Every day is a great day to celebrate women! But on March 8, the world makes it official with International Women’s Day (IWD).

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Each year, this day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made toward gender equality and highlights the work that still needs to be done.

This year’s campaign theme is Inspire Inclusion, which emphasizes the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society.  It is aimed at uniting women to pave the way for a future where all women have opportunities to thrive.  The concept of inclusion also includes an actionable commitment that enriches our communities, workplaces, and societies.

This year’s campaign theme also underscores the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality. It calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected. Inspire Inclusion encourages everyone to recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those in the Nigerian Event Industry that has contributed so much to the Nigerian Economy.

The Nigerian Event Industry, from being overlooked in favor of more lucrative industries like oil and gas, to becoming a $20 billion industry, a figure projected to put the industry on the list of the most extravagant in the world, is growing by the year.

The growth of event management in Nigeria’s economy can be attributed to several factors such as the increase in disposable income, leading to a rise in demand for events and celebrations as well as our diverse culture and a wide range of celebrations. Therefore, there is a constant need for professionals who can organize and manage these events effectively.

As the world comes together to celebrate the 2024 International Women’s Day, it’s essential to celebrate the contributions of these Top 30 Women Leaders who have invested a lot of energy, time, and total dedication to their craft thus contributing to the development of the Nigerian Events Industry.

About BusyBee Excellence Awards;

The BusyBee Excellence Awards was created to celebrate true excellence in the Nigerian Events industry, an offshoot of the prestigious Africa’s largest summit The BusyBee Event Business Summit, a conference which comes up yearly in November.

In the spirit of celebrating true excellence, BusyBee Excellence Awards is pleased to unveil the Top 30 Female Leaders  who have shaped the Nigerian Event Industry since inception till date.

Let’s take a closer look at the experiences of these exceptional women and the impact they are making in the industry nationwide.

Yewande Zacchaeus.  Founder, Eventful Limited.

Yewande Zacchaeus is the CEO of Eventful Ltd, a leading events planning and consulting company in Nigeria. She studied Law at the University of Lagos and thereafter obtained an LL.M. from Cambridge University, England. After a successful career in law and banking Yewande established her own business, Eventful Ltd in 2002. Eventful is the pioneer and a market leader in the events and venue management and consulting business in Nigeria.

Yewande’s passion for redefining the events in Nigeria gave birth to the following brands:  The Food Souk, a world-class food, and beverage fair, The Beauty Souk, a niche fair for beauty enthusiasts, The Fashion Souk, a fashion fair showcasing the value chain of the Nigerian fashion business and The Street Souk, a fair for millennials featuring urban streetwear. These fairs have become annual landmark events on the Lagos social calendar.

In 2015, she received the Game Changer Award from THISDAY Newspapers for her pioneering contributions to the event planning industry in Nigeria.

Funke Bucknor-Obruthe. Founder, Zapphaire Events

Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, the dancing event planner full of positive vibes, is the founder and CEO of Zapphaire Events, the author of The Essential Bridal Handbook, and the Creator of Funke Says.

Zapphaire Event is one of Nigeria’s leading event planning and management companies. She has won several awards for her innovative and creative approach to event planning, and her company has organized high-profile events for clients such as Coca-Cola HBC, Samsung Electronics, and Google.

Over the years, Funke Bucknor-Obruthe has made a name for herself through her hard work and doggedness. She has been running her company, Zapphaire Events, for over 20 years.

As one of the early practitioners in the event industry in Nigeria, she stated that it took her self-belief, courage, hard work, and focus to make her company successful. She added that the spirit of excellence constantly drives her to achieve more, an inspiration to Women all over the world. She is also the Convener of the Event Experience Africa (TEXA), an annual educative and immersive conference for professionals in the African Event industry for sustainable businesses in the industry.

Late Ibidunni Ighodalo, Founder, Elizabeth R Events

The Late Ibdunni Ighodalo was a trail-blazing event management expert, a philanthropist, and a co-pastor of Trinity House Church. She was also the founder of Elizabeth R, an event and public relations company. She was the Founder of Ibidunni Ighodalo Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on supporting families with infertility challenges.

