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Tag: Eko Hotels

  • Eko Hotels lights up Lagos for seventh consecutive year

    Eko Hotels lights up Lagos for seventh consecutive year

    Eko Hotels & Suites continued its cherished annual tradition yesterday as it illuminated Lagos for the seventh consecutive year with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu leading the countdown to the grand Light Up ceremony.

    The spectacular event, which has become a hallmark of the festive season in Lagos, brought together dignitaries and guests for a night described as filled with spectacle, magic, and wonder.

    Among the distinguished guests at the ceremony were Dr. Muiz Banire, Prince Adesegun Oniru, HRM Erelu Abiola Dosumu, Mrs. Kay Ovia, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, and Chief Mrs. Nike Okundaye.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Christopher Chagoury, Chairman of Eko Hotels & Suites, said: “Christmas isn’t just a season of lights, it is a season of lighting up each other,” he said. “That’s the kind of glow we want to spread beyond these grounds.”

    Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo, Director of Sales and Marketing at Eko Hotels, expressed the hotel’s pride in maintaining this beloved tradition, noting that: “For seven years, we have had the privilege of bringing this magic to Lagos, and each year, the joy on people’s faces reminds us why this tradition matters,” she said. “This is our gift to the city we call home.”

    The light up ceremony marks the beginning of another season of joy and celebration, reinforcing Eko Hotels’ commitment to creating unforgettable memories for Lagosians and visitors alike.

  • Eko Hotels champions Nigerian talent and tourism as Hilda Baci sets Guinness World Record with largest Pot of Jollof Rice

    Eko Hotels champions Nigerian talent and tourism as Hilda Baci sets Guinness World Record with largest Pot of Jollof Rice

    Eko Hotels & Suites once again proved it is more than just a hotel when it became the stage for one of Nigeria’s most audacious cultural moments: Hilda Baci’s Guinness World Record-breaking pot of jollof rice.

    The historic event drew nearly 20,000 young people to the hotel grounds in Lagos, transforming the city’s premier hospitality destination into a vibrant festival of food, music, and national pride. For many, the night was not just about jollof rice—it was a rare opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s people, culture, and creativity to the global stage.

    Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo, Director of Sales and Marketing at Eko Hotels, captured the spirit of the occasion: “We are big on talents, backing people to achieve great things and putting Nigeria on the global map.”

    The partnership between Hilda Baci and Eko Hotels was born out of necessity but blossomed into something far greater. Narrating how Eko Hotels became a partner, Hilda noted that,“at the last minute, we realized from the registration that we would be hosting 20,000 people and that made us panic as to where we could host that number of people seamlessly. Finding a place and space as clean and organized as Eko Hotels in Lagos is very difficult and so we took a leap of faith to approach them. Thankfully, they bought into the vision and Eko Hotels has been so hospitable. We will forever be grateful.”

    What could have been a logistical nightmare turned into a resounding success thanks to the hotel’s seamless organization and commitment to supporting local talent. As Hilda stirred her giant pot of jollof—“bragging rights for every Nigerian,” in her words—Eko Hotels played host to a celebration that intertwined food, culture, and tourism in one unforgettable night.

    More than a venue, Eko Hotels has become a cultural hub—an institution that does not merely provide hospitality but actively champions Nigeria’s identity and projects it to the world. From international conferences to world-class entertainment and now to history-making culinary achievements, the hotel continues to prove why it is regarded as Nigeria’s heartbeat of tourism and cultural expression.

    In hosting this record-breaking feat, Eko Hotels reaffirmed its role as the bridge between Nigeria’s rich traditions and its global aspirations. It was not just Hilda’s victory—it was also a testament to Eko Hotels’ vision of promoting the best of Nigeria to the world.

  • Lagos NANTA signs MoU with Eko Hotels

    Lagos NANTA signs MoU with Eko Hotels

    The Lagos zone of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Eko Hotels and Suites. 

    The partnership aims to showcase Nigeria’s rich tourism potential to global audience while offering exclusive benefits to both organizations.

    Speaking on the partnership, Director of Sales and Marketing at Eko Hotels and Suites, Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo, said the MoU formalises a framework that leverages strengths of both NANTA and Eko Hotels in promoting tourism, hospitality, and cultural experiences. 

    Gbadebo noted that the MoU reflects a shared vision to enhance marketing efforts and position Nigeria as a prime destination for local and international travelers.

