The Nation Newspaper

Category: Arts & Life

  • Stakeholders back skills acquisition

    Stakeholders back skills acquisition

    Director-General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Dr. Abisoye Fagade, has commended the commitment of stakeholders in the Travel, Tourism, Hospitality and Allied Trades sector to skills development and capacity building initiatives. He pledged his agency’s readiness, as the national Sector Skills Council, to champion initiatives that professionalize the sector and raise industry standards.

    Dr. Fagade reiterated the critical importance of skills acquisition over reliance on academic paper qualifications, particularly in the travel, tourism, and hospitality value chain. Equipping young people with employable skills, he noted, is key to diverting them from social vices, strengthening national security, and addressing pressing challenges such as unemployment, poverty, social instability, and insecurity.

    A further boost to the skills agenda came with the circular issued by the Head of Service of the Federation last year, which conveyed the approval by the National Council on Establishment for the inclusion of National Skills Qualification (NSQ) Levels in the Scheme of Service across all public service sectors.

    This policy recognises that persons trained in any skill area, with qualifications from Levels 1–6, are employable and can be placed on salary grades corresponding to their certified competencies.

    Explaining the framework, the DG highlighted that the NSQF is anchored on National Occupational Standards (NOS), statements of competence and performance required in specific job roles, alongside the necessary underpinning knowledge.

    Read Also: Tinubu commends Yakubu as INEC chairman bows out after two terms

    This, he noted, reinforces the vital role of the Sector Skills Council (SSC) and Awarding Bodies (ABs) in workforce development for travel, tourism, hospitality, and allied trades. Established in 2015, the Hospitality and Tourism Sector Skills Council of Nigeria (HTSSON), coordinated by NIHOTOUR, is mandated to engage employers and industry stakeholders to identify skills gaps, develop, validate, and implement NOS nationwide.

    The DG disclosed that 12 key areas have been identified and their NOS developed and approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for the sector. These, he added, include: Airport and Passenger Service Operations, Event Handling Operations Food Preparation, Packaging, and Dispatch, Food and Beverage Production, Food Safety Services, Food and Beverage Service, Front Office Operations, Housekeeping Operations, Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Operations, Tour Operations, Travel Agency Operations, Travel and Tourism Advisory Services.

    These NOS, according to him, are subsequently developed into National Skills Qualifications by the designated Sectoral Awarding Body.

    NIHOTOUR boss stressed that the functionality of the SSC relies on strong collaboration between the NBTE, which approves the NOS, and the Awarding Body, which develops qualifications for nationwide implementation.

    “The entire system is designed to give trainees access to knowledge-based, practical skills and workplace ethics rooted in established occupational standards,” he noted.

    Awarding dodies, he added, go beyond issuing certificates, they are custodians of quality assurance and industry relevance. They set and enforce standards across training institutions, thereby safeguarding educational integrity and ensuring qualifications meet labour market demands.

    To enhance effectiveness, Fagade outlined that the ‘SSC must be strengthened through strong institutional support, robust industry linkages, up-to-date skills standards, continuous capacity building, effective advocacy, and rigorous monitoring.’

    “The Awarding Body must ensure credibility, global benchmarking, strong quality assurance systems, digital innovation, active industry engagement, and visible policy advocacy to establish itself as the trusted authority for professionalising travel, tourism, and  hospitality,” he said.

    Looking ahead, analysts envision a Nigeria empowered by a highly skilled, adaptable, and entrepreneurial workforce, capable of meeting the demands of a dynamic global economy.

    They posit that such a workforce will not only reduce unemployment but also drive national development and boost Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage.

    On attaining the target goals of the NSQF in the sector, Fagade opined that it requires the collective responsibility of all stakeholders, including, government, industry, educational institutions, and awarding bodies.

    “Sustained investment in skills development is not just an educational cost, but a strategic national investment, a pathway to dignity, productivity, and prosperity for all Nigerians,” he noted.

    2. LASRAB honours Adebowale for contributions to archiving, history

    By Ozolua Uhakheme

    The Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB) has honoured distinguished individuals who have contributed immensely to the preservation of Lagos’ cultural and historical heritage, during its commemoration of the International Archives Day. Among the awardees was the Founder and Creative Director of ASIRI Magazine, Oludamola Adebowale, who received the Friends of Lagos State Archives Award in recognition of his relentless commitment to documenting, preserving, and amplifying Nigeria’s history.