Ibudunni Ighodalo’s fame as an events manager was legendary. She deployed amazing precision and attention to detail that resulted in the complete transformation of any space into a spectacular setting. Even after her death, the company has positioned itself to provide total events management services from start to finish; including logistics, decoration, media coverage, entertainment, and catering. As a testimony to her astuteness, there is The Dorchester, a 3000-capacity event hall in the Oniru area of Lagos.

Through her Foundation, Ibidunni Ighodalo made families happy through her work on IVF funding, which brought children to life and saved many marriages. Those families will always remember her for her kind and inclusive gestures.

Ibidunnni Ighodalo died in Port Harcourt, Rivers State in the early hours of Sunday, June 14, 2020. May her soul continue to rest in peace. Amen

Omolara Akinosho-Akande. CEO, Just Weddings/JW Events

Omolara Akinosho Akande is one of the pioneers in the Event Industry in Nigeria. She is the CEO of Just Weddings, a company she started in 1999. From coordinating its first wedding in 2000, JW Events, as it is popularly called, has quickly become a trusted name in meeting the needs of its clients planning to have their dream events in Nigeria in its niche market, creating chic, elegant, fun events and has been variously described as the “WOW” factor company in full-Service wedding planning and unique event designing. Omolara is the Founder of Association of Professional Party Organizers and Event Managers in Nigeria (APPOEMN)

Gbemisola Ope, CEO, Omega Events Company

Gbemisola Ope is an Events Professional with over 17 years of experience. Her professional and business experience to date covers Events Management, PR, Human Resources, Customer Relations, Budget Event Design/Concept and Procurement. She has successfully handled weddings, seminars, end-of-year parties, and product launches for top private individuals and corporate organizations. Lagos.  Gbemisola started her professional and business experience with Adex Advertising (Chicago, Illinois) as a Public Relations Associate, and moved on to First Data Corporation (Houston, Texas) as a Senior Customer Service Representative as well as a Customer Service Corporate Trainer. She went on to join Trafalgar Energy Holding LLC (Houston, Texas) as a Human Resources Consultant before relocating to the United Kingdom to join City & Guilds (London, United Kingdom) as a Human Resources Coordinator. She relocated finally to Nigeria where she set up Omega Events and has led her team since then. She sit as  a Board Member of APPOEMN.

Olufumbi Akinyosoye, CEO Dunamis Events

Olufunbi Akinsoye is the CEO of Dunamis Events, a company that has been designing and Planning hitch-free events since 2000. With over 20 years of experience in the events industry, her passion and dogged determination to improve and contribute her quota to the growth of the event sector and industry as a whole are immeasurable.

Funbi has imparted over 300 entrepreneurs and new entrants in the event industry through her training school. She currently coaches and mentors several budding event entrepreneurs, an initiative that has contributed to women’s empowerment and inclusivity.

Having received so many awards like the Exquisite Lady of the Year (ELOY), Awards for the Event Company of the Year, Honors Roll of Passion & Poise, Entrepreneur Amazon of the Year, and other Role model awards, her quest for excellent performance in every sphere of life knows no bounds.

In addition to these modest professional accomplishments, she feels called to participate in humanitarian works such as The positive impact on the Ijora-Badiya feed 5,000 projects which she handled in conjunction with Restructure Africa as an upstanding board member. She’s also on the Founding Advisory Board for Feed a Mouth Initiative, an NGO.

She is the current President of the Association of Professional Party Organisers & Event Managers of Nigeria (APPOEMN)

Adefunke Kuyoro, CEO of TWC Events Services.

Adefunke Kuyoro is the CEO of TWC Events, known for her expertise in organizing and executing high-profile events, including weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings. Adefunke has a passion for creating memorable experiences for her clients and pays close attention to every detail to ensure that the event is a success.

Mrs K as fondly called is the Immediate Past President of the Association of Professional Party Organizers and Event Managers in Nigeria (APPOEMN).  Through her Training academy called TWC Academy, she has trained hundreds of entrepreneurs thereby enriching the knowledge base of the industry.  She could be best described as an experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the events services industry. Skilled in Event Management, Weddings, Anniversaries, Sponsorship, and Wedding Planning.

She is the current Chairperson of NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women NNEW, Lagos Chapter.

Ayiri Oladunmoye, Founder and CEO of Oaken Events Limited.

