ANJET conference to focus on tourism, immigration reforms

•To honour Owoyemi, Radisson Group

THE Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) is set to hold its annual conference and awards in 2026, with the theme, “The Nigerian Tourism Industry and Tinubu Administration’s Immigration Reforms.” This event is scheduled for the end of October this year at the Radisson Blu Hotel, in Ikeja, Lagos.

As part of the activities for this year’s conference and awards, the international hospitality giant, Radisson Group and Chief Tajudeen Owoyemi, Chairman of the Avalon Group, will be honored for their contributions to the Nigerian hospitality sector, over the past 25 years.

ANJET president, Okorie Uguru, explained that the awards for both Chief Owoyemi and the Radisson Group recognise their positive impact on the hospitality industry in the country.

Regarding Chief Owoyemi, the ANJET president stated: “For nearly 25 years, Chief Tajudeen Owoyemi, has quietly yet steadily influenced and shaped the Nigerian hospitality landscape. His conceptualization and establishment of top hospitality establishments have redefined hotel services and infrastructure.

“In 2005, when there was a shortage of privately-owned top hospitality venues outside Lagos and Ibadan, Chief Owoyemi transformed the landscape by opening the Avalon Hotel Offa, managed by Mr. Trevor Ward’s W Hospitality. Avalon Hotel became a benchmark for hospitality excellence in terms of facilities and outstanding services.”

He added that despite his substantial investment and contributions to Nigeria’s hospitality industry, Chief Owoyemi remains somewhat under the radar: “Chief Owoyemi works quietly. After Avalon, he undertook even larger projects, including the Radisson Hotel, Radisson Blu Ikeja, and Park Inn by Radisson in Victoria Island, Lagos. Currently, he has additional hospitality developments in the pipeline.

“By investing in the nation’s hospitality sector, Chief Owoyemi has employed thousands of Nigerians and created job opportunities through ancillary services related to these hotels. His efforts have significantly raised Nigeria’s profile as a business and leisure destination.”

Uguru also highlighted the contributions of the Radisson Group in Nigeria, which have earned the company an award. He noted that the organisation has shown remarkable consistency and belief in the Nigerian economy, leading to an expansion of its property portfolio in the country. “The Radisson Group first made its mark in Nigeria in 2011 when it began managing the Radisson Blu Anchorage in Victoria Island, Lagos, at the hotel’s inception,” he stated.

ALSO READ: Man jailed for posing as father to steal £50,000 for OnlyFans, luxury spending

“In the last 15 years, it has added the Radisson Hotel and Radisson Blu Ikeja, Park Inn by Radisson Victoria Island, and Park Inn by Radisson Abeokuta. Additionally, about five other properties are in development in Lagos, Abuja, Benin, and Aba.

“Over these 15 years, Radisson Blu has demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the Nigerian economy by continuing to expand its operations, even amid difficult economic challenges.

“As part of its commitment to knowledge sharing, the Radisson Group has established a hospitality academy to bridge the skills gap in the Nigerian hospitality industry.

“Due to these and other positive contributions to Nigeria, ANJET is proud to honor the Radisson Group.”