    The award was presented by Mr. Babatunde Onibanjo, the newly appointed Permanent Secretary of LASRAB, in the presence of the agency’s Director-General, Ms. Toyin Ogunlana.

    The event, themed “A Greater Lagos Rising: Preserving Our Past, Inspiring Our Future”, underscored the importance of archives as tools for cultural memory, civic identity, and societal development.

    Other distinguished awardees included His Royal Majesty Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal (Oniru of Iruland), Erelu Abiola Dosumu, and Olasupo Shasore, SAN, alongside other eminent figures who have played vital roles in safeguarding the legacy of Lagos.

    Celebrating a Modern Archivist and Historian

    For more than a decade, Adebowale has emerged as one of Nigeria’s leading archivists, historians, and cultural curators, with his pioneering platform, ASIRI Magazine, serving as a digital and physical repository of Nigerian history. Since founding ASIRI in 2013, Adebowale has worked tirelessly to document Lagos and Nigeria’s heritage, bridging the gap between history and contemporary culture.

    ASIRI Magazine, widely regarded as one of the most authoritative cultural history platforms in Nigeria, has preserved and told stories ranging from pre-colonial traditions and post-independence milestones to the lives of significant Nigerian icons. Its accessible format—online archives, exhibitions, and collaborative projects—has made history engaging for new generations while reinforcing the importance of preserving collective memory.

    As a cultural archivist, Adebowale has curated exhibitions, delivered talks, and collaborated with museums, universities, and heritage institutions across Nigeria and internationally. His approach to preservation is not only scholarly but also creative—bringing archives to life through storytelling, digital curation, and public engagement.

    The Friends of Lagos State Archives Award is one of LASRAB’s highest honours, celebrating individuals whose work embodies the bureau’s mission of safeguarding memory and inspiring the future. This year’s International Archives Day celebration highlighted how archives serve as living testaments that shape identities, foster inclusivity, and inspire civic pride.

    Adebowale’s recognition alongside traditional leaders, historians, and cultural custodians underscores his standing as one of Nigeria’s foremost modern archivists—a bridge between history and contemporary cultural discourse.

  • Echowords makes debut, empowers youth

    Echowords makes debut, empowers youth

    Echowords, a creative platform founded by singer, songwriter and author, Elu Emina, has launched the maiden edition of its Spoken Word Contest to amplify youth voices and empower young Nigerians through poetry and performance.

    The competition attracted more than 103 contestants, with stage voting narrowing the field to 30 before the final winners emerged. Iyenemi Muriel Ogbole claimed the first prize of N500,000 with her piece Life. Ogbu Joy Chiamaka came second with To those things hurting childhood, winning N150,000, while Favour Chinaza Basil’s Struggle of the Girl Child secured third place with N50,000.

    Founder Echowords, Elu Emina, said that the contest was designed to give young Nigerians a platform for self-expression, healing and empowerment.

    “In a country where more than 60 per cent of the population is under 25, too many young people still feel unseen, unheard and undervalued. With youth unemployment hovering around 40 per cent, countless bright voices are left on the sidelines, their stories silenced before they’re ever told. That’s where Echowords comes in. A movement created to amplify youth voices, celebrate their stories and turn their words into power,” he said.

    He noted that the initiative will not end with the contest, as plans are in place to extend spoken word performances to schools, local communities and end-of-year events.

    Read Also: Senate proposes 10-year passport ban on Nigerians convicted abroad

    “Our goal is simple: to amplify youth voices, nurture creativity, and make spoken word a force for social change,” he added.

    Ogbole, who won the contest, described her journey as one of resilience and creativity. She urged other young Nigerians to embrace spoken word as a medium of expression and self-discovery.

    Author and musician, Emina, also published Night Market, a book that tells the story of a young girl navigating a world of witches, gods and phantoms. His music equally experiments with culture and sound, with his Afrobeat single Oya blending Hausa, English and the Chinese Guzheng. He is also set to release a song in the ancient Coptic language later this month.

  • LASRAB honours Adebowale

    LASRAB honours Adebowale

    • From Janefrances Chibuzor

    The Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB) has honoured distinguished individuals who have contributed immensely to the preservation of Lagos’ cultural and historical heritage, during its commemoration of the International Archives Day. Among the awardees was the Founder and Creative Director of ASIRI Magazine, Oludamola Adebowale, who received the Friends of Lagos State Archives Award in recognition of his relentless commitment to documenting, preserving, and amplifying Nigeria’s history.

