The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has welcomed its new Director General, Dr. Abisoye Fagade, who officially resumed office this week.

NIHOTOUR, a collaboration between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and the Federal Government of Nigeria, is at the forefront of human capacity development in Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

Upon his assumption of office, Dr. Fagade was warmly received by the institute’s management team, which includes:

Dr. Green, Director of Travel and Tourism

Dr. Baba, Director of Hospitality Management

Dr. Ibru, Director of Human Relations

Dr. Shehu, Registrar

Ahmed Attah, Director of Finance

Victor Salako, Director of Planning and Research

Maryam Inuwa, Director of Legal

In his inaugural speech, Dr. Fagade outlined his agenda, emphasizing his commitment to human development and the transformation of the institute. “My emphasis will be on human development, and I shall ensure we turn the institute around,” he stated.

His agenda centers on:

1. Building Capacity: Enhancing training programs to equip professionals with the skills required for global competitiveness in tourism and hospitality.

2. Innovative Leadership: Introducing modern strategies to reposition NIHOTOUR as a leading institution in the sector.

3. Stakeholder Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships with industry players, international organizations, and local stakeholders.

4. Institutional Development: Improving infrastructure and operational efficiency to support NIHOTOUR’s mission.

The management staff expressed their confidence in Dr. Fagade’s vision and pledged their support in realizing his goals for the institute. Stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sectors are optimistic about the positive impact of his leadership on the industry.

Dr. Fagade’s resumption marks a new era for NIHOTOUR, with a renewed focus on human development and sectoral transformation.

Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno South, has urged the upper legislative chamber to support Uchenna, the wife of the late lawmaker Ifeanyi Ubah, to succeed him.

Ndume made the call during a valedictory session held on Tuesday in the Senate to honor the late Anambra South senator, who passed away in July at the age of 52.

He told his colleagues that Ubah’s wife should take over his seat in the Senate to preserve his “legacy and aspirations.”

“This has happened before. When Chuba Okadigbo, a great politician, passed away, his wife, Margery, joined the Senate and carried on his legacy,” he said.

“Similarly, our first lady, Oluremi Tinubu, served in this chamber, largely supported by the goodwill of Lagosians and the legacy of her husband, who was a former governor. In fact, she told me that her dream was to be a pastor.”

Ndume also mentioned that Abdulaziz Yar’Adua carried on the political legacy of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua by joining the Senate.

“Senator (Iyabo) Obasanjo, if you remember, is the daughter of General Obasanjo. Sitting in front of me is Dafinone; his father was a great senator.”

“What I want to appeal to you, Mr. President, is that we keep the spirit and aspirations of Ifeanyi alive.”

“His wife, fortunately, is around 50 years old and has been a wonderful support system to him.”

“Finally, Mr. President, my appeal to you and distinguished colleagues is that we support his wife, who is around 50 years or so—a wonderful wife.”

“Let us support the family to have a representative in the chamber who embodies the spirit of Ifeanyi when the election for the Anambra South senatorial district comes up. This will ensure continuity and honor for the Anambra South senatorial district.”

Senate membership is neither automatic nor transferable from one individual to another.

According to Section 65 of the 1999 Constitution, a person can only become a member of the Senate through election.

The individual must be qualified for election by having been educated up to at least the school certificate level or its equivalent, being a member of a political party, and being sponsored by that party.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reported that suspected Boko Haram terrorists ambushed its monitoring team in Kaduna, leaving seven officers missing.

In a statement on Tuesday, Afolabi Babawale, the NSCDC spokesperson, explained that the incident occurred on Monday in the Farin-Kasa area of Chikun LGA, Kaduna, while the monitoring team was inspecting the national grid installation in Shiroro, Niger State.

Babawale stated that the team, consisting of nine officers and 71 other ranks, was mobilized in response to recent attacks on power lines that had caused a blackout in northern Nigeria.

“As they patrolled vulnerable areas, they encountered stranded expatriates near Dagwachi village and allowed them to join the convoy for safety,” the statement reads.

“Unbeknownst to the team, over 200 armed Boko Haram militants had laid a deadly ambush from a hilltop, ready to unleash a torrent of gunfire on the unsuspecting convoy.

“Determined and resourceful, the NSCDC operatives fought back valiantly, managing to neutralise over 50 insurgents during the exchange.

“However, the chaos left seven officers unaccounted for, prompting an urgent search in the bush for their whereabouts. Those who sustained injuries are currently receiving medical treatment.”

Ahmed Audi, the NSCDC commandant-general, condemned the attack, calling it a cowardly act against personnel dedicated to the nation’s defence.

He praised the bravery and determination of the operatives, reiterating the corps’ commitment to safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure despite the growing security threats.