The Vice Chancellor Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State has won the 2024 ‘Outstanding Leader in Food Security in Nigeria at the Hospitality Industry Excellence and Sustainability Awards (HIESA).
The premium award which falls under the Outstanding Leader in Food Security & Sustainability Category was organised by the International Hospitality Tourism and Eco-Sustainability Forum (IHTEF) at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel (former Sheraton Abuja) on April 25, 2024.
Professor (Mrs) Blessing Enemuo, Head of Department, Hospitality & Tourism Management, MOUA, represented the Vice Chancellor at the award ceremony which held on the Day two of the international conference. Paul Kavanagh, General Manager, The Wheatbaker Lagos made the award presentation on behalf of the organisers.
L-R Paul Kavanagh, GM The Wheatbaker Lagos; Prof. Blessing Enemuo, HOD Hospitality Tourism Mgt. MOUA; Chibuikem Diala MIH, ED IHTEF at the HIESA Awards, Abuja Continental Hotel (Former Sheraton), April 25, 2024
According to the Executive Director of IHTEF, Engr. Chibuikem Diala MIH, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe was chosen from the list of nominees by the selection committee made up of leaders in the hospitality industry because of his personal sacrifices and leadership towards the race for food security and sustainability in Nigeria.
“Specifically, Professor Iwe has contributed significantly to the growth of hospitality and tourism education in the South East and in Nigeria. He also played prominent role in the establishment of Hospitality & Tourism Department in the Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, as well nurturing the department’s growth through deep-seated thinking, encouraging research, trainings, seminars and inspiring quality leadership needed in such a time as this, which has in no small way positioned the institution into a renowned hub for knowledge development.
“Many of the leading lights in the Hospitality sector today passed through the tutorship, mentorship and leadership of the erudite Professor. Also, as Vice Chancellor of one of the foremost agricultural research institutions in the country, he has shown leadership in sustaining research excellence, outstanding intellectual products and moulding youg professionals that are helping in our quest for food security especially in the hospitality sector which thrives in food and beverage.
“His nomination and choice is indeed a delight to the hospitality industry in Nigeria.
“On behalf of the Steering and Selection Committee of the Hospitality Industry Excellence and Sustainability Awards Awards, I congratulate Professor Ofo Iwe.”
Responding, the Head of Department, Hospitality and Tourism Management at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Professor Mrs Enemuo, who recieved the award on behalf of the Vice Chancellor reiterated that the awardee is indeed the “Father of food security in Nigeria being a Professor of Food and Science Technology a founding faculty of the department of Hospitality and Tourism management in the University.”
She thanked the organisers for the award and promised that the “Vice Chancellor will continue to make invaluable contributions to food security in Nigeria.”
Other outstanding individuals who won in this year’s award include “Leading Legend Award” to Mr Trevor Ward, Managing Director, W Hospitality Group; Leading Group General Manager’s Award” to Karl Hala, Group General Manager, Continental Hotels Nigeria. The industry Patron Award went to Adedayo Adesugba FIH, Nexus Hospitality; and Dewald Kruger, GM, The Envoy.
Also, Moniepoint Microfinance Bank won the award of Best Hospitality Industry Support- FINTECH category.
Late Chief Sunny Iwedike Odogwu, former Chairman Grand Hotel Convention Centre and Resort, Asaba and Late Alhaji Rabo Saleh, Fomer FTAN President were presented with Posthumous awards for their contributions to the hospitality industry in Nigeria.
The Hotel Industry Excellence & Sustainability Award (HIESA), is the hospitality industry’s renowned premium award event that recognizes and rewards organizations and individuals that have helped in the growth, development and sustainability of the hospitality and tourism sector via personal sacrifices, policies, innovation, academic research, investments, management, quality products, and excellence in service.
The HIESA awards also recognizes individuals, hospitality businesses and other organizations (servicing the hospitality sector) that have shown demonstrated commitment to hospitability workforce development, environment, resource efficiency and verifiable sustainable operating practices.