    “The MoU will highlight Nigeria’s diverse attractions and cultural heritage. NANTA will add tremendous value to Eko Hotels’ efforts to expand its reach and effectively showcase the unique experiences we offer.”

    IVice President of NANTA Lagos Zone, Yinka Olapade expressed excitement about the success that lies ahead through the collaboration. 

    He highlighted the upcoming ‘Tropical Christmas Wonderland’ event, titled “The Theatre of Lights” which Eko Hotels will launch in December 2024. 

    Read Also: Taraba, Algorand sign MoU on Blockchain Technology

    He said, “This event will tell the African story of Christmas through a vibrant display of lights, cultural performances, ice skating, movie screenings, and other exciting activities to captivate local and international visitors.

    “This partnership not only strengthens Nigeria’s tourism appeal but also supports the economy by attracting visitors during the festive season and promoting local attractions. I am particularly excited about the immense opportunities this collaboration holds for NANTA members and the success that lies ahead,” Mr. Olapade stated.

    He stated that with the MoU, NANTA members now have access to better deals and exclusive offerings for hotel accommodations, allowing them to deliver premium hospitality services to their clients and enhance the overall travel experience.

    He however said agreement is effective immediately, and both parties are eager to implement the outlined initiatives.

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  • Eko Hotels hosts My Thai Restaurant

    Lovers of cuisine from Middle East and Asia are in for a sumptuous bite as Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos has taken a giant stride with the opening of My Thai Restaurant. It is as a gourmet style dining facility.

    The entry of MY THAI Restaurant, even as the culinary scene expands by the day in the hospitality industry, offers a great dining experience in an exquisite environment complimented by Thai silks, antiques and original art works that fill the restaurant and bar, all decorated with great detail.

    Justifying the new addition to its menu, Eko Hotels & Suites Sales/ Marketing Manager, Mrs. Iyadunni Gbadebo,  said the addition of “My Thai restaurant was part of our relentless pursuit for growth and development by offering guests and diners international gourmet style dining experience and to also live up to our rating as the leading and the future of West Africa’s hospitality destination”.

    She said furher: “In our commitment and investment to exceed our guests expectations, we have taken giant steps to live up to our international hospitality standard by adding My Thai restaurant, which serves authentic Thai dishes complimented by an exclusive wine list in a luxury dining setting and relaxing ambience.”

    The formal opening witnessed a horde of visitors and business class audience, who had perfect moments over balanced blend of spice, sweet, and  savoury Thai dishes, as they mixed and exchanged warm pleasantries.

    The brief unveiling event was conducted by Eko Hotels’ General Manager, Mr. Danny Kioprouglou, who led the management team to welcome guests and business executives.

    “It is a great honour and opportunity to formally welcome our guests and friends to My Thai Restaurant and we invite you to get pampered by our international celebrity Thai Chef as she creates the most tempting and scrumptious cuisine that is authentic. We offer a variety of menu options for classic gourmet taste with outstanding recipe that is prepared with natural and freshest ingredients. We are, indeed, proud of the new addition to our innovative products and offerings while our Executive Chef and the management look forward to hosting family and friends at our restaurant and exquisite bar for the discerning wine aficionados and gourmets.”

  • Access Bank Lagos City Marathon eyes IAAF gold label

    Access Bank Lagos City Marathon eyes IAAF gold label

    Bukonla Olopade, the Project Manager, Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, says the Marathon office hopes to apply for the race as one of the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) Gold labels.

    He made the assertion on Thursday at the Eko Hotels venue of the briefing to herald the 42km race, scheduled for Feb. 10.

    Olopade said that immediately after the race, the marathon office would apply for the race which, within two years, attained the rank of a Bronze-label race.

    “We will like to apply for the Gold label immediately after the race. When we started the marathon, our target was to attain Gold label within five years.

    “We have been able to attain a bronze label within two years, and it is a plus for us.

    “The race has come to stay, to make a statement because there will always be something new in every edition. I don’t think that it will be difficult moving to a gold label in three years.’’ he said.

    Olopade said that he hoped that the marathon would be adopted as a way of life by people.

    “We want to make it a way of life; to make the economy vibrant because a vibrant economy is a product of a vibrant people.

    “We encourage everyone to adopt this race as a good lifestyle,’’ he said.

    Meanwhile, Ibrahim Gusau, President, Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), has said that he would be happy if the marathon was replicated in other states because it would translate to a healthier society.

    “Athletics, especially in Lagos is reaching a different level. I am optimistic that the gold label is attainable.

