ANJET to Honour Radisson Group, Owoyemi , Others

The Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) is set to honor prominent figures and organizations within the hospitality sector, including the Radisson Group and Chief Tajudeen Owoyemi, Chairman of the Avalon Group. These accolades are part of the activities planned for ANJET's 2026 conference and awards ceremony.

The event, themed ‘Nigerian tourism industry and Tinubu administration’s immigration reforms,’ is scheduled to take place in October at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos. ANJET President Okorie Uguru stated that the awards acknowledge the substantial positive impact both Owoyemi and the Radisson Group have had on Nigeria's hospitality ecosystem for nearly a quarter-century.

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For close to 25 years, Chief Tajudeen Owoyemi has quietly, but steadily influenced and shaped the Nigerian hospitality landscape with his conceptualization and building of top hospitality outfits that have helped to redefine hotels’ services and infrastructure.

Uguru specifically highlighted Chief Owoyemi's quiet yet consistent influence on the Nigerian hospitality landscape. For close to 25 years, Owoyemi has been instrumental in conceptualizing and developing top-tier hospitality establishments. His venture, the Avalon Hotel Offa, opened in 2005, significantly reshaped the availability of high-quality, privately-owned hospitality options outside major cities like Lagos and Ibadan, setting a benchmark for hotel excellence in facilities and services.

Despite his considerable investments and contributions to the industry's growth, Owoyemi is noted for maintaining a low profile. The ANJET awards aim to bring recognition to his significant, albeit understated, role in advancing Nigeria's tourism and hospitality sector.

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In 2005, when there was dearth of privately owned top hospitality outfits outside Lagos and Ibadan, Chief Owoyemi changed the landscape by opening the Avalon Hotel Offa under the management Mr. Trevor Ward’s W Hospitality. Avalon Hotel became the reference point in hotel’s excellence in facilities and excellent services.