Hotel Human Capital Strategy Partners NIHOTOUR to Train Supervisors

Charles Ajunwa

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) Abuja in collaboration with Hotel Human Capital Strategy organised a workshop aimed at equipping hoteliers with new skills to drive sustainable growth in Nigeria’s tourism industry.

The training which was held between November 21 and 22 at Owerri, Imo State, focused on middle-level managers and hospitality supervisors and received support from the International Hospitality Tourism and Eco-Sustainability Forum (IHTEF).

Themed ‘The Art of Detail: Optimising Operational Efficiency, Upskilling, and Leadership Excellence’, the two-day workshop addressed critical aspects of operational and leadership development within the hospitality sector.

In his remarks, the Principal Partner of Hotel Human Capital Strategy, Mr. Chibuikem Diala, emphasised the workshop’s role in enhancing operational efficiency.  He noted that the programme was designed to empower supervisors and managers with tools to streamline operations, positively impacting profitability.

“The workshop aims to strengthen leadership pipelines by developing the next generation of leaders, ensuring a sustainable future for the hospitality industry while also boosting job creation across the country,” Diala said.

He further highlighted the importance of empowering supervisors—considered the backbone of the hospitality industry—with advanced skills and knowledge to foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.

The Imo State Commissioner for Culture, Hospitality and Tourism, Mr. Jerry Egemba, commended the workshop’s objectives. 

He noted that its goals align with the state’s vision of elevating the hospitality sector to drive economic development.

Delivering a presentation on the theme: ‘The Art of Detail: Value, Ethics and The Excellent Mind of a Hospitality Leader,’ Leadership Consultant Mr. Ikenna Emmanuel underscored the significance of leadership excellence and ethical practices in shaping effective supervisors.

Other notable speakers include, Dr. Ebikaboere Seimodei, General Manager of Ogeyi Place, Port Harcourt and former Director of Operations at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, who discussed optimising guest experiences.

District Director Nigeria, Radisson Hotel Group, Mr. Ahmed Raza, provided insights on ‘Total Quality Management Optimisation’ and a Hospitality Finance Expert, Mr. Francis Olowoeye, shared expertise on basic finance and control for hotel supervisors.

While Mr. Emma Duluora, spoke on customer care essentials, Mrs. Esther Iwuanyanwu, a Hospitality HR expert, covered human resources essentials for supervisors, Mr. Patrick Odey, conducted skill training on food and beverage service.

Participants from across the South-east, Rivers, and Bayelsa states attended the workshop, engaging in interactive sessions