Ayiri is the CEO of Oaken Events, with over 15 years’ experience in the Events Industry. She sits as the Executive Director of Corporate Planning and Management, at Del-York Group, one of the largest event companies in Africa. Through her business experience, this ex-banker and Human Resource expert is highly skilled, creative & dedicated, has succeeded in creating a niche for her brand.

With an intimate passion for event management, Ayiri Oladunmoye began her career in the event planning industry, when she planned her wedding in 2002 and several other events for charity organizations and friends. Urged by family and friends to pursue her passion in event management, fully led to the birthing of Oaken Events in 2009. A full-service event design, consultation, and management company. A dedicated and oriented person and highly creative in her design concepts, she has succeeded in creating a niche for her brand.

• Founder & Conference host, Atinuda, an Event conference and exhibition that is held to raise standards within the event industry in Africa.
• Founder of African Silent Heros Foundation, a foundation that recognizes, honors, and rewards individuals or groups of individuals in Africa who over the years have quietly and positively impacted their communities
• Founder, Ora Rae Hope Alive Foundation, a foundation that believes that every child deserves to be empowered and educated.

Ayiri Has organized numerous successful high-profile events within and beyond the shores of Nigeria. Her clients love her because they can rest assured of her executing their events flawlessly, with a great level of personalization and topmost confidentiality. Besides planning and designing events,

Bisi Sotunde. CEO, BusyBEE Events.

Coach Bisi, as she is popularly called is an Award winning International Events Planner, Thought Leader and Influencer. She is the MD of BusyBee Events, A full service events planning and management company based in Lagos Nigeria.

Bisi is a force to reckon with in the Events industry, having successfully planned and managed several high-profile events from Corporate Functions, Weddings, and Parties for over 15 years.

She is a trained facilitator in events management and entrepreneurship, a certified management consultant, business coach and mentor. She is an International Mentor for the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN Nigeria), a Mentor for the Tony Elumelu Foundation, a Brand Ambassador to the Cherie Blair Foundation Road2Growth for Women amongst others.

Bisi is known as the ‘Jagaban’ of the Nigerian Events Industry,  her influence,impacts and platforms, have built strong brands who are doing great in the industry.

Bisi has represented Nigeria/Africa, in various conferences and leadership retreats by virtue of sponsored trips by the Dubai Economy and Tourism Board as well as Abu Dhabi Culture and Tourism Board.

In January 2023, Bisi led a team of 20 Nigerian Wedding Planners to the Dubai Global Wedding Excellence Retreat, an initiative of the Dubai Government which was fully sponsored.

Bisi  Sotunde has clinched several awards to her name for her impact and contributions to the growth of the wedding industry such as;  Event Planner of the Year 2023, Top 50 Influential Icons in Nigeria, Most Supportive Coach of the Year, Golden Mentor of the Year, Most Innovative Events Planner, 40 Female achievers in Lagos, 40 under 40 outstanding event professionals of the year amongst other international recognitions.

Through her training school BusyBeeAcademy, she has trained, mentored, and coached over 2000 event professionals through planning/decoration classes, masterclass workshops, and mentoring programs.

Bisi is the convener of the BusyBee Event Business Summit, a yearly conference put together since 2017 to foster sound entrepreneurial practices amongst event professionals

She also sits as the Leader of the Thriving Business Network -The Well-Watered Garden Tribe Nation (WWGT), A community for forward thinking event professionals who are intentional about taking their businesses to the next level with a membership of over 350 people cut across Nigeria and Diaspora.

Kehinde Iyiola. CEO, Finesse Events & White Stone Hall

Kehinde Onabanjo Iyiola is the brain behind Finesse Events as well as the magnificent White Stone Hall,Ikeja Lagos.  Kenny as she is fondly called, will leave one completely awed, especially if you were privileged to have heard of, or come to terms with her tremendous exploits in the hospitality industry. Beautiful, intelligent, jovial, highly attentive, and upwardly mobile.

Kenny, is the epitome of self-discipline, determination, commitment to duty, focus, and hard work.  She exposed her inner self, beliefs, the story behind the glory, and why her projects. Takes pride in delivering WOW experiences in event planning, Event Decor, and event rentals.

