Built on Years of Preparation
HTEA is not a new idea. It is the product of years of work in Nigeria's hospitality sector — from concept development and stakeholder engagement to building the operational infrastructure that supports each edition.
Here is the honest history of the platform.
Our Journey
A timeline of the key milestones that led to HTEA 2026.
Concept Development & Stakeholder Engagement
The KWASHATE concept was first developed in 2019. In the course of building the initiative, the founding team held consultative meetings with government stakeholders — including the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Office of the then Deputy Governor of Kwara State — to introduce the initiative.
Building the Ecosystem
Through Drecot Consults and its divisions — including HospitalityRecruit and Drecot Printing Press — the team built operational infrastructure to support Nigeria's hospitality sector, including staffing, training, and print production. This foundation made a first-class awards platform possible.
HTEA 2026 — The Inaugural Edition
The HTEA platform launches its inaugural edition in Kwara State, under the banner KWASHATE 2026 — the Kwara Edition of the HTEA National Platform. The 2026 edition will deliver the HTEA Gold Award, the Food Fair, and Face Off KWASHATE — relaunched as a fully private-sector-led event.
National Rotation
HTEA rotates to a new state each year, building toward a full national final where every edition's Face of the Edition competes for the title of Face of NIGHATE.
2019 Stakeholder Engagement
In 2019, the founding team engaged with government stakeholders in Kwara State to introduce the KWASHATE concept. Below are photographs from those meetings.
The founding team meeting with government stakeholders — including the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Office of the then Deputy Governor of Kwara State — to present the KWASHATE concept.
2019 Engagement Gallery
Highlights from the 2019 stakeholder engagement.
Upcoming: KWASHATE 2026
The first HTEA edition will be hosted by Kwara State under the banner KWASHATE 2026. 18 award categories. One Face of KWASHATE. The first national finalist in HTEA history.
Visit KWASHATE 2026 →Be Part of the Next Chapter
Whether you're a sponsor, nominee, exhibitor, or partner — there is a place for you in HTEA 2026.
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