Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre, Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, has been honoured with the Tourism Trailblazer Award by the South West Hoteliers Association of Nigeria in recognition of his contributions to tourism development and hospitality growth in Nigeria.
The award was presented during a Gala Dinner Night held at Amazing Grace Event Center, marking the close of the association’s 5th Biennial Conference.
Although a single honour, the award was symbolically represented with two plaques—gold and silver—highlighting the association’s appreciation of Ojo-Lanre’s sustained commitment to advancing tourism and hospitality in Ekiti State, the South West and across Nigeria.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Oluomo Jamiu Talabi, said the awardee was recognised for his consistency, passion and long-standing support for the industry.
Talabi noted that Ojo-Lanre’s relationship with the association spans over a decade, recalling his participation at its maiden South West zonal conference where he served as Tourism Editor of the Nigerian Tribune. He added that Ojo-Lanre also delivered the keynote address at the 4th Biennial Conference and played a major role in the success of the current edition.
According to him, the Director-General facilitated a tour of Arinta Waterfall for conference participants and supported several activities during the event.
“The association has not received such unflinching support from an individual. We are proud to recognise his immense contributions. He is a true trailblazer,” Talabi said.
Also speaking, President of the association’s Ekiti State chapter, Akin Abimbola, described Ojo-Lanre as a dependable partner and a driving force in the growth of the hospitality sector.
“He is an agrarian tourism promoter with unusual energy and passion for success. We are grateful for his role in the success of this conference,” Abimbola stated.
Popularly known as “Alárìnká Àgbáyé,” Ojo-Lanre has travelled to over 86 countries, promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage globally while contributing to tourism development discourse at home.
In recent efforts to boost local tourism, he led the unveiling of the Ugele Rock tourism site in Ikere-Ekiti alongside Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, and the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Adu Adejimi.
Stakeholders at the event described the award as well deserved, citing Ojo-Lanre’s impact in policy advocacy, destination promotion and stakeholder engagement within Nigeria’s tourism sector.
For attendees at the Gala Night, the Tourism Trailblazer Award served as a strong endorsement of Ojo-Lanre’s role in positioning tourism and hospitality as key drivers of economic growth in Nigeria.
