AJAGNE ADEYEMINTESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Transcorp Hilton Abuja, the flagship property of Transcorp Hotels Plc, has once again reaffirmed its leadership in Africa’s hospitality industry by winning multiple awards at the 31st edition of the prestigious World Travel Awards.

The hotel, renowned for its world-class services and facilities, again, won five awards, further solidifying its status as a premier destination for both business and leisure travelers.

The hotel which also recently won two Seven Stars Luxury Hotel and Lifestyle Awards won five World Travel Awards, including.

Africa’s Leading Business Hotel 2024
Nigeria’s Leading Business Hotel 2024
Nigeria’s Leading City Hotel 2024
Nigeria’s Leading Hotel 2024
Nigeria’s Leading Hotel Suite 2024

Transcorp Hilton Abuja also won the World MICE Awards as Nigeria’s Best MICE Hotel 2024. MICE is an acronym that stands for Meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.

This remarkable achievement underscores the hotel’s consistent commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction, all of which have made it a preferred choice for guests whether they are in Nigeria for business or leisure.

Winning Africa’s Leading Business Hotel multiple times, as well as Nigeria’s Best MICE Hotel are particularly noteworthy, as this reflects the hotel’s continued dominance in the highly competitive business tourism sector across the continent. A new addition to the Transcorp Hotels portfolio which will further reinforce Transcorp Hilton Abuja’s position as a top MICE and business hotel, is a new 5,000-capacity event centre, purpose-built to host international conferences and exhibitions. The new event centre is set to be launched soon.

“We are thrilled to be recognized once again at the World Travel Awards,” said Dupe Olusola, Managing Director/CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc. “This is huge for us and speaks not only of our consistency but of our commitment to excellence. It is a constant reminder and challenge for us to keep going above and beyond to deliver excellent customer service as well as unforgettable experiences for all who come to us.”

Transcorp Hilton Abuja’s performance at the World Travel Awards is the latest in a series of successes for Transcorp Hotels Plc, which has become a beacon of excellence in Nigeria’s hospitality sector.

The Company recently released its Q3 2024 results, with a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of N16.44 billion increasing by 192% over N5.64 billion reported in Q3 2023. Revenue grew 67% to N48.49 billion in Q3 2024 from N28.97 billion in Q3 2023, showcasing robust financial health and operational efficiency.

The World Travel Awards are widely regarded as the benchmark of excellence in the travel and hospitality industry, with top-tier hotels and resorts from around the world vying for recognition. These awards highlight the continuous growth of Transcorp Hotels Plc as a major player in the African hospitality industry.

PRESS RELEASE

LAWMA’S Motorized Advocacy Moves to Dopemu-Iyana Ipaja

In continuation of its state-wide campaign for environmental cleanliness, the Lagos Waste Management Authority , LAWMA, has taken its motorized advocacy campaign, tagged “ War on Waste” to Dopemu-Iyana Ipaja axis, primarily to inspire attitude change among the residents.

It comes on the heels of a similar road show, held along Lekki Toll Gate, Jakande and Ajah area of Eti-Osa Local Government of the state.

Speaking at Dopemu Roundabout by Santos Estate, Akowonjo Road, Egbeda, the Managing Director/ CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, represented by the director of advocacy unit, Mr. Adewumi Adetona, noted that the campaign theme, “War on Waste”, was a determined move to tackle the menace of indiscriminate dumping, non-patronage of PSP operators and improper waste containerization prevalent in the state.

He said: “With over 20 million residents, Lagos generates 13,000 metric tonnes of waste on a daily basis. The Authority bears the brunt of evacuating much of the waste on road median, streets,canals and drainage channels everyday. However, it is not sustainable for us as an agency, to continue with the same task without sensitizing you on your role in the waste management chain. That is why we have come up with this intervention. Our Advocacy Unit has always been on the move to enlighten residents, traders and communities. This is the second public roadshow we are having and the goal is to ensure the message of sustainable waste management practices gets to everyone.