    The award was presented by Mr. Babatunde Onibanjo, the newly appointed Permanent Secretary of LASRAB, in the presence of the agency’s Director-General, Ms. Toyin Ogunlana.

    The event, themed “A Greater Lagos Rising: Preserving Our Past, Inspiring Our Future”, underscored the importance of archives as tools for cultural memory, civic identity, and societal development.

    Other distinguished awardees included His Royal Majesty Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal (Oniru of Iruland), Erelu Abiola Dosumu, and Olasupo Shasore, SAN, alongside other eminent figures who have played vital roles in safeguarding the legacy of Lagos.

    For more than a decade, Adebowale has emerged as one of Nigeria’s leading archivists, historians, and cultural curators, with his pioneering platform, ASIRI Magazine, serving as a digital and physical repository of Nigerian history. Since founding ASIRI in 2013, Adebowale has worked tirelessly to document Lagos and Nigeria’s heritage, bridging the gap between history and contemporary culture.

    Read Also: Tinubu commends Yakubu as INEC chairman bows out after two terms

    ASIRI Magazine, widely regarded as one of the most authoritative cultural history platforms in Nigeria, has preserved and told stories ranging from pre-colonial traditions and post-independence milestones to the lives of significant Nigerian icons. Its accessible format—online archives, exhibitions, and collaborative projects—has made history engaging for new generations while reinforcing the importance of preserving collective memory.

    As a cultural archivist, Adebowale has curated exhibitions, delivered talks, and collaborated with museums, universities, and heritage institutions across Nigeria and internationally.

     His approach to preservation is not only scholarly but also creative—bringing archives to life through storytelling, digital curation, and public engagement.

    The Friends of Lagos State Archives Award is one of LASRAB’s highest honours, celebrating individuals whose work embodies the bureau’s mission of safeguarding memory and inspiring the future. This year’s International Archives Day celebration highlighted how archives serve as living testaments that shape identities, foster inclusivity, and inspire civic pride.

    Adebowale’s recognition alongside traditional leaders, historians, and cultural custodians underscores his standing as one of Nigeria’s foremost modern archivists—a bridge between history and contemporary cultural discourse.

  • The Pulse of We: Dancing Ubuntu into Being

    The Pulse of We: Dancing Ubuntu into Being

    • By Kikelomo Solomon-Ayeni

    Ubuntu has an impact on you off-stage as well. Like a drumming recalling its own echo, it enters your bones and synchronizes your heartbeat with its rhythm. You don’t merely observe it.

    Joachim “Jojo” Keke is not an arrival; rather, he is a return. He has a calm ferocity that comes from knowing the discipline of art as well as the suffering of life. Every flex and contraction sounds like a language that relies more on pulse and breath than on alphabets.

    Jojo is a talkative man. His movement blends prayer and protest. Instead of just going to the stage, Africa remembers itself in him.

    More than just a costume, his pants, which are vibrantly patterned in shades of burnt orange, magenta, and yellow, are an act of confession. With the singing of marketplaces, laughter, and the obstinate light of home, the colors hum against the black stage. His bare and marked chest conveys trust rather than weakness. He moves as if he has witnessed silence and has chosen to respond with rhythm.

    Originating in the philosophy of Southern Africa Ubuntu unfolds like a muscle meeting memory: “I am because we are.” Every motion asks and offers: Will you see me? Are you going to move with me? Jojo’s motions move through space like invisible threads, connecting, repairing, and tugging. You feel him being held by the floor, then let go. When he jumps, the air trembles. Abruptly, you are no longer seated. It includes you.

    He extends a hand into the emptiness during a silent moment. He may be offering assistance, but it’s unclear. But that’s what Ubuntu is all about, it’s never one way. You feel him being held by the floor, then let go. When he bends, rolls, and rises again, the air trembles.

    Even though the performance is only ten minutes long, time becomes distorted. Instead of applause, what remains is the knowledge that we are all connected, frail, fierce, and human.

    Jojo dances to be remembered, not to impress. to serve as a reminder that memory is movement and that shared memory is healing.

    And there’s a humming silence when he finally stops. Because Ubuntu is a continuous performance. Long after the lights go out, it’s still a heartbeat.

    Jojo is a dancer and theater artist who has a story in his muscles.

