NUHPSW Celebrates 20 Years of Transformative Training with Grand Finale and Insightful Public Lecture at Eko Hotels & Suites
Lagos, Nigeria – April 15, 2026
The National Union of Hotels and Personal Services Workers (NUHPSW) has successfully concluded a vibrant three-day celebration marking 20 years of its unbroken continuous training and retraining initiative. The anniversary events, held from April 13 to 15, 2026, spotlighted the profound and life-transforming impact of the union’s education programmes on hospitality and personal services workers nationwide.
The grand finale, featuring a high-level Public Lecture and Interactive Session, took place on April 15 at the prestigious Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event drew NUHPSW members from across Nigeria, alongside dignitaries including union leaders, friends of the union, employers of labour, and management representatives from various hotels.
In her welcome address, Comrade Helen Chinyere Jaja, National President of NUHPSW, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Management of Eko Hotels & Suites for providing the venue and for their unwavering partnership over the years. She also thanked all hospitality industry partners, the Guest Speaker, discussants, and panelists for their insightful contributions.
Comrade Jaja described the occasion as “a great privilege and honour,” emphasizing that the celebration was “a tribute to our journey and our valued partners who have been instrumental in shaping the future of our members and staff through training and retraining.” Reflecting on two decades of progress, she noted with pride how the union’s vision — to equip hospitality workers with skills and empower them to advocate for their rights and careers — has fostered personal and professional growth, built resilience, and strengthened the entire industry.
Comrade Success Leke, General Secretary of NUHPSW, also addressed the gathering. In his speech, he highlighted the union’s steadfast commitment to member development, describing the 20-year training journey as a beacon of hope and empowerment. He noted that the initiative has not only enhanced skills but has also created a more motivated and professional workforce, contributing significantly to the growth and harmony of the hospitality sector.
During the interactive session, four distinguished panelists from the Trade Union Services, the Labour Movement, and the Employers Association delivered compelling presentations. They commended the union’s training programmes as “an intangible investment” that every management in the industry should prioritize. According to the panelists, these programmes promote greater awareness, minimize conflicts, improve service quality, boost customer satisfaction, and enhance employee motivation.
A compelling screen display of testimonials from training beneficiaries across various branches served as powerful evidence of the programme’s real-world impact. Several employers added their voices, testifying to the visible improvements in staff performance and workplace relationships.
The panelists and guests showered commendations on the NUHPSW leadership for its visionary focus on workforce education and the impressive growth of the union.
Six pertinent questions were robustly addressed, touching on critical industry issues such as the participation of HR and Industrial Relations managers in training, adequate funding for broader participation, post-retirement medical care in line with ILO Conventions, perceptions of unionization, casualization, and the faithful implementation of negotiated agreements.
A highlight of the grand finale was the presentation of several award categories to recognize outstanding contributions. Awards were given to dedicated staff, committed members, valued friends of the union, and supportive managements of hotels across the country.
The Chairman of the occasion, Chief S.O. Alabi, notably urged employers to see unions as partners in progress rather than adversaries, citing Eko Hotels as an excellent example of harmonious and mutually beneficial union-management relations spanning decades. The event was a resounding success. Members shared moving testimonies about how the continuous training has transformed their lives, uplifted their careers, and improved their overall well-being. Hotel managements applauded the union’s leadership for this groundbreaking initiative, noting that it has fostered stronger partnerships and cordial working relationships, ultimately leading to better service delivery and operational excellence.
Union leaders and friends of the union equally praised the NUHPSW leadership for sustaining this impactful programme, describing it as a shining model for workforce development in Nigeria’s hospitality sector. This milestone anniversary reinforces NUHPSW’s position as a progressive and forward-thinking union dedicated to the empowerment, professional development, and welfare of hospitality and personal services workers across Nigeria.
Looking ahead, Comrade Jaja issued a passionate call to action: “The Hospitality Industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace… Together, we will embrace new ideas, enhance our training programs to meet the demands of the future, and deepen our collaboration to ensure that our members are not only prepared, but are leaders in the Hospitality sector.”
She reaffirmed the union’s commitment to the principles of partnership, progress, and empowerment, expressing optimism for greater achievements and unparalleled success for hospitality workers in the coming years.
Photos from the grand finale, Public Lecture, Interactive Session, and the three-day celebration are attached below.
As NUHPSW embarks on the next chapter of its journey, the union remains united in its mission to uplift every member and drive excellence in the hospitality industry.
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