APFSPN Set To Host Inaugural Town Hall Meeting And Induct New Members

……APFSPN Town Hall Meeting and Induction of New Members Set for June 17

The Association of Professional Food Service Providers of Nigeria (APFSPN) has announced plans to host its Inaugural Town Hall Meeting and New Members Induction Ceremony on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Professor Wole Soyinka Centre for Arts and Culture, Iganmu, Lagos.

The landmark event, themed “The Business Behind the Plate,” is expected to bring together stakeholders across Nigeria’s food service ecosystem, including caterers, restaurant owners, event food service providers, culinary professionals, food entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development partners to discuss the future of the industry and strengthen professional collaboration. 

Speaking at a media briefing ahead of the event, the newly elected President of APFSPN, Mr. Tobi Fletcher, said the Association was established to address the longstanding absence of structure, institutional support, and unified representation within Nigeria’s rapidly growing food service industry. 

According to him, despite being one of the most vibrant sectors of the economy, the food service industry has operated for too long without a coordinated voice capable of driving standards, recognition, and sustainable growth.

“APFSPN exists to professionalise the food service industry. We exist to give caterers, food vendors, restaurant owners, event food service providers, and every professional who works behind the plate a platform for growth, recognition, and collective strength.” — Tobi Fletcher, President, APFSPN

He explained that the theme of the event, “The Business Behind the Plate,” reflects the economic realities and entrepreneurial ecosystem surrounding food service delivery in Nigeria.

“Behind every plate of food served at an event, in a restaurant, or at a corporate function, there is a business, a dream, and a livelihood. More importantly, over 90 percent of our members are women who wake up every day to build sustainable businesses and contribute meaningfully to the economy. APFSPN is here to ensure that these businesses are supported, protected, and celebrated.” — Tobi Fletcher, President, APFSPN

Also speaking at the press briefing, the Vice President of APFSPN, Mrs. Ibidunni Layade, emphasised the Association’s commitment to capacity building and the welfare of its members. She noted that APFSPN is not merely a professional body but a support system designed to elevate the standards of food service delivery across Nigeria.

“Our members are the backbone of Nigeria’s hospitality and events industry. What APFSPN offers is a structured pathway for them to access training, mentorship, business development resources, and a community that understands their unique challenges. This Town Hall Meeting is the beginning of that journey — a space where every food service professional can have a voice and be heard.” — Ibidunni Layade, Vice President, APFSPN

Mrs. Layade further stated that the induction of new members at the event underscores the Association’s rapid growth and the hunger within the industry for formal recognition and collective representation. 

The Events Director of APFSPN, Ms. Temi Adelana, took the media through the programme of events for the Town Hall Meeting. She outlined a carefully curated agenda designed to combine ceremony, knowledge sharing, and networking.

“The event will commence at 9:00 AM with the arrival and registration of guests, followed by the opening ceremony, the presidential address, the keynote by our Guest Speaker, and the formal induction of new members. We have also incorporated panel discussions, an exhibition showcase featuring food service businesses, and structured networking sessions to ensure that every attendee leaves with tangible value and new connections.” — Temi Adelana, Events Director, APFSPN

Ms. Adelana added that the choice of the Professor Wole Soyinka Centre for Arts and Culture as the venue reflects the Association’s desire to position the food service industry within the broader narrative of Nigerian creativity, culture, and enterprise.

The event will also feature the formal induction of new members, reinforcing the Association’s commitment to building a professional body dedicated to excellence, ethics, innovation, and capacity development in Nigeria’s food service sector.

In further demonstration of the growing relevance of the Association, APFSPN disclosed that the event will attract international delegations and representatives from the Canadian Trade Commission and the Italian Trade Agency.

The Guest Speaker for the event is Former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed; Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, DG/CEO of NIHOTOUR, while the Special Guest of Honour is High Chief Lai Labode, Aare Ona of Egbaland, and other top dignitaries.

With over 500 food service professionals and stakeholders expected in attendance, the event is positioned to become a defining moment for the industry and a launchpad for stronger institutional engagement.

Calling on the media to amplify the industry’s story, Fletcher described the gathering as more than an event.

“You are not merely covering an event; you are witnessing the beginning of a movement. We urge the media to help tell the story of the women and men who feed this nation and an industry that is ready to be recognised and taken seriously.” — Tobi Fletcher, President, APFSPN

Kyari Reacts To Senate Arrest Warrant, Says He Notified Committee of Medical Trip Abroad

….Denies Dodging Probe, Pledges to Appear After Treatment

By Adesina Adeleja

Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has described the Senate Committee on Public Accounts’ decision to issue an arrest warrant against him as “deeply shocking.”

In a formal letter addressed to the committee chairman, Kyari clarified that he had earlier informed the panel of his inability to appear due to medical treatment abroad.

“I refer to the news of the arrest warrant issued against me during the proceedings of your esteemed Committee today, 10th June, 2026. I am deeply shocked by the issuance of the warrant,” Kyari wrote.
He referenced a letter sent to the committee on May 11, 2026, in which he notified lawmakers that he was receiving medical care outside the country. In that correspondence, Kyari expressed his willingness to honour the committee’s invitation upon his return to Nigeria and offered to provide written responses to any urgent questions through his legal representatives.

“I also expressed my willingness to honour the Committee’s invitation as soon as I return to Nigeria,” he stated. “I wish to reiterate that I remain very willing and ready to honour the invitation of the Committee and to appear before it once I return to the country.”

Kyari firmly denied any attempt to evade the Senate’s invitation, noting that he had not received any fresh summons before the warrant was issued.

“However, I wish to respectfully state that I have neither received nor sighted the said invitation,” he said. “Had the invitation reached me, I would have gladly honoured it.”

The former NNPCL boss explained that his current medical condition has made it impossible for him to appear in person. He urged the committee to channel any questions or requests for clarification through his legal team to ensure prompt responses while he continues treatment abroad.

Kyari assured the Senate of his full cooperation and respect for the legislative oversight process. He pledged to appear before the committee personally as soon as his health permits.

Defence of Tenure

In the letter, Kyari also defended his leadership of the national oil company, stating that his team transformed NNPCL from a loss-making entity into a profitable commercial organisation. He added that all transactions during his tenure were properly documented and remain available for scrutiny at the NNPCL.
“I remain deeply grateful to my country for the opportunity afforded me to serve with utmost diligence and commitment,” he said.

Background

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts issued the arrest warrant after Kyari failed to appear at its sitting. The panel is investigating financial records and transactions of the NNPCL, including allegations surrounding over ₦210 trillion.

The motion for the warrant was moved by Senator Victor Umeh and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

Kyari’s latest response appears aimed at dispelling suggestions of deliberate non-cooperation, attributing his absence primarily to health reasons and possible communication gaps regarding subsequent invitations. He has maintained that he has nothing to hide and remains committed to assisting the investigation.