  • Book Review: ‘Leveraging Teenagehood’- A Transformative Guide to Purposeful Youth Living

    Book Review: ‘Leveraging Teenagehood’- A Transformative Guide to Purposeful Youth Living

    • Reviewed by: Ayooluwa Ayobami

    Rising youth coach and author Oluwabusayo Emmanuel Adeola is set to launch his new inspirational book, “Leveraging Teenagehood”, on October 22, 2025, in Akure, Ondo State.

    The book, published by Reflections Journal Limited, seeks to empower teenagers to live purposefully, think independently, and make a meaningful impact during the most defining years of their lives.

    Described by reviewers as “a roadmap to self-discovery, purpose, and growth,” Leveraging Teenagehood combines Christian values, personal reflection, and practical guidance for navigating adolescence in an age marked by distraction and pressure.

    In the book, Adeola, who is also the founder of Teens Connect Africa, draws deeply from his own experiences as a teenager who struggled with uncertainty, failure, and limited guidance before finding purpose through faith, mentorship, and self-discipline.

    “I made so many mistakes as a teenager,” he writes in the introduction. “But I became intentional about my life and growth, and that decision changed everything. I don’t want the next generation to repeat the same mistakes.”

    The book, which spans eight practical chapters, explores themes such as identity, purpose, mindset, time management, friendships, parental relationships, and mentorship.

    Each section includes reflection exercises, relatable anecdotes, and faith-based wisdom designed to help young readers understand themselves and channel their energy into meaningful goals.

    The work has received glowing endorsements from several youth leaders and educators across the continent.

    In her foreword, Mrs. Lucy Okafor, life coach and CEO of Lucy Inspires Network, commends Adeola for producing a guide that goes beyond theory.

    “This book is not just another guide for teenagers,” she writes. “It is a heartfelt call to live with clarity and conviction in a world that often encourages the opposite. Oluwabusayo writes from experience, not theory.”

    Similarly, Nomawele Njongo, South Africa–based founder of the Africa Teen Authors Book Initiative, lauds the book’s cross-continental relevance, calling it “an essential toolkit for every young person ready to stop waiting for the future and start building it today.”

    Other endorsements from educators, editors, and teen advocates describe Leveraging Teenagehood as “simple yet profound,” praising its relatable storytelling and actionable advice.

    Beyond writing, Adeola has spent the past few years mentoring hundreds of young people through his non-profit, Teens Connect Africa.

    His programmes, such as the “Career Guide Campaign” and “Become More initiative,” have trained secondary school students in personal development, leadership, and purpose discovery.

    Read Also: Ishiekwene releases book on content creation

    His commitment to youth empowerment has earned him several recognitions, including the Young Man of Impact Award (Deimpact Network, 2022), Outstanding Leadership Award (Creative and Innovative Foundation, 2023), Epitome of Leadership Award (Noverray Initiative, 2024), and the Global Educators Award (Global Educator Foundation Nigeria, 2024).

    Adeola previously co-authored The Principles of Greatness as a teenager, and his writing continues to reflect the same passion for shaping Africa’s youth narrative.

    Each chapter in Leveraging Teenagehood addresses a core principle of adolescent growth. From “Who Are You?”, a reflection on self-identity, to “You Need a Mentor,” Adeola emphasises that teenagehood is not a period to waste but to build foundations for the future.

    He challenges young readers to use time wisely, choose friends intentionally, and embrace mentorship. Quoting from Proverbs, he writes, “Guide your heart, for from it flows the issues of life.”

    Adeola also weaves in inspiring real-life stories of teenagers like Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai, and Kelvin Doe, showing how young people around the world have used their early years to create lasting impact.

    Grounded in Christian principles, the book underscores that true purpose and identity can only be fully understood through faith. However, its practical tone ensures its relevance beyond religious circles, making it suitable for parents, educators, and youth mentors who work with adolescents in diverse contexts.

    The language is simple, direct, and motivational—perfectly suited for its teenage audience. Adeola’s use of personal testimony makes the book more than a lecture; it reads like a conversation from an older sibling who has walked the same path and returned to guide others.

    Ultimately, Leveraging Teenagehood is a clarion call to a generation at risk of losing direction in a fast-changing world. It urges young people to take charge of their future now, not later.

    As Adeola writes in his conclusion: “Teenagehood is not a waiting room for life, it is a workshop for building the future.”

    With this publication, Oluwabusayo Adeola joins a growing list of young African authors redefining youth leadership, proving that influence begins long before adulthood.

