Renowned comedian and entertainment mogul, Ali Baba, is set to headline the next edition of the Ojez Elders Forum. The event, scheduled for Sunday, November 24th, 2024, at the renewed Ojez Lounge in the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, promises to be an evening of laughter, nostalgia, and entertainment.

Ali Baba, a household name in Nigerian comedy, has been captivating audiences for decades with his witty humor and sharp observations. With a career spanning several decades, he has established himself as one of the most influential figures in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

The Ojez Elders Forum, a monthly event hosted by Ojez Entertainment, is dedicated to celebrating and honoring Nigeria’s cultural icons and legends. The forum provides a platform for these individuals to share their experiences, insights, and wisdom with the general public.

Former Ghanaian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Hajia Gifty Samata Bukari, and award-winning musician, Sunny Neji were guests at the relaunched forum in October.

Chief Joseph Odobeatu, the visionary behind Ojez Entertainment, expressed his excitement about hosting Ali Baba and the anticipated large turnout of fun lovers. He emphasized the forum’s commitment to providing unforgettable experiences for attendees.

As the countdown to this Sunday event begins, anticipation is building among fun lovers and cultural aficionados alike.

– Kwara First Lady To Join Segun Arinze, Wole Ojo Others For Book-Reading

As the Nigerian film industry gets set for the annual pan-Nigerian Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards, scheduled to be held on Sunday, November 24, at the Sugar Factory in Ilorin, Kwara State, the organisers of the travelling awards have released a line-up of activities, alongside other highlights of the 16th edition.

This year’s event is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience, featuring a variety of engaging activities, including a book reading session and the unveiling of new award categories.

A key highlight of the pre-award festivities will be the welcome party scheduled for Saturday, November 23rd in Ilorin. This will be followed by the Book of the Year reading on the morning of November 24, showcasing “Do As You Are Told, Bani” by the acclaimed author Lola Shoneyin.

Esteemed personalities, including the First Lady of Kwara State and well-known Nollywood actors like Segun Arinze, Wole Ojo, Kemi Adekomi, Cynthia Clarke, and Chioma Okafor, will participate in the reading. This session aims to inspire and engage the youths, specifically a select number of school children from Ilorin, Kwara State.

Also, the 2024 BON Awards has been revealed that four of its major award categories have been endowed by notable figures and organisations. The endowed categories include:

Best Indigenous Movie – Endowed by Oba Saheed Eleguishi, a distinguished traditional ruler and arts patron. Best Use of Food – Endowed by Abundish Limited, an agricultural product wholesaler cum grocery market in Lekki, Lagos.

The Best Actress category is also endowed by the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Hon. Moji Ojora, a well-known philanthropist and public servant dedicated to women’s empowerment. While the movie with the Best Social Message is endowed by Hon. Toke Benson, the Lagos Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, and a prominent advocate for social issues.

According to the founder of the Best of Nollywood Awards, these new endowments promise to enhance the awards’ prestige by taking it to the next level and also offer greater recognition for excellence in these fields.

As the seven-day countdown to the 2024 BON Awards begins, and the excitement is building, Feranmi Olaoye, the Executive Director of the awards has promised that this year is not just another gala night but a getaway weekend for hardworking Nollywood practitioners, and others within the Nollywood community.

With the awards’ unique blend of celebrity-filled events and meaningful high-impact initiatives, this year’s ceremony is poised to leave a significant mark on the entertainment industry and the wider Nigerian cultural scene.

Nigerian entrepreneur and brand strategist Abisoye Fagade is setting out to revitalize the National Hospitality and Tourism Institute, leveraging his extensive experience and exposure to global best practices. With a rich background in media, advertising, and business development, Fagade believes he can turn the institute into a world-class training ground that prepares Nigerian students to excel in the hospitality and tourism industries both domestically and abroad.

As the founder of Sodium Brand Solutions and a leading figure in Nigeria’s media space, Fagade’s understanding of brand positioning and customer-centric service is well-suited to transform the institute’s operations and curriculum. He aims to instill a new culture of professionalism, global competitiveness, and innovation within the institute, ensuring it becomes a vital force in shaping the nation’s hospitality standards.

Modernizing Curriculum for Global Competitiveness

Fagade’s first step is to overhaul the institute’s curriculum, introducing practical, industry-relevant courses that reflect current global trends in hospitality and tourism. He plans to bring in seasoned industry experts and form international partnerships to expose students to the skills needed to thrive in a globalized market. This includes collaborations with renowned hotels, tourism agencies, and hospitality schools worldwide, offering students opportunities for internships, exchange programs, and real-world learning experiences.

“Hospitality is about people and experiences, and in today’s world, it is essential to train students to understand both local and international guests,” Fagade said in a recent statement. “We need a curriculum that combines practical skills, cultural sensitivity, and an understanding of global standards.”

Embracing Digital Tools and Sustainable Practices

As digital transformation sweeps across industries, Fagade envisions the National Hospitality and Tourism Institute embracing technology to improve training and services. By integrating digital tools, software applications, and e-learning platforms, he intends to make training more accessible and interactive, preparing students to use the tech solutions that are becoming essential in hospitality management.

Additionally, Fagade places a strong emphasis on sustainability, which has become a focal point in global tourism. His strategy includes training students on eco-friendly practices, resource management, and sustainable tourism models that protect Nigeria’s cultural and natural heritage. “Our institute should set an example, showing that Nigeria can offer world-class tourism that respects our environment and our traditions,” Fagade noted.

Expanding Opportunities Through Global Collaborations

To ensure the institute reaches international standards, Fagade plans to develop exchange programs and collaborative initiatives with leading hospitality institutions in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. These programs will enable Nigerian students to gain exposure abroad and learn from established markets, bringing back valuable insights and experiences that can be adapted to the local industry. This global perspective, he believes, will create a pool of Nigerian hospitality professionals who are both globally informed and deeply rooted in their own cultural identity.

Long-Term Vision: Establishing a National Legacy

Abisoye Fagade’s mission is not merely about modernizing an institution but about fostering national pride and economic growth. He believes that Nigeria’s tourism sector holds significant potential to diversify the economy, and a well-trained workforce is key to making that vision a reality. “Our people are the heart of Nigeria’s hospitality,” he said. “We are known for our warmth and welcoming spirit. By enhancing our standards, we can ensure our tourism industry is a leader in Africa and an inspiration worldwide.”

As he undertakes this ambitious journey, Fagade’s leadership and forward-thinking approach are expected to transform the National Hospitality and Tourism Institute into a beacon of excellence, establishing a legacy that will elevate Nigeria’s status on the world tourism map.

Seun Oloketuyi

Founder /Chairman Advisory board

Best of Nollywood Awards

Writes from Lagos