The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) Abuja, in collaboration with Hotel Human Capital Strategy, organized a workshop on Friday aimed at equipping hoteliers with new skills to drive sustainable growth in Nigeria’s tourism industry.
The training, held in Owerri, focused on middle-level managers and hospitality supervisors and received support from the International Hospitality Tourism and Eco-Sustainability Forum (IHTEF).
Themed “The Art of Detail: Optimising Operational Efficiency, Upskilling, and Leadership Excellence,” the workshop addressed critical aspects of operational and leadership development within the hospitality sector.
In his remarks, the Principal Partner of Hotel Human Capital Strategy, Mr. Chibuikem Diala, emphasized the workshop’s role in enhancing operational efficiency. He noted that the program was designed to empower supervisors and managers with tools to streamline operations, positively impacting profitability.
“The workshop aims to strengthen leadership pipelines by developing the next generation of leaders, ensuring a sustainable future for the hospitality industry while also boosting job creation across the country,” Diala added.
He further highlighted the importance of empowering supervisors—considered the backbone of the hospitality industry—with advanced skills and knowledge to foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
The Imo State Commissioner for Culture, Hospitality, and Tourism, Mr. Jerry Egemba, commended the workshop’s objectives. He noted that its goals align with the state’s vision of elevating the hospitality sector to drive economic development.
Delivering a presentation on the theme, “The Art of Detail: Value, Ethics & The Excellent Mind of a Hospitality Leader,” Leadership Consultant Mr. Ikenna Emmanuel underscored the significance of leadership excellence and ethical practices in shaping effective supervisors.
Other notable speakers included:
Dr. Ebikaboere Seimodei, General Manager of Ogeyi Place, Port Harcourt, and former Director of Operations at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, who discussed optimizing guest experiences.
Mr. Ahmed Raza, District Director Nigeria, Radisson Hotel Group, who provided insights on “Total Quality Management Optimisation.”
Mr. Francis Olowoeye, a Hospitality Finance Expert, who shared expertise on basic finance and control for hotel supervisors.
Mr. Emma Duluora, who spoke on customer care essentials.
Mrs. Esther Iwuanyanwu, a Hospitality HR Expert, who covered human resources essentials for supervisors.
Mr. Patrick Odey, who conducted skill training on Food & Beverage Service.
Participants from across the South-East, Rivers, and Bayelsa States attended the workshop, engaging in interactive sessions designed to enhance their professional expertise.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, a representative from BON Hotel Tripod, Owerri, expressed deep gratitude to the organisers for delivering an impactful session. He praised the high-quality training, noting that it exceeded expectations, especially for supervisory-level professionals.
The next edition of the Middle Level Managers Workshop is scheduled to hold on the 27th and 28th of November at Grand Hotel Asaba, Delta State.
