The International Hospitality, Tourism and Eco-Sustainability Forum (IHTEF) says it has rewarded outstanding university undergraduates and hoteliers in the tourism sector with the sum of N2.3 million.
The Founder/Chairman of IHTEF Africa, Mr Chibuikem Diala, said this while briefing newsmen in Owerri, on Friday.
The briefing was an outcome of the 2026 edition of the IHTEF Summit held recently in Abuja.
Diala, a tourism expert said IHTEF, as part of efforts to give back to the society, rewarded outstanding undergraduates of the University of Abuja with a total sum of N2 million.
He said that the winners, all of the university’s Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, participated in the Bartender Academy Competition.
He said that the competition which showcased practical creativity, mixology, customer engagement, and service excellence skills was sponsored by the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC).
Diala said that Miss Victoria Esu won the grand prize of ₦1 million and received a mobile bar.
He said she also received a professional starter pack to support her career development within the hospitality industry and a one year masterclass.
“The second position went to Miss Goodness Ndubuizu with a N500,000 prize, while Mr Bayo Peter got the third position with also N500,000,” he said.
Diala noted that in addition to the Bartender Academy, the summit also featured the IHTEF Bed Making Competition.
He said that the competition was created to promote operational excellence and strengthen housekeeping competencies within the hospitality sector.
In this competition, he said, Fraser Suites Abuja emerged the winner, while The Envoy Abuja secured second position after a closely contested practical demonstration session which focused on speed, presentation standards, attention to detail, and professionalism.
According to him, they received N200,000 and N100,000 respectively.
“The 2026 edition of the IHTEF Africa 9.0 conference placed significant focus on workforce development and practical hospitality skills through its Emerging Leaders Session.
“It reinforced growing conversations around the future sustainability of Africa’s hospitality industry.
“The Bartender Academy is designed not only as a competition, but as a practical industry development initiative aimed at exposing young hospitality professionals to service standards, confidence-building, creativity, and career opportunities within the food and beverage sector.
“The next generation of hospitality leaders must be equipped not only academically, but practically,” he said.
Dr Elizabeth Babagbale, Head of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Abuja, expressed deep appreciation to IHTEF Africa for providing students with practical industry exposure, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
She said that the Bartender Academy and Bed Making Competition significantly enhanced the students’ confidence, competence, and professional outlook within the hospitality industry.