  • Atinuda 5.0 set to redefine creativity, innovation in Africa

    Atinuda 5.0 set to redefine creativity, innovation in Africa

    The fifth edition of The Atinuda Experience, tagged Atinuda 5.0, is set to bring together some of Africa’s brightest minds in business, technology, design, and entertainment as it returns with the theme “From Local to Global Creative Transformations.” 

    The three-day event, which began on Monday and will end on Wednesday at Steak House, 1 Karimu Kotun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, promises to be a convergence of creativity, innovation, and transformative ideas.

    Founded by Ayiri Oladunmoye, Atinuda has evolved from a small gathering of event professionals into a continental platform driving collaboration and excellence within Africa’s creative and business sectors. 

    In her welcome address on Monday, Oladunmoye described Atinuda as “more than just a gathering, it is a movement born within the bounds of creativity.” She added that the 2025 edition “represents another chapter in our shared journey of innovation, knowledge exchange, and continuous improvement.”

    Atinuda 5.0 will feature an impressive 75+ speakers drawn from across Africa and beyond, representing a wide range of industries. The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will grace the event as Special Guest of Honour.

    Keynote speakers at the event include Alexander Amosu, who will speak on “Redefining Luxury in Africa — From Access to Experience”; Diann Valentine, on “Reinventing Your Brand for Global Relevance”; Leo Stan Ekeh, on “Entrepreneurial Resilience: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities in African Business”; Gbemi Shasore, on “Content is King: How Quality Storytelling Drives Business Success”; and Charles Odii, who will deliver a session on “Strategic Partnerships & Policy Frameworks to Empower Creative Entrepreneurs.” among others. 

    The conference will also feature internationally acclaimed personalities such as Stephanie Busari (Emmy-winning journalist and founder of SBB Media), Claudia Lumor (Glitz Africa founder and UNFPA ambassador), Kelvin Okafor (UK-based fine artist), Samke Mhlongo (South Africa’s wealth coach), and Juliet Ibrahim (award-winning actress and filmmaker).

    Atinuda 5.0 will not only be a platform for dialogue but also for tangible empowerment. Participants will have the chance to win a brand-new car, courtesy of Nord Motors, through a tech-driven entrepreneurship pitch competition. 

    Additionally, the Kwende & Kwasi Foundation will award a $10,000 grant, with $7,000 for the top startup and $3,000 for the runner-up, to innovative African entrepreneurs with high-impact business ideas.

    Organizers say these incentives are designed to inspire and reward creativity while encouraging practical solutions that can scale beyond local boundaries. “Atinuda is about transforming potential into performance,” Oladunmoye noted. 

    “We want to help creatives think bigger, collaborate smarter, and expand their reach globally.”

    Over the years, Atinuda has become a beacon of excellence in the African events and creative industries. Previous editions have fostered collaborations across fashion, technology, design, and media, establishing Atinuda as one of the continent’s most influential platforms for professional development and networking.

    This year’s edition will feature immersive masterclasses, interactive workshops, and panel discussions focused on business transformation, brand storytelling, sustainability, and the future of African innovation. Participants are also expected to enjoy an evening of cultural celebration showcasing art, music, and cuisine.

    Atinuda’s long-term vision, according to its organizers, is to expand beyond Nigeria and position the brand as a pan-African movement that amplifies local talent for global recognition. Plans are already underway for regional chapters and hybrid participation models that will make the experience accessible to global audiences.

    Since its inception, Atinuda has championed the belief that creativity, when nurtured, structured, and celebrated, can become a driving force for economic and social transformation across Africa. As the event prepares to open its fifth edition, it continues to remind participants that innovation starts from within.

  • LASRAB honours Adebowale for contributions to archiving, history

    LASRAB honours Adebowale for contributions to archiving, history

    The Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB) has honoured distinguished individuals who have contributed immensely to the preservation of Lagos’ cultural and historical heritage during its commemoration of International Archives Day. Among the awardees was the Founder and Creative Director of ASIRI Magazine, Oludamola Adebowale, who received the Friends of Lagos State Archives Award in recognition of his relentless commitment to documenting, preserving, and amplifying Nigeria’s history.

    The award was presented by Mr. Babatunde Onibanjo, the newly appointed Permanent Secretary of LASRAB, in the presence of the agency’s Director-General, Ms. Toyin Ogunlana.

    The event, themed “A Greater Lagos Rising: Preserving Our Past, Inspiring Our Future”, underscored the importance of archives as tools for cultural memory, civic identity, and societal development.

