Hospitality is no longer just about rooms, food, or service.
It is fast becoming one of the most powerful contributors to economic growth, employment, and tourism development in Nigeria.
At DeSignature’s 2nd Anniversary Main Event, industry leaders, policymakers, and professionals gathered to discuss one central theme:
“Yesterday and Today’s Hospitality.”
The conversation revealed how far the industry has come — and where it is headed next.
The panel session brought together diverse perspectives from government, industry leadership, education, and global hospitality practice.
The discussion featured:
• Dr. Wasiu Ajani Olatunbosun, Honourable Commissioner for Culture & Tourism, Oyo State
• Ambassador Chimezie Mike, Founder, Tourism Afrikania
• Ogundele Ayodele, President, Hotelier Association of Oyo State
• Olufemi Fale-Bita, President, Hospitality UK
With a keynote contribution from Dr. Chef Mekwuye Eric, CEO of HoReCaBB Mentors and Chief Faculty, Hospitality Business School, Lagos.
Panelists examined how hospitality in Oyo State has evolved — from informal operations to a more structured industry contributing meaningfully to internally generated revenue, tourism visibility, and job creation.
Recent data shows a steady rise in registered hospitality businesses across Oyo State, reflecting increased investor confidence and growing demand for quality hospitality services.
One message resonated throughout the session:
Hospitality is no longer a support industry — it is a strategic economic sector.
The panel highlighted key opportunities:
• Hospitality as a sustainable revenue stream for government
• Job creation for youths and professionals
• Tourism-driven local and international investment
• The need for professional training and global standards
• Stronger collaboration between public and private sectors
The guest speaker emphasized that without structured education, capacity building, and professional certification, the industry cannot reach its full economic potential.
The future of hospitality, the panel agreed, depends on policy support, investment, and people development.
The session closed with a clear call to action:
• For policymakers: create enabling environments that support tourism and hospitality investment
• For industry operators: adopt professional standards and long-term thinking
• For investors and stakeholders: recognize hospitality as a serious economic opportunity
• For professionals: invest in training, skills, and continuous development
At DeSignature, this conversation reflects our commitment not just to hospitality excellence, but to meaningful industry growth and economic contribution.
Hospitality has changed.
The opportunity is here.
The future is now.
#TimelessLuxury #DeSignatureTowerHotel #Hospitality
