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The Radisson Hotel Group and Chairman of Avalon Group, Chief Tajudeen Owoyemi, are among prominent players in Nigeria’s hospitality industry to be honoured at the 2026 annual conference and awards of the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET).
The conference, scheduled for October at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, will focus on “Nigerian Tourism Industry and Tinubu Administration’s Immigration Reforms.”
ANJET President, Okorie Uguru, said the awards recognise the sustained contributions of the Radisson Hotel Group and Chief Owoyemi to the development of Nigeria’s hospitality ecosystem over nearly 25 years.
Uguru described Owoyemi as a quiet but influential investor whose projects have helped raise standards in hotel infrastructure, services and hospitality investment across Nigeria.
He recalled that in 2005, at a time when privately owned premium hotels were relatively scarce outside Lagos and Ibadan, Owoyemi established Avalon Hotel Offa under the management of W Hospitality, led by Mr Trevor Ward.
According to him, the hotel became a reference point for quality facilities and service delivery, while Owoyemi subsequently expanded his investments with projects including Radisson Hotel, Radisson Blu Ikeja and Park Inn by Radisson in Victoria Island, Lagos.
“Chief Owoyemi works quietly,” Uguru said, noting that his investments have created thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities while supporting ancillary businesses within the hospitality value chain.
He added that the investments have also contributed to Nigeria’s attractiveness as a destination for business and leisure.
Uguru also commended Radisson Hotel Group for its long-term commitment to Nigeria, noting that the group began managing Radisson Blu Anchorage Victoria Island in 2011.
Since then, he said, the group has expanded its Nigerian portfolio to include Radisson Hotel, Radisson Blu Ikeja, Park Inn by Radisson Victoria Island and Park Inn by Radisson Abeokuta, with additional properties reportedly planned for Lagos, Abuja, Benin and Aba.
He said Radisson’s continued expansion, despite economic challenges, demonstrates confidence in Nigeria’s hospitality market and has increased available accommodation capacity.
Uguru further highlighted the group’s hospitality academy, which he said is helping to address skills gaps in Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sector through knowledge and capacity development.
“It is for these and other positive services to Nigeria that ANJET is honouring the Radisson Group,” he added.