    Other distinguished awardees included His Royal Majesty Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal (Oniru of Iruland), Erelu Abiola Dosumu, and Olasupo Shasore, SAN, alongside other eminent figures who have played vital roles in safeguarding the legacy of Lagos.

    For more than a decade, Adebowale has emerged as one of Nigeria’s leading archivists, historians, and cultural curators, with his pioneering platform, ASIRI Magazine, serving as a digital and physical repository of Nigerian history. Since founding ASIRI in 2013, Adebowale has worked tirelessly to document Lagos and Nigeria’s heritage, bridging the gap between history and contemporary culture.

    ASIRI Magazine, widely regarded as one of the most authoritative cultural history platforms in Nigeria, has preserved and told stories ranging from pre-colonial traditions and post-independence milestones to the lives of significant Nigerian icons. Its accessible format—online archives, exhibitions, and collaborative projects—has made history engaging for new generations while reinforcing the importance of preserving collective memory.

    As a cultural archivist, Adebowale has curated exhibitions, delivered talks, and collaborated with museums, universities, and heritage institutions across Nigeria and internationally. His approach to preservation is not only scholarly but also creative—bringing archives to life through storytelling, digital curation, and public engagement.

    The Friends of Lagos State Archives Award is one of LASRAB’s highest honours, celebrating individuals whose work embodies the bureau’s mission of safeguarding memory and inspiring the future. This year’s International Archives Day celebration highlighted how archives serve as living testaments that shape identities, foster inclusivity, and inspire civic pride.

    Adebowale’s recognition alongside traditional leaders, historians, and cultural custodians underscores his standing as one of Nigeria’s foremost modern archivists—a bridge between history and contemporary cultural discourse.

  • Stakeholders back NSQF in tourism, advocate for strengthening of sector skills council

    Stakeholders back NSQF in tourism, advocate for strengthening of sector skills council

    Director-General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Dr. Abisoye Fagade, has commended the commitment of stakeholders in the Travel, Tourism, Hospitality, and Allied Trades sector to skills development and capacity building initiatives. He pledged his agency’s readiness, as the national Sector Skills Council, to champion initiatives that professionalize the sector and raise industry standards.

    Dr. Fagade reiterated the critical importance of skills acquisition over reliance on academic paper qualifications, particularly in the travel, tourism, and hospitality value chain. Equipping young people with employable skills, he noted, is key to diverting them from social vices, strengthening national security, and addressing pressing challenges such as unemployment, poverty, social instability, and insecurity.

    A further boost to the skills agenda came with the circular issued by the Head of Service of the Federation last year, which conveyed the approval by the National Council on Establishment for the inclusion of National Skills Qualification (NSQ) Levels in the Scheme of Service across all public service sectors.

    This policy recognises that persons trained in any skill area, with qualifications from Levels 1–6, are employable and can be placed on salary grades corresponding to their certified competencies.

    Explaining the framework, the DG highlighted that the NSQF is anchored on National Occupational Standards (NOS), statements of competence and performance required in specific job roles, alongside the necessary underpinning knowledge.

    This, he noted, reinforces the vital role of the Sector Skills Council (SSC) and Awarding Bodies (ABs) in workforce development for travel, tourism, hospitality, and allied trades. Established in 2015, the Hospitality and Tourism Sector Skills Council of Nigeria (HTSSON), coordinated by NIHOTOUR, is mandated to engage employers and industry stakeholders to identify skills gaps, develop, validate, and implement NOS nationwide.

    The DG disclosed that 12 key areas have been identified and their NOS developed and approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for the sector. These, he added, include: Airport and Passenger Service Operations, Event Handling Operations, Food Preparation, Packaging, and Dispatch, Food and Beverage Production, Food Safety Services, Food and Beverage Service, Front Office Operations, Housekeeping Operations, Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Operations, Tour Operations, Travel Agency Operations, Travel and Tourism Advisory Services.

    These NOS, according to him, are subsequently developed into National Skills Qualifications by the designated Sectoral Awarding Body.

    The NIHOTOUR boss stressed that the functionality of the SSC relies on strong collaboration between the NBTE, which approves the NOS, and the Awarding Body, which develops qualifications for nationwide implementation.