Over the years, Finesse Events has been able to handle several big events, such as the 60th birthday ceremonies for President Bola Tinubu; the burial of the mother of Governor Seyi Makinde the coronation of Oba Saheed Elegushi, as well as of the Oba of Ojora, and Oba Oniru.  They also handled the 80th birthday celebration of Chief Rasaq Okoya.

Bisola Borha. CEO, TrendyBe Events

Bisola Borha is a creative wedding, and experiential event planner and the CEO of TRENDYBE EVENTS Production, a company known for producing spectacular weddings and memorable events all over the globe before launching her event company, she worked cumulatively in the Nigerian corporate space for 5 years, first at The Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) then, Cotecna Destination Inspection Limited (CDIL).

For her contributions to the Event Planning Industry in Nigeria, Bisola has been awarded several awards notably, 2022/2023 Top 100 Event Planner in the World recognition by Destination Wedding Planner (DWP)Top Event Planners in Africa in 2016 by the Dubai Tourism Group, Award for Business 2017 by The Future Awards Africa (an Award recognized by Forbes as the most important Award for the Outstanding Young Africans), Event Management Company of the Year 2018 (MAYA Awards).

Since establishing TrendyBee Production in 2013, the company has been widely known for breaking boundaries while creating jaw-dropping events, thus earning several recognitions and awards internationally and locally for creating unforgettable jaw–dropping event experiences for their clients and guests. For Bisola Borha, it is #DreamBigDoBig

Adeola Okeshola. CEO, 2706 Events

Adeola Okeshola is the Principal Experience Manager and CEO of 2706 Events, a company known as the most sought-after bespoke bridal, social, and corporate event planning company, specializing in crafting exquisite events such as marquee weddings, destination weddings, corporate functions, and private parties.

A trained investment banker and finance advisor who has worked with Citigroup UK and Chapel Hill Denham in Lagos, Nigeria.

Variously featured on the Destination Wedding Planners Top Planner 2023-2024, Adeola Okeshola is the ‘go-to’ wedding expert for couples living local and abroad who desire a bespoke unforgettable experience, on that special day!

With a strong appetite for innovation, professionalism is driven by impeccable creativity and passion for planning exceptional weddings, events, and parties. 2706 Events always exceed expectations and deliver long-lasting beautiful memories from special celebrations.

For Adeola Okeshola, ‘If you can dream it, you can do it”

Mosunmola Nicole Akinwamide. CEO, IPC Events

Mosunmola Nicole Akinwamide, popularly known as MNA, is the CEO of IPC Events, commonly known for creating Unique/Mind blowing Events Experiences all over the world for the past 15 years,

MNA has led the Nigerian event industry to unimaginable heights and has disrupted the event industry with her usual creative expressions, formidable mind, and with the cut-throat innovations and mind-blowing ideas. for someone who has run a successful event business for over a decade and half. Mosunmola continues to blaze the trail and sets newer standards.

Mosunmola Nicole Akinwamide is a multiple award-winning event producer, known for her creative and elegant style, her attention to detail, and her ability to create magical experiences that heighten the five senses.

MNA is also a renowned author, recognized as one of Africa’s top celebrity wedding, and destination event planners who has achieved remarkable success in her field as the CEO of IPC Events, a Pan-African brand.

She is the author of ‘The Magic of Moments’, a best-selling book that sold over 6000 hard copies in less than 45 days of pre-release. She has planned and executed over 800 events, ranging from weddings to destination events, for celebrities and discerning clients in the last 15 years.

An alumnus of the Pan Atlantic University of the Lagos Business School, she holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Lagos, and certification from the Event School, London. MNA is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a mentor and teacher. She is passionate about empowering the next generation of event planners by providing them with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in the industry. She recently launched an online platform INVENTAA exclusively for event professionals, business owners and entrepreneurs

Ifeoma Stella Okoye CEO, STM Magical creation

Ifeoma Stella Okoye is an internationally certified event planner and beauty artist. A lawyer by profession, however, her passion and nag for creativity led her into all things events and beauty. After 6 years of active legal practice and 4 years as a human resource specialist, she founded STM Magical Creations Ltd 7 years ago. STM Magical Creations Ltd is an Event Planning and Beauty company known for creating detailed event experiences and subtle beauty globally.

