people a reason to imagine, so that people can explore the possibilities powered by technology and connectivity. The world is evolving, young Nigerians now have access to unlimited possibilities and can now create their own job titles and descriptions, which is why we now have YouTubers, social media Influencers, and the likes.”
Left-Right: Head of IT Operations, Airtel Nigeria, Adebanjo Adeola; Head of Information Security & Business Continuity (IT CISO), Airtel Nigeria, Joy Omoruku; Director, Information and Technology, Airtel Nigeria, Seun Solanke; Principal, Kuramo Senior College, Abdulwahab Babatunde Lawal and Head of Project Release Management, Airtel Nigeria, Akinkunle Oyafajo during the presentation of Routers to Kuramo college in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Wednesday, 24th May 2023.
Left-Right: Head of IT Operations, Airtel Nigeria, Adebanjo Adeola; Senior Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility, Airtel Nigeria, Chioma Okolie; Head of Information Security & Business Continuity (IT CISO), Airtel Nigeria, Joy Omoruku; Director, Information and Technology, Airtel Nigeria, Seun Solanke; Principal, Kuramo Senior College, Abdulwahab Babatunde Lawal and Head of Project Release Management, Airtel Nigeria, Akinkunle Oyafajo during the presentation of Routers to Kuramo college in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Wednesday, 24th May 2023.
He concluded by encouraging the students to maximize the provision of connectivity to back up their future imaginations with the right information and resources, in other to ensure a bright future.
The activities under the Airtel Nigeria Employee Volunteer Scheme, said Airtel management, aligns with the company’s commitment to bridging the digital divide in the country and enabling students to leverage the power of the internet, as the distribution of routers with data plans will ensure that students have uninterrupted access to educational resources, research materials, and online learning platforms, regardless of their socio-economic background.
Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, a member of Standard Bank Group, announced the names of fortunate recipients of its prestigious University Scholarship Award for 2022.
The N80,000,000.00 valued scholarship award for 2022 will provide financial support to 200 outstanding Nigerian undergraduates who excelled in the 2022 University Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and satisfied other prerequisite conditions.
The scholarship funds will be disbursed in annual installments over the course of four academic years and will provide recipients with the essential financial assistance required to meet their educational expenses. Subsequent disbursements will be contingent upon the beneficiaries fulfilling certain criteria. These criteria include maintaining their enrollment in the universities and degree programs to which they were admitted, as well as adhering to the academic and administrative policies set forth by their respective institutions. By ensuring compliance with these requirements, the recipients can continue to receive the scholarship throughout their academic journey, facilitating their uninterrupted pursuit of higher education.
While he gave his opening remarks at the virtual award ceremony, the Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Dr. Demola Sogunle, said, “At Stanbic IBTC, we recognize the importance of education and its role in shaping the future of our great nation, Nigeria. Our principal objective for this scholarship is to provide unlimited opportunities for bright, young Nigerians who have demonstrated academic merit.”
He further mentioned that the number of annual scholarship recipients was increased from 100 to 200, as education should not be a luxury reserved for a select few but accessible to all.
The selection process for the scholarships was rigorous and fair, with beneficiaries chosen from each of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria. The candidates were carefully evaluated based on merit, taking into account their exceptional academic performance.
By investing in the academic journeys of these exceptional students, the leading end-to-end financial institution will not only make a difference in their lives but also contribute to the development and prosperity of the nation as a whole.
The 200 scholarship recipients will be able to pursue their dreams with financial confidence, knowing that Stanbic IBTC will stand firmly by their side.