The award
winning Transcorp Hilton Abuja hotel in Nigeria is celebrating its 30th
anniversary this year, having officially opened its door to its first guest on
the 21st of April, 1987. The iconic hotel, which has through the
years, hosted Royalty, Presidents, Global leaders, celebrities and other
dignitaries, gathered friends, partners, clients, its board members and staff
to commemorate its legacy and rich history as a pioneer in Nigeria’s hospitality
sector.
Built on 20
hectres of land, the 670 bedroom 5-star hotel began operations as Nicon Noga
Hilton Hotel, a member of the Hilton family of brands.
To commemorate
this milestone, Transcorp Hilton Abuja hosted a cocktail and dinner with an
array of entertainment and activities, highlighting and celebrating the impact
of Transcorp Hilton as an iconic landmark in Nigeria.
Speaking at the
dinner, Rudi Jagersbacher, President, Middle East and North Africa, Hilton
Worldwide commended the Transcorp Hilton stating that its contribution to the
brand equity and perception of Hilton Worldwide has been recognised all over
the world.
“I would like
to commend the entire hotel team for their incredible passion and commitment to
delivering excellent experiences for our guests from around the world” he said.
Since its
opening Transcorp Hilton Abuja, has played host to numerous high-profile and
celebrity studded events, such as the ECOWAS, World Economic Forum Africa, Miss
World Pageant, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), amongst
others.
Opening the
anniversary event, Tony O. Elumelu, chairman of Transcorp Plc owners of
Transcorp Hilton Abuja, thanked guests and shareholders for begin a part of the
journey so far. “On behalf of the board of Transcorp Plc, thank you for your
custom, patronage and your good will. You are the reason we are celebrating
today,” he said.
Elumelu added
that Transcorp Hilton has transcended the description of being just a hotel to
becoming one of Nigeria’s most valued icons.
“Transcorp is
not just a company owned by people but an iconic institution owned by every
Nigerian. Transcorp Hilton Abuja is beyond the Transcorp franchise; it is a
national icon,” he concluded.
In line with
its strategic goals, earlier this year, Transcorp Hilton Abuja embarked on a
$100million renovation project to deliver on its promise of customer
excellence. In 2016 alone, the hotel has won 11 awards and nominations on
customer service and innovation.
The exclusive
dinner was well attended, guests included Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, the
honourable Minister of state, Petroleum Resources; Simon Vincent, Executive
Vice-President, Hilton, Europe, Middle-East and Africa; Dr Chris Ngige,
Minister of Labour and Employment; Chika Balogun, Director General and Chief
Executive Officer of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism
(NIHOTOUR); Adim Jibunoh, CEO/President, Transcorp Plc. and Valentine Ozigbo,
CEO, Transcorp Hotels Plc. amongst others.
West African
Idol winner, Timi Dakolo graced the stage, launching the Transcorp Hilton
anthem. Kaffy, Waje and K-Cee also entertained guests.
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