She loves teaching and impacting, therefore in addition to her company, she is presently a senior lecturer teaching Event Management for the Executive Master Program at the University of Nigeria Business School, Enugu Campus. She also started under her company the STM Magical Creations Event Academy in 2021, presently the best Event Training Academy in South East Nigeria.

Undoubtedly very detailed, creative, and professional, she is an exceptional event planner who pays attention to details, an educator, and a talented beauty artist. Her company was selected by Facebook as one of the leading SMEs in Nigeria and therefore appointed her as a member of the Facebook Council of Nigeria in 2016. She is the Education Officer for EOPANSE (Event Organizers and Practitioners Association of Nigeria South East). She is a member of APPOEMN (Association of Professional Party Organizers and Event Managers of Nigeria). She has won several awards including Event Personality of the Year and Makeup Artist of the Year at the Xperience Womanity Awards in 2015. She’s graced speaking engagements for African Global Events Industry Summit, She Leads Africa, Facebook, and EOPANSE.

Queen Ohamara. CEO, Qmara Vie Planners:

Queen Ohamara is the founder and CEO of Qmara Vie Planners, a luxury event planning company to helps manage budgets and relieve clients of the stress of planning events.  Qmaravie is one of the biggest event planning outfits in Abuja giving events the desired touch of music, colors, discussions, and decorations. a boutique events management that caters to the unique, refined, and sometimes niche tastes of a wide spectrum of clients both individual and corporate, home and abroad.

After securing a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Abuja, she decided to pursue a career from her love of organizing and flare for creative design. She went to work for a reputable events planning company where she honed her skills, acquired a wealth of knowledge about the industry as well as its shortcomings, and gained experience in the events planning industry.

In 2015 she launched her brainchild, Qmara Vie Planners, through which she not only intended to bring her vision to life but also provide a bespoke hands-on management and planning experience. Nine years on she has had the privilege of planning a slew of high profile events around the country for both corporate and private clients.

In Nov 2019 she was featured in Forbes Africa Magazine and graced a page on The Rising Woman Series as one of the CEOs of a fast-growing establishment that specializes in adding sophistication and luxury to their client’s event with a sense of modernity.

She is constantly working on new ways to merge the latest techniques and technologies with the signature warmth and personal approach her brand is known for.

Lara Hans. CEO, The Planning Company.

Lara Hans is the creative director of The Planning Company, an events management and planning company with over 10 years of experience in Abuja. Before starting her own company, Lara Hans worked for other renowned event companies, including Red Sapphire Nig. Ltd. and Blue Velvet Décor, among others, where she gained valuable experience in event design, décor, protocol, and logistics, vendor management, marketing, and brand communications. A graduate of Health Science and Social Care, Jennifer holds a second degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution. Her signature style is creating an atmosphere where every client feels heard and comfortable through the entire planning process.

Lara handled several high-profile projects including leading the team that handled the First Pan African Health Summit in Africa amongst others.

She has actively deployed this experience into The Planning Company, which has seen her being recognized by Wedding Planner World Magazine, as one of the Top 10 Event Planners Trending in 2017. She was a panelist at the Maiden Edition of The Event Experience Africa 2019(TEXA) as well as on other platforms across the industry.

Lara is known for always going the extra mile and delivering unfailingly regardless of pressure without compromising on standards and her integrity. In keeping with her strength of character, she has led The Planning Company to always create a sincere, extremely open and honest business relationships with clients and vendors alike.

When she is not working, she spends her time traveling to new places or reading any book she can lay her hands on.

Tolu Akinlade. CEO, The Chimera Company

In the dynamic world of event planning and hospitality in Africa, one name shines brighter than the rest – Tolulope Akinlade.  She is the CEO/Event Director of the Chimera Company, a prominent event management company in Nigeria, and the convener of the African Hospitality and Event Management Conference (AHEM-C), this esteemed organization is committed to advancing the growth of the Hospitality, Events, and Tourism industry across Africa.

Known as the “Doyenne of events,” Tolulope boasts of over a decade of experience and mentions, exceptional leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence have propelled us to the forefront of the industry. She hosted a luxury Masterclass in Abuja/Lagos which had the very popular Walid Baz , one of Lebanese Wedding Designers as a facilitator.

