Dr. Abisoye Fagade, a marketing communication expert is the newly appointed Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR). He is the founder and Managing Director of Sodium Brand Solutions which he has positioned as a major player in Nigeria’s marketing industry.
Early Life and Education
Born in Ibadan, Nigeria, on March 10, 1974, Fagade attended Queen of Apostle Primary School in Oluyoro, Ibadan, and Lagelu Grammar School in Agugu, Ibadan. He later further his studies at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife.
Career Beginnings
Fagade launched his marketing career in 1999 with De-United Foods, the producer of Indomie noodles, after completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program. He later worked with IMS Group’s Tequila Event as a Client Service Manager before he joined SO&U Saatchi and Saatchi Group in 2006 as Assistant Director, focusing on experiential marketing.
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In 2009, Fagade established Sodium Brand Solutions. He managed marketing communication campaigns for major multinationals like Coca-Cola and MTN.
Entrepreneurial and Community Initiatives
In 2019, Fagade launched the Abisoye Fagade Foundation, which aims to tackle youth unemployment in Nigeria by providing skills training. He also created the “Oyo Si Ma Dun” Network (OSMD), a platform which supported youth empowerment, particularly in Oyo State.
Cultural Recognition
In 2023, he was honored as the Aare Asoju Oba of Ara Kingdom by the Alara of Ara Kingdom, Oba (Dr.) Olubayo Adesola Windapo, in Osun State.
A widely traveled marketing consultant, Fagade extended his business ventures into the hospitality sector.
Political Ambitions
Fagade contested for the office of Oyo State Governor in 2023 under the All Progressives Congress (APC) but lost in the primary election.
Dr. Fagade, the new Director-General of NIHOTOUR is set to drive significant growth and development in Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