“I want to implore you to relay the message to others and spread the gospel of a positive environmental consciousness to everyone around you. Let’s start from our homes by purchasing a waste bin for proper containerization of the waste we generate; separate organic waste from recyclables, patronize assigned PSP operators and pay for waste services promptly. Embrace the opportunities in recycling and start earning an income from your waste. Should you have any complaints about PSP services, call the Authority’s toll free lines and you will be attended to. Together, we can achieve a cleaner and safer Lagos,’’ he noted.

Also speaking, the head of marketing and sales, Adopt-a-bin, Mrs Adedoyin Oyefusi , noted that the new smart bins, which could be acquired through installment payments, was carefully designed to prevent theft and enhance waste management efficiency for residents.

She said” We are committed to promoting sustainable waste management practices that will enhance a healthy living. To achieve this, LAWMA decided to introduce smart bins to help us achieve our goal of a cleaner Lagos. This campaign is tagged “war on waste” because we do not want to see any waste dumped recklessly. Therefore, we implore you to procure the waste bins and dispose of your waste properly into the bins,’’ she stressed.

The campaign train sensitized people in English, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa and pidgin languages on the essence of proper waste management, singing and dancing while also engaging traders and commuters on all inclusive and participatory sensitization.

The roadshow which terminated at Iyana Ipaja Round About, had in attendance, the Authority’s management staff, staff members of departments and units, street sweepers, medical staff, neighbourhood watch, enforcement personnel, officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and LAWMA ambassador, Alhaji Sikiru Ademola Junaid, popularly known as Lemon.

For waste management related issues and complaints, please call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.

Folashade Kadiri
Director Public Affairs
30th October, 2024

Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Marks 62nd Anniversary with Special presentation on Brain Drain

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Wednesday marked its 62nd anniversary at a forum where administrators proffered suggestions on how to stem the tide of brain drain in the medical sector.

The Chief Medical Director, Prof Wasiu Adeyemo said the dedication and commitment of the hospital’s staff enabled LUTH to survive the pangs of brain drain.

“Whatever successes we celebrate today would not have been possible without the hard work and resilience of the hospital staff,” he stated.

Keynote speaker, Prof. Chris Bode highlighted the growing phenomenon of brain drain, locally known as the “Japa syndrome”, which refers to fleeing from hardship with no intention of returning.

This trend is increasingly visible among Nigerian healthcare professionals, many of whom are seeking better opportunities abroad.

Professor Bode noted that migration is a global phenomenon affecting all species, but in Nigeria’s case, it has serious consequences for the healthcare sector.

“We are losing doctors and nurses after investing significant resources in training them,” he said, and warned that the country faces a critical shortage, with one doctor for every 4,000 Nigerians—far below the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of one doctor per 600 people.

Citing recent data, Prof. Bode stressed that Nigeria needs at least 240,000 doctors to meet healthcare demands, but current production rates suggest that the country will still be short in 100 years without drastic changes.

He lamented the paradox of unemployed doctors despite nationwide shortages, attributing the problem to the concentration of medical professionals in urban centers as Lagos and Abuja.

The former chief medical director fingered poor remuneration as the leading cause of migration, with 91% of healthcare workers citing dismal pay as their reason for leaving.

“How can someone spend nearly 30 years in training only to earn a pittance?” Prof. Bode asked, warning that if the trend continues, more staff may leave to worsen Nigeria’s healthcare crisis.

He also blamed poor working conditions, insecurity, and a lack of career prospect as additional push factors.

Prof Bode also touched on cultural challenges faced by Nigerian professionals abroad, including racism and loneliness. “Some people thrive overseas, but others struggle with isolation,” he said, stressing the importance of self-awareness by individuals considering migration.

While acknowledging the benefits of migration—such as remittances, advanced training, and better living conditions—Professor Bode questioned the long-term impact.

He concluded by urging the government to improve salaries, working conditions, and rural infrastructure to encourage healthcare workers to stay. “If we want different results, we must do things differently,” he emphasized.

Sundry speakers agreed on the need for collective action to address the brain drain crisis and reposition Nigeria’s healthcare sector for sustainable growth.

The highlight of the event was the recognition of the best clinical department and non-clinical department in the past year.