Doubra Emein, CEO, Brad E Events

Doubra Emein is the CEO of Brad E Events, an events management and decoration company based in Warri, Delta State. She is a graduate of management and accounting from OAU, Ile-Ife. She transitioned from Accounting into the events industry field seamlessly by establishing her own company in 2010. Doubra is well known in the South-South region of Nigeria, where she has planned and executed mind-blowing and incredible events. She is also the Founder and convener of The Business Women Connect (TBWC) —  an initiative born out of the need to motivate, teach, encourage, and form a community of businesswomen in the Niger Delta region.

Sharon Madueke.  CEO, Shamol Experience

Creative Director Shamol Experience. Popularly known as ‘QUEEN OF THE EAST’ because of the outstanding traditional wedding events executed by her in the South East Region of Nigeria.

In 2021, she won an Award of Excellence (Eastern Region).  Her influence in the East has changed the narratives in the way events are been done in that region and has also brought spotlight to that region.

Shamol Experience is a Planning, Consultation and Styling outfit based in, Enugu, and has expanded into Lagos, Abuja and Diaspora. She runs Destination experience by Sharon to cater to Destination Events.

Chidinma Francis, Chrystal by Chee

Popularly known as The Undisputed Queen of the East, Chidinma Francis is the CEO of Chrystal by Chee, an International Event Professionals based in South East of Nigeria, Abuja, Lagos with the capacity to plan destination events.  They don’t just plan; they curate Unforgettable Experiences. Some of the unforgettable experiences they have created is the reception of former President Buhari’s visit to Imo State for conference and retreat for Police Officers, 2022.

Kikelomo Idowu, CEO, Kyksie Drapes Events

Kikelomo Olayeni Idowu is the CEO of Kyksie Drapes Events and Interior. Kike is an award-winning 360-degree event and Interiors professional, specializing in event styling, interior designs, event planning, and coordination and has been in the event industry for over 16 years.

Idowu, the Ibadan based expert, who got enlisted as one of the most influential personalities in Ibadan, is a lover of aesthetics and creative innovations which has earned her many high-profile clients such as FCMB, Coca-Cola, Olubadan of Ibadan event, Alaafin of Oyo’s event, Chief Kuye’s family etc

She currently runs The Mind Club, a community dedicated to nurturing positive thoughts, emotional well-being and mental health.

She is a prominent member of Well-Watered Garden Tribe Nation (WWGT), a community for forward thinking event professionals who are intentional about taking their businesses to the next level. She was recently recognized with an Award for her Excellent Leadership in the Events Industry.

Adeife Abiodun-Adeyemi. CEO, Ifectiv Touch

Adeife Abiodun-Adeyemi is the CEO of Ifectiv Touch, a tech-savvy event professional, the Package with Sense Coach, Event planner, Author, Speaker, and Digital entrepreneur. She is an award-winning event planner with over 10 years of experience. In addition, she is an author and a business coach with hundreds of trainees and mentees to her credit including her recently released “Unlocking the Secrets to Client Attraction and Retention; The Ultimate Guide for Service Business CEOs.”

As a business packaging expert, Adeife is on a mission to help event professionals take their businesses online so that they can be more visible, make a global impact, and create wealth.

Today, Ifectiv Touch offers full event planning and management, professional event ushering, VIP hospitality, and virtual/hybrid event management, offering these services for corporate and selected social events.

In 2018, Adeife founded The Event Managers Community to bring together aspiring and established event managers majorly from Africa, so that they can get easy access to mentoring, a large network of like-minds they can collaborate with, and also get first-hand and genuine reports about the event industry thereby inspiring and promoting inclusivity, especially of women.

Adeife Abiodun-Adeyemi is also the Lead Coach, at Ife’ctiv Touch Academy, where she has trained over 1000 individuals in event ushering, coordination, and event management. This community is powered by Ife’ctiv Touch Academy.

EBUNLOMO TAIYESE BOLUWATIFE. CEO NPU Events

Ebunlomo  Tayese Boluwatife is an event consultant and the Founder of NPU Events now NUBE EVENTS AND LOGISITICS LTD.

An event planning firm with vast experience with numerous clientele. A firm in event planning, consultancy logistics, and rentals.   Ebunlomo trained from the prestigious Wed Academy and has attended numerous Event master classes in Nigeria and overseas. She has since gone on to plan several high-profile events in Nigeria.  She is a certified member of (APPOEMN) and the Rental Association of Nigeria.