    “We will be happy if the race is replicated in other states because it translates to a healthier society. Children are beginning to see that they can make a life out of athletics.

    “Marathon is not only a way of life for fun, but a good living,’’ he said.

  • We’ll explore arts, entertainment sector to overcome recession- Ambode

    …Hosts First Rasheed Gbadamosi Art Exhibition

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday evening said that his administration will continue to harness the massive potentials and creativity that abound in the arts and entertainment sector not only to boost the State’s economy but also to lead the drive to get the nation out of recession.

    The Governor, who spoke at the maiden Rasheed Gbadamosi Art Exhibition, held at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, said there was no better time for progressive governments to begin to look towards the arts and entertainment sector to create jobs for the teeming youths, which according to him can go a long way to reflate the economy.

    He said, “If we are going to beat recession, the real future of Lagos and Nigeria is what you have seen tonight and that’s where we are going.

    “In a situation where we have been unable to tap the energy in creative arts, I can tell you for free that the real future of Lagos and the economy generally in Nigeria is in the creative arts, entertainment and in services. Like I have always said, we have an end to white collar jobs, so the future and now is for those who are creative, innovative and those who can use their energy and talent to create employment”.

    Governor Ambode said his administration believes that no nation or state can achieve its full potential without adequate attention to matters of heritage and culture or without due encouragement for the teeming youthful population that sees and seeks opportunities in the creative industries.

    “Creativity is the most valuable asset in any progressive society. Therefore, progressive governments must embrace creativity. We are committed, and we must reward contributors of creative ideas with incentives.

    “This is why we are keenly interested in further development of our creative talents; in providing them with support and opportunities to be engaged; in helping to create platforms such as today’s to excel and compete globally and in showing to the world that Lagos is more than ready to announce its arrival as the continent’s frontline destination of choice that gives arts and culture their due,” the Governor said.

    He said with the Arts Exhibition, aside seeking to immortalise the sterling contributions of the late Co-Chair of the Lagos @ 50 Committee, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, presented a veritable platform for his administration to show its passion for the creative arts especially by encouraging young and budding talents.

    “This is why we are keenly interested in further development of our creative talents; in providing them with support and opportunities to be engaged; in helping to create platforms such as today’s to excel and compete globally and in showing to the world that Lagos is more than ready to announce its arrival as the continent’s frontline destination of choice that gives arts and culture their due,” Governor Ambode said.

    He said aside the six arts theaters and cinemas which would come on board this year, his administration was making several other interventions to engage the arts community for the Lagos @ 50 celebrations, including engaging several artists to decorate various parts of our state with landmark installations.

    “Imagine if you give these young ones six arts theatres and cinemas across Lagos, that means they can display their talents, that means we would create more jobs for people, that means there would be money coming into Lagos and then we would have improved on tourism, that’s what we are doing,” Governor Ambode said.

    On his part, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed commended the efforts of Governor Ambode describing him as one of the most passionate governors keen to give the creative arts industry a face lift.

    Mohammed said Governor Ambode, aside being the first governor in Nigeria building theaters all over the State, his passion to upgrade the National Museum and the National Theatre to world class standard was second to none.

    He added that through massive investment in the security apparatus in the State as well as the Light Up Lagos initiative, the Governor was putting in place lifelong infrastructures, which according to him was reviving a 24-hour economy for Lagos.

    Corroborating him, former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba was full of praise of Governor Ambode, saying that he has succeeded in bringing the old and the new together and restoring Lagos as the modern father of Nigeria.

    Also speaking, arts collector extraordinaire, Omooba Yemisi Shyllon, said if Lagos can sustain the drive to revive the creative arts and entertainment industry, the State is capable of feeding Nigeria with foreign exchange.

    He cited the Opera House in Paris, France, Spain and South Africa as countries who are raking in millions of dollars through arts, culture and tourism, saying Lagos was already taking a cue.

    “Lagos State has blazed the trail. Thank You Governor, you are the Moses we have been waiting for. It takes a lot of insight for someone to identify this great creativity in this state and an industry is being created, joblessness would reduce, people will be busy, we would have less social problems, the image of this state will grow and we would become a great city,” he said.

  • Paralympians dominate nomination for Nigerian Sports Award

    Paralympians dominate nomination for Nigerian Sports Award

    This year’s Nigerian Sports Award witnessed dominance of nomination by Rio 2016 Paralympians with most of them making the nominees for sports man and woman of the year categories.

