QUEEN ODEGWA OCHE STANDARD PROFILE BY CHINEDU NSOFOR
Early Life and Education
Originally from Edo State and now residing in Lagos, Nigeria, Queen Odegwa Oche has become a prominent figure in the tourism and hospitality industry. Her fluency in English, Igbo, and Yoruba has enabled her to connect with a diverse clientele and workforce. Queen’s educational journey is both extensive and impressive, starting with her secondary education at Medias College Secondary School, Lagos, where she obtained her GED in 2003.
Queen’s passion for tourism and hospitality led her to pursue higher education in the field. In December 2017, she graduated from the National Open University of Nigeria with a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Studies. She further honed her expertise by attending the Findrex Aviation Business School for Aviation Management in Lagos in February 2017, and the Amadeus PR and FARE program, where she obtained a diploma between 2016 and 2018.
In 2021, Queen attended the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, and by 2023, she had graduated from the University of Johannesburg’s School of Tourism and Hospitality, South Africa, solidifying her academic foundation in the industry.
Professional Journey
Sales Associate at Amecon Super Store (2004-2006)
Queen’s career began at Amecon Super Store in Abuja, where she worked as a Sales Associate. Her roles included answering incoming calls, providing information about products and services, and maintaining effective relationships with peers and management. Her keen understanding of customer needs and emerging trends helped her excel in this role.
Customer Care Executive at Protea Hotel (2009-2017)
Queen’s next significant role was as a Customer Care Executive at Protea Hotel in Lagos. Here, she managed a team of representatives, supervised customer service processes, resolved complaints, and created policies to ensure service excellence. Her leadership in training and standardizing service delivery set a high standard for the team, contributing to the hotel’s reputation for outstanding customer service.
Airport Service Agent at Amadeus PNR and FARE (2018-Present)
Currently, Queen works as an Airport Service Agent at Amadeus PNR and FARE in Lagos. Her responsibilities include assembling and issuing travel documentation, acquiring detailed knowledge of services and promotions, and providing assistance to travelers. Her role also involves collaborating with the sales department to arrange large group bookings and ensuring compliance with company regulations for a safe travel environment.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
KARIGO Travels and Tours Limited
In 2016, Queen founded KARIGO Travels and Tours Limited, a company that has since become a leader in the Nigerian travel industry. Her vision for the company is to provide personalized travel experiences that cater to the unique needs of each customer. KARIGO Travels offers a wide range of services, from travel insurance to group bookings for special events like destination weddings.
K.F Tomato Mix Limited
Expanding her entrepreneurial pursuits, Queen established K.F Tomato Mix Limited in 2021. The company has quickly gained recognition for its high-quality tomato products, contributing to Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Queen’s ability to manage multiple successful businesses is a testament to her exceptional organizational and leadership skills.
Professional Memberships and Trainings
Queen’s commitment to professional development is evident through her active participation in various training programs and professional bodies. In 2024, she completed the Basic Life Support and Caregivers First Aid Course with the Nigerian Red Cross Society. She is also a member of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) since 2023 and attended the Google Hustle Academy in 2022.
Queen has been involved in initiatives like Empowering Women in Ghana’s Tourism Industry in 2019 and the Lagos State Employability Support Project in 2018. Her presence at significant industry events such as the African Travel Market in Lagos and the Women in Tourism Summit in Accra, Ghana, showcases her influence and dedication to the sector.
Achievements and Recognitions
Queen’s accomplishments extend beyond her business ventures. She was a guest at the AKWAABA International event held at EKO HOTEL in Lagos, a prestigious event in the African tourism calendar. Additionally, she obtained a certification with Travelscope Tourism Magazine, further validating her expertise and contributions to the industry.
Personal Qualities and Skills
Queen Odegwa Oche is known for her responsibility and friendliness, qualities that make her an exceptional sales and reservations associate. She excels in making customers feel welcome, listening to their needs, and promoting merchandise with care. Her proficiency in merchandising, payment processing, and housekeeping, combined with her excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, make her a standout professional.
Her ability to make quick and effective decisions while maintaining excellent customer service sets her apart. Queen’s high level of ownership and initiative is evident in her career trajectory and the success of her businesses.
Conclusion
Queen Odegwa Oche’s journey from a young girl in Lagos to a respected leader in the tourism and hospitality industry is an inspiring story of dedication, hard work, and vision. Her educational background, professional experience, and entrepreneurial spirit have made her a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s tourism sector. As she continues to lead KARIGO Travels and K.F Tomato Mix Limited, her impact on the industry and her community remains profound and far-reaching.
For more information on Queen Odegwa Oche and her ventures, you can contact her through the following channels:
Email: info@karigotravels.com
Karigotravelandtour@gmail.com
queenodegwaoche@gmail.com