    “The entire system is designed to give trainees access to knowledge-based, practical skills and workplace ethics rooted in established occupational standards,” he noted. Awarding bodies, he added, go beyond issuing certificates; they are custodians of quality assurance and industry relevance. They set and enforce standards across training institutions, thereby safeguarding educational integrity and ensuring qualifications meet labour market demands.

    To enhance effectiveness, Fagade outlined that the ‘SSC must be strengthened through strong institutional support, robust industry linkages, up-to-date skills standards, continuous capacity building, effective advocacy, and rigorous monitoring.’

    “The awarding body must ensure credibility, global benchmarking, strong quality assurance systems, digital innovation, active industry engagement, and visible policy advocacy to establish itself as the trusted authority for professionalising travel, tourism, and hospitality,” he said.

    Looking ahead, analysts envision a Nigeria empowered by a highly skilled, adaptable, and entrepreneurial workforce, capable of meeting the demands of a dynamic global economy.

    They posit that such a workforce will not only reduce unemployment but also drive national development and boost Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage.

    On attaining the target goals of the NSQF in the sector, Fagade opined that it requires the collective responsibility of all stakeholders, including government, industry, educational institutions, and awarding bodies.

    “Sustained investment in skills development is not just an educational cost, but a strategic national investment, a pathway to dignity, productivity, and prosperity for all Nigerians,” he noted.

  • Oladele, Alausa, Oloyede receive OAU friend of humanity award

    Oladele, Alausa, Oloyede receive OAU friend of humanity award

    The Obafemi Awolowo University’s African Pro-Humanity Technology Hub (APTH), in conjunction with the Department of Mechanical Engineering, has conferred the Friend of Humanity Award on Oloye Saheed Oladele, the Baàmẹ̀kọ́ of Ibadanland and Oyo APC guber aspirant. 

    The award ceremony took place at the African Centre for Excellence of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife. 

    Oloye Saheed Oladele was conferred with the prestigious award alongside other eminent Nigerians, which included the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa; JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede; and Professor Idris Bugaje. 

    The award was given to the recipients in recognition of their sterling service and outstanding contributions to humanity as educational achievers and trailblazers.

    Read Also: Oloyede: Confronting AI-enabled examination malpractice

    Oloye Oladele, in his reaction, thanked the organisers for extending the coveted award to him. 

    He said he felt honoured and privileged to receive the award with some distinguished Nigerians he admires. 

    He reiterated that each award conferred on him poses a challenge to him not to relent in his endeavours that continue to earn him accolades, and this award is not an exception. 

    Oloye Saheed Oladele was represented at the event by Dr Miftahu Abdulateef of the Physics Department in the university.

  • Motherland 2025 celebrates Nigerian pride at NYC Independence Day Parade

    Motherland 2025 celebrates Nigerian pride at NYC Independence Day Parade

    Motherland 2025, Nigeria’s global homecoming festival, designed to connect Nigeria with its diaspora base, participated in the Nigerian Independence Day Parade in New York City as part of its ongoing international roadshow.

    This latest appearance from the Motherland team at Africon in Atlanta and the United Nations General Assembly highlighted the energy and pride of Nigeria’s vibrant community in New York City.

    The Motherland Roadshow is making its way through key global cities, including Atlanta, New York, Houston, Washington, DC, and London. At each stop, the team is sharing the festival’s vision while spotlighting Nigerian creativity, innovation, and economic opportunities.

    Activities include community engagements, networking events, and cultural showcases aimed at strengthening ties between Nigerians abroad and at home.

    In New York, founding team members Chidimma Nwankwo and Sandra Oboh joined the New York Nigerian community to celebrate Nigeria’s heritage and emphasised the importance of cultural exchange and deepening ties ahead of the inaugural Motherland festival in December in Abuja and Lagos.

    At the parade, the Motherland team distributed hundreds of early-access passes, sparking a wave of excitement. Attendees shared their enthusiasm, with many already confirming travel plans.

    “Motherland is about creating lasting bridges and creating space for Nigerians at home and abroad to celebrate and promote our culture,” said co-founder Chidimma Nwankwo.

    “New York has a vibrant Nigerian community, so it was important for us to include NYC on our roadshow schedule.

    “By joining events like the Nigerian Independence Day Parade, we are reaffirming our commitment to global Nigerians and inviting them to be part of the Motherland movement.

    “The buzz for Motherland 2025 is growing, and we are excited to open our doors to everyone visiting Lagos and Abuja this December. Today alone, we had hundreds of New Yorkers sign up to join us.”