    According to the chairman of the award panel, Ikedi Isiguzo, 11 out of the 20 categories of the award would be given out this year following the lack of nomination from the public for nine of the awards.

    Isiguzo who spoke at the unveiling of all the nominees for this year’s award, said that only excellent and not popularity would be rewarded.

    The Executive Director, Unmissable Incentives, Kayode Idowu unveiled Manchester City of England star, Kelechi Iheanacho, Wikki Tourists’ striker, Godwin Obaje and Rangers International star, Chisom Egbuchulam in the footballer of the year category.

    For sportsman of the year, Paralympians Kehinde Paul, Ezuruike Roland and Nnamdi Innocent will compete for the gong, while five Paralympians – Omolayo Bose, Orji Josephine, Lauretta Onye, Lucy Ejike and Flora Ugwunma will jostle for laurel in the sports woman and special sports person of the year.

    The trio of Kehinde Paul, Ezuruike Roland and Nnamdi Innocent will also jostle for the special sports person of the year (men).

    The team of the year is between Dream IV and Rangers International while the coach of the year will be a battle among Samson Siasia, Are Feyisetan and Imama Amapakabo.

    Idowu however, disclosed that there would be special recognition got six athletes who are referred to as sporting heroes. “The performances of our athletes and sports in Nigeria in
    2016 has been very poor. There’s really nothing major to celebrate aside the exploits of our Paralympians. We therefore needs we have decided to add colour to the 5th edition of the award by celebrating some first in Nigerian sports at the highest level with six special recognition to be awarded during the event on December 2 at Banquet Hall, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos,” Idowu said.

    Publics are expected to vote for the sportsman and sportswomen of the year from November 8 to 27.

  • Art Twenty One, Eko Hotels host ‘Another Congo’ exhibition

    It was a thrilling experience at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos as Art Twenty One showcased works of photography tagged Another Congo.

    The exhibition saw the gathering of lovers of art and photography who thronged the venue of the exhibition at Eko Hotel to see the photos  of lives of average Congolese by Alex Majoli and his colleague Paolo Pellegrin.

    The works were as a result of an artistic commission documenting contemporary life in the Congo. The acclaimed photojournalists formed an intimate portrait of Congolese culture through an immersive photographic installation.

    Another Congo was launched during Paris Photo in France in November 2014 and travelled to the Rencontres d’Arles Photography Festival in Arles, France in July 2015 and this was its first exhibition on the African continent with Art Twenty One and the support of Access Bank and Eko Hotel and Suite.

    Speaking on the exhibition and the photographs, Alex Majoli explained that “the exhibition is a body of work my colleague Paolo Pellegrin and I have worked for almost a year and half in Republic of Congo, that is Brazzaville, we went there freely not necessarily to talk about the country, is like a sketch, we were there working, encountering people, taking the photograph of their daily lives and altogether it became a body of work, we interviewed people in a different kind of way, you can go though the pictures and may not understand what is going on sometimes.”

    On how long it took him to go round and the things he was looking for in capturing the images, Majoli said, “ I was not looking at anything in particular, I was trying to go round the country and when anything captures my attention, I will start work on that, for example, I was moving round and see this boy with Obama picture boldly on his Belt at the back, I found it really beautiful and interesting, so I photographed it, it was a hologram with double faces , even this guy (one of the photographs ) who was our fixer, he was on a bar relaxing and the picture was very nice, and coherent in a way, so I photographed it. “

    I tried to capture a little of their culture, from weeding, political gathering, hunters going to the bush and trying to haunt antelopes, funerals, fishermen, I tried to capture all that.

    He said the experience of working in Congo, taking pictures was great, adding that it was really a welcoming experience and nice country and I love to be there.

    Art Twenty One , an art gallery  dedicated to artists working in the fields of visual arts, photography and multimedia, in conjunction with Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos.

    Art Twenty One is intended to contribute to and solidify the growing art scene in Lagos as well as position the city as a major force in the international art world. The gallery, an unprecedented and unique set up in Lagos, the space is designed to make art accessible to a large and growing audience who will be able to engage with a rich and diverse range of contemporary art, cultural practice and educational art programme.

    Promoted by Cherry Tree Arts initiates which support and promotes contemporary artists working in the fields of visual arts, photography and multimedia. Through artist commissions, original publications and exhibitions, cherry Tree arts champions independent artistic production and dissemination in association with artistic and cultural institutions.