Ebunlomo- Taiyese has bagged numerous awards for her entrepreneurial skills and being a vibrant personality in the event industry within the southwest and beyond. She yearned for accurate awareness for event planners and vendors in Ogun state which has made her start-up all event vendor exhibitions in Ogun state tagged MY GRAND EVENT OGUN STATE which is meant to serve as a veritable platform for all event vendors and business owners to exhibit, learn, showcase their brands and sell their services to the world which was a huge success with the first maiden edition in 2017, till date which has now become a yearly event.

She loves to inspire young ladies to get better at what they do using all the God-given wisdom and skills that they have. She has through her generosity and philanthropic nature, helped a lot of young and old people in pursuing their dreams.

Ebunlomo has been recognized for being exceptional with her service delivery and contributions to the event growth in Ogun state.

Abidemi Abisola Adeyemi, FPAN, ACIPM. CEO, Tammys Event

Abidemi Abisola Adeyemi is the CEO of Tammys Event as well as a Tammys Event Training Academy. The company is a full-service event planning, management, and decoration company that handles large-scale corporate and social events with over 10 years of industry experience with clientele such as the Ogun State Government. She is indeed a go to event planner in that region.

Abidemi is a trained facilitator in event management, decoration, and entrepreneurship. She recently opened a first-of-its-kind academy Abeokuta to cater to the training needs of young upcoming event professionals and masterclasses for professionals.  She recently won The Most Influential Industry Leader Award. She is indeed a Leading Event Professional who has changed the narratives of doing business in Ogun state and its environs.

Maryam Haruna. CEO, Chocolate Signature Events

Maryam Haruna is the owner of Chocolate Signature Events based in Kaduna. The event company specializes in wedding planning. The services provided include budget creation and planning, bridal consultancy, vendor sourcing and recommendation, and venue sourcing. In December 2023, Marya was recognized amongst Top 10 Northern  Queens in the Event Industry by Thisday Life style Magazine.

Stella Abiodun Akinola. CEO Damleky Events    

Damleky Events was founded about 26 years ago by Stella Abiodun Akinola, with several awards to her,  Damleky Events is a leading brand in the events and hospitality industry in Ekiti state. With a modern equipped and state of the art 2000 seaters multipurpose hall and over 50 staff, Damlek Events is well positioned as a trailblazer in the events planning and management industry in Ekiti state . The organization has hosted over 1,000 events across 30 states and the federal capital territory . Damleky Events has trained over 350 direct and indirect trainees over the years and still counting.

Damleky Events’ hallmark of excellence, efficiency, ingenuity, and service delivery has positioned them as the choice of party organizers in Nigeria.  Mrs Akinola is the current Western Regional Leader of the Well Watered Garden Tribe (WWGT) Community

Chioma Obiefuna. CEO, Kristafield Events

Popularly known as The Fairy Godmother, Chioma Obiefuna is the CEO of Kristafield Events and the Convener, of The Event Clinic.

Chioma discovered that she had an eye for creating table décor and room settings; she had a true flair for colors, patterns, and design and also planning processes. She decided to become a Pro.

She has attended so many seminars related to Events management, including that of EDGE school in Lagos, hence mastering the arts of business. She learned her event expertise under the tutorship of Events Institutes in Lagos, and also Cotonou, before starting up her outfit, Kristafield Events in September 2010.

While recognized for her expertise in planning weddings and events, Chioma is known for her vast knowledge in events-related business and has been delivering/giving talks at spectacular results-oriented events like masterclasses, seminars, Training, etc.

The Fairy godmother is a teacher, facilitator, and mentor to so many startup eventpreneurs.

During the COVID period, she launched her personal brand @thefairygodmother_ng, which is in charge of brand and personal consulting for Eventpreneurs.

She also became the author of the book ‘The Money Well’, released Podcasts, and has gone ahead to do amazing things with this new brand.

She won the Event Planner of the Year Award organized by the Association of Event Vendors Nigeria in February 2020. On how she became the fairy godmother, Chioma Obiefuna has this to say:

“I started my business because I love weddings and have a passion for planning weddings and events. I have planned and coordinated several weddings and events. I have such a passion for helping people bring together a vision, seeing it through to the end, and being able to sit back and see the joy, laughter, and love it brings. My experience, organizational skills, attention to detail, creativity, and ability to manage situations earned me the name, “the fairy godmother”.

