Alhaja Faridah Sagaya: Pioneering Nigerian Tourism and Cultural Heritage

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Alhaja Faridah Sagaya, a well-known figure, has built her entire career on a profound understanding of the tourism industry. She represents the idea that tourism, at its best, transcends being just a fun activity to become an essential means for people to share their cultures, celebrate their heritage, and reaffirm their identity. Her dedicated and continuous work over more than twenty years in the industry has established her name as a key contributor to the growth and professionalisation of the tourism industry.

Alhaja Faridah Sagaya, a Nigerian who married into Kwara State, also known as the “State of Harmony,” is the CEO of Angelstyle World Travels & Tours Ltd. in Nigeria. She has put her idea into effect. Her strategic leadership has been instrumental in showcasing the unique cultural heartbeat of Kwara State to both domestic and international audiences. This initiative at the local level has become a model for other places, helping to grow tourism and spark conversations about it across Africa.

Alhaja Faridah Sagaya has developed bridges between cultures through her business and her wide-ranging influence, which has helped people appreciate Nigeria’s diverse offerings more. Her long-term dedication shows how strategic tourism can be a powerful engine for economic growth and cross-cultural understanding, making her a household name in the tourism industry.

 

Early Passion and Commitment to Heritage

Alhaja Sagaya’s journey began in the late 1990s, when she boldly introduced domestic tour packages to destinations such as:

• Owu Waterfall
• Old Oyo National Park
• Esie Museum
• Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove

She pioneered the accessibility of these cultural and natural treasures to Nigerians during a period when domestic tourism was still in its infancy.

To further boost connectivity, she partnered with Skyline Airlines (1999–2001), linking Ibadan and Ilorin by air. While market realities later shifted her focus toward outbound tourism, her pioneering work laid the foundation for Nigeria’s domestic tourism movement.

Reflecting on her travels, she observes: “In all my travels, I’ve realised that we haven’t packaged ourselves well here in Nigeria. Abroad, destinations are marketed with a lot of hype; it’s expensive and well-presented, but honestly, they often don’t have as much to offer as we do.”

This honesty captures her vision: to see Nigeria’s destinations presented with pride and positioned at the forefront of global tourism.

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Driving Festivals to Global Recognition

One of her notable contributions was her support for the 2025 Ilorin Durbar Festival Committee, where she leveraged her extensive network to bring in top stakeholders, including Goge Africa, the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), the Nigerian Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC), CNN Award travel writer, Pelu Awofeso and Mr Omololu Olumuyiwa of Travelscope Magazine, among others. This collaboration helped secure the festival’s place among the Top 10 Festivals in Nigeria at the Akwabba Africa Travel Market 2025 in Lagos.

Beyond the Durbar, Alhaja Faridah has consistently championed the beauty and heritage of Kwara State through Angel Style World Travels and Tours. From Jebba’s historic landscapes to Imole Boja Rock, alongside iconic sites like Owu Waterfall and Esie Museum, the company ensures the state’s treasures remain visible on both national and international tourism maps.

Notably, Angel Style World Travels and Tours is among the few operators in Nigeria that continue to prioritise domestic tourism, offering seamless experiences that reveal the country’s rich culture, history, and natural wonders.

 

Recognition and Honours

Highly networked across Nigeria’s business, cultural, and tourism sectors, Alhaja Sagaya is an Executive Committee Member of SKAL International (Lagos Club), a Lite Member of ABTA, and actively engages with NATOP, NANTA, ATB, and other global tourism bodies. She is a regular participant at international forums, investment summits, and cultural showcases, where she continues to project Nigeria’s tourism potential to the world.

Her numerous recognitions include:

• The Top 100 Tourism Persons in Nigeria (2020) recognised her for her pioneering role in shaping the sector.
• Best Domestic Tour Operator (2020) at the Balearic Awards, for Angel Style World Travels and Tours.
• Best Supporter of Domestic Tourism: In 2021, she was recognised as the “Best Supporter of Domestic Tourism” in Nigeria, acknowledging her tireless efforts in promoting local destinations.
• Kwara State Award: She received the Kwara State Award of Excellence in 2024 for her significant contributions to the development of hospitality and tourism.
• Top 100 Women in Travel and Tourism Personalities in Africa (2025), awarded at the Akwabba Africa Travel Market, placing her among the continent’s foremost tourism leaders.

Each recognition affirms her place as a visionary whose impact reaches beyond borders.

 

Inspiring the Next Generation

For Alhaja Faridah, tourism is about preparing the future as much as celebrating the past. She is deeply committed to inspiring young Nigerians to embrace their culture and identity. In her words:

“Children today often lack awareness of their heritage. When I was young, I wanted to study far from home to experience something new. Eventually, I went to Jos, and that experience shaped who I am today. We must expose young Nigerians to their country through excursions and local tourism.”

Through her advocacy for youth-focused tourism and cultural excursions, she continues to plant seeds of pride and awareness that will shape tomorrow’s leaders.

 

Lasting Legacy

Alhaja Faridah Sagaya is not defined solely by awards but by the bridges she builds between heritage and modernity, commerce and culture, and Nigeria and the world. She has demonstrated that tourism is more than just an industry; it is a driving force for nation-building, cultural preservation, and sustainable growth.

Her story is a reminder that Nigeria’s culture is alive, its history is profound, and its potential in global tourism is limitless. More than a proud and excited homemaker, Alhaja Faridah is a custodian of heritage and a visionary whose work ensures Nigerian tourism not only grows but thrives for generations to come.

Inspired by her vision for African tourism? Partner with Angelstyle World Travels and Tours to discover the authentic cultural heartbeat of Nigeria and beyond.

 

Contact Angels Style Travel Today to Plan Your Journey

Phone: +234 1270 2095 | +234 807 775 0750 |  +234 813 622 2203 

Email: enquiries@angelstyletravelng.com

Website: https://angelstyle.travel/

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is Alhaja Faridah Sagaya’s primary role in the tourism industry?

A: She is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Angelstyle World Travels and Tours Ltd, a leading travel and tours company based in Nigeria.

Q: What is her specific contribution to tourism in Kwara State?

A: Alhaja Sagaya has been instrumental in promoting the unique cultural assets and heritage of Kwara State, strategically positioning it as a significant destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Q: How long has she been active in the tourism sector?

A: She has been an influential figure in tourism development for over twenty years, building a legacy of passion and consistency.

Q: What is her broader impact beyond Nigeria?

A: Her work and advocacy have contributed to shaping tourism development and discourse across the African continent, serving as a model for cultural tourism.