Nene-Uwa Hub Ltd proudly announced the recognition of the Top 50 Tourism Female Personalities who are making significant contributions to the Nigerian tourism industry.
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2024, held annually on March 8th, Nene-Uwa Hub Ltd highlighted the achievements and impacts of these remarkable women across five distinct categories.
The categories and notable awardees include:
1. Tourism Veterans: Recognizing esteemed female leaders with extensive experience and profound impact in the Nigerian tourism industry. Those in the categories are;
1. Abiola Ogunbiyi – MD, SJ Tours Limited
2. Amb. Faridah Bambo Sagaya – CEO, Angel Style World Travels & Tours
3. Hon. Fidelia Salami – Managing Consultant, Adventure Holiday Concepts
4. Ime Udo – National President, Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) & Founder, Leadway Tours and Travel Ltd
5. Amb. Nike Okundaye – Founder, Nike Art Gallery
6. Amb. Nneka Issac-Moses – Co-Founder, Goge Africa World Wide Ltd
7. Nanna Yakubu – Zonal Coordinator North Central Zone Jos, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC)
8. Lolo Ngozi Ngoka – Managing Consultant/CEO, Zigona Advisory
9. Ola Wright – Chief Executive, West Africa Tourism Association
10. Susan Akporiaye – MD/CEO Topaz Travels and Tours Ltd & President National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies
11. Uloma Egbuna – CEO/Managing Director, Tour Brokers Group of Companies (TBI)
2. Tourism Pacesetters: Celebrating trailblazing innovators and pioneers in the Nigerian tourism space. Those in the category are;
1. Dr. Adun Okupe – Senior Advisor, Red Clay Advisory
2. Aisha Yusuf – Co-Founder, The Hayche Network
3. Amaka Amatokwu-Ndekwu – Co-Founder & Chairperson, African Association of Women in Tourism & Hospitality
4. Clara Chinwe Okoro – Founder & Chief Operating Officer, My Beautiful Africa & Convener, Tourism and Technology Summit Africa
5. Justina Ovat – Principal Consultant, Calabar Hospitality House Limited & Vice-President South-South, Federal Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN)
6. Lauretta Togonu-Bickersteth – Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Hospitalityandmsb
7. Lola Adefope – Managing Director, Business Travel Management Ltd
8. Lola Akinmade Åkerström – CEO, Geotraveler Media
9. Millie Slade – Co-Founder, Jara Beach Resort
10. Moyo Ogunseinde – Director, Radisson Blu Hotel Anchorage Lagos & Founder, Upbeat Centre and Aga Culture
11. Vera Sharon Iremuah Ohioma – Founder, GateHub & Lead, Tourism Invest Africa
12. Wonuola Olatunde-Lamide – Co-Founder, Diamonds and Pearls Travels Limited
13. Yvonne Joseph – Founder & CEO, 2wenty2 Hospitality & Convener, Girls in Tourism Foundation
3. Tourism Amazons: Honoring women who have built outstanding brands, products, and services in the Nigerian tourism sector. Those in the category are;
1. Abiola Adelana – Head, Tourism Business, Sterling Bank
2. Aisha Salami – Founder, Magsha Africa
3. Amarachi Huelsenbeck – Founder, Travel With A Pen
4. Ayomofe Runsewe – Founder, Naija Nomads & Casa Nomad
5. Chiamaka Obuekwe – Founder, Social Prefect Tours
6. Diusor Odiakosa Rilwan-Atiku – Founder, The Ajala Store & The Game Plug
7. Fisayo Olayinka-Bello – Founder, The Fisayo Brand & TravCP
8. Funke Ogunkoya-Futi – Founder, Sassy Funke
9. Funmi Ajala – Founder, Funmi Ajala Travels
10. Funmi Oyatogun – Founder, TVP Adventures & TVP Games
11. Ifedayo Andrew-Ogunbayo – Founder, Fidol Trip and Travel Services Ltd
12. Jubilian Anikazinma Ngaruwa – Founder, Africa Unscripted & JubTravel
13. Lucia Ikediashi – Creative Producer, Shimmer Services
14. Odion Chigbufue – Executive Director, Tour Brokers International Group
15. Omotoke Fatoki – Founder, Alárìnká
16. Omowumi Etiko – Lead Travel Planner & CEO, The nuSafiri Experience
17. Oluwabunmi Akinyemi – Founder, Tourvant & Convener, Naija Corn Festival
18. Sikemi Ifederu – Founder, Tambollo
4. Tourism Future Stars: Recognizing emerging female leaders showing great potential and dedication in the Nigerian tourism space Those in the category are;
1. Chidiebere Marieth Uzowulu – Founder, ASM Travel & Tours Ltd
2. Faith Oguntayo – Founder, Faithooo Travels
3. Jumoke Munu – Founder, The Smiley’s Place Travels
4. Nike Oresanya – Travel Content Creator, Hey Nikeh
5. Wemimo Toluse Kolade – Founder, The Fika Experience
5. Tourism Female Communities: Highlighting communities fostering opportunities and growth for women in the Nigerian tourism industry. They are; Girls in Tourism Foundation; Women in Business and Tourism Nigeria and Women In Hospitality Nigeria.
To celebrate these inspiring women, Nene-Uwa hosted the Tourism Women Luncheon 3.0 on Sunday, 17th March 2024.
The event provided an intimate and safe space for women in the tourism industry to connect and bond over lunch. Guests enjoyed fun activities, delicious meals by Jollof by Jara, and meaningful connections, aligning with the theme of ‘Rejuvenate Yourself’.
Nnenna Fakoya-Smith, Founder of Nene-Uwa Hub Ltd, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating, “Our aim is to create a platform where women in the tourism industry, from various age groups and backgrounds, can come together, connect, and empower each other.”
The event was made possible through a partnership with Ekondo and received widespread support and participation, further underscoring the importance of recognizing and uplifting women in the tourism sector.