Nike Akinyemi. CEO, Kolony Events

Nike Akinyemi, the queen of décor, is one of Nigeria’s Top Event Decorators with about 10 years of experience. She has successfully designed luxury weddings and corporate and Social events for high-network individuals and multinational corporate organizations.  Nike started her business professionally in 2011 and had Lagos state government as a major client in 2014.

Having handled over 1000 events since its inception, her business experience has allowed her to mentor many upcoming decorators in the event industry, and has trained over 50 successful students in the event decor industry.

In 2017, she diversified into Events Decor Rentals having accumulated lots of decor assets over the years. Being known for service excellence, in 2019, she was presented an Award for Best Party Props & Shop Company by the most famous Events industry body in Nigeria, APPOEMN, She is the current Finance Director of APPOEMN

Adenike is taking event designs to new heights with larger-than-life props that captivate. From eye-catching installations to imaginative decor, these big statement pieces promise to leave a lasting impression on clients, creating unforgettable experiences.

Maria-Pamela Nwonu. CEO, Nwandos Signature Events

The very dynamic and delectable Maria-Pamela Nwonu is the CEO of Nwandos Signature Events holds a degree in Statistics from the UniAbuja, a Master’s in Statistics from the University of Lagos, another M.Sc., in Computing and Information Technology, from Northumbria University Newcastle, United Kingdom.

A very creative individual and had always aspired to be a successful Designer which was why it wasn’t so difficult to diversify her focus from Science to Art. Pamella has the vision to make every event an everlasting dream by paying strict attention to details of the client’s wants, and most importantly making their dream a reality. She is especially popular for the fairytale and magical ambiance she brings to her events and weddings. Indeed, she is a true sage in the industry and a great advocate for work-personal life balance.

Maria has a strong love for research works and this has empowered and motivated her to be what she is today. Her working experience in MTN, a multinational company has also propelled her a lot in being very strategic. She is inspired by the beauty of creating extraordinary events and she loves what she does so much.

Pamella has built her brand to a high level such that they are one of the Top most recognized Events Decoration Companies in Nigeria. NWANDO’S SIGNATURE has built a strong brand to be reckoned with over the years coupled with its unique service and professionalism; which is why Nwandos is the most mentioned name when Big Events are being discussed.

Ibidunni Layade. CEO, Dunnice Events and  Catering.

Ibidunni Layade, popularly known as Dunnice, is one of Nigeria’s top Event Companies.

Dunnice, started her entrepreneurial journey in 2006 with Events & Interior Designs.

Having handled over 1,200 events since inception, her business experience has allowed her to mentor many upcoming entrepreneurs in the events industry. Late last year, she was invited by the President of Ekiti State Caterers Association of Nigeria to speak to over 500 caterers.

In May 2020, during the lockdown, she commenced the production of Food Trays (which were christened Appreciation Trays), Food in Bowls, and Celebration Boxes.

She serves as a Private Chef for homes while offering Organic Spice Cooking & Training on how to cook without stock cubes.

As part of revitalizing her  business, she trained in fruit styling to promote a healthy lifestyle.

She has also trained with one of the best in event design to perfect her design skills. She is an expert in florals & now does floral arrangements for other decorators through her Events Design and Management Brand, Dunnice Events.

Ibidunni has been featured in various publications which include This Day, Business Day, and The Nation.

She is a member of APPOEMN and has been a great support to the Events industry and Nigeria as a whole, by creating job opportunities for youths. She is also a prominent member of the Thriving Business Group -The Well-Watered Garden Tribe Nation (WWGT).  In 2023, she won The Most Supportive Industry Leader.

Ibidunni is married to an amazingly supportive man, and they are blessed with incredible children.

About BusyBEE Excellence Awards.

The BusyBEE Excellence Awards was created to celebrate true excellence in the Nigerian Events industry as part of the yearly BusyBee Event Business Summit. The BusyBEE Excellence Awards is a Night of Glitz, Glamour, and a Night to showcase nit just innovation in ideas but also in presentation to give a unique story, capturing attention and leaving a lasting impression.