Meet 9 power players steering Nigeria’s corporate event planning industry 

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Nigeria’s corporate event planning industry is fast emerging as a serious economic powerhouse, operating within a multi-billion-dollar ecosystem.

Globally, the corporate event market hit $330.9 billion in 2023 and is forecast to nearly double to $730.7 billion by 2035, growing at a 7% CAGR.

Within Nigeria, this trend plays out in a highly dynamic landscape.

Veteran and boutique event planners alike are organizing everything from investor conferences, product launches, and board retreats to annual general meetings and awards shows.

The scale of the business, combined with its complexity in managing logistics, stakeholder engagement, crisis risks, and guest experience, places top event planners at the centre of corporate brand strategy.

As the market deepens and client demands evolve, a handful of firms are emerging as the most powerful players.

In no particular order, these are some of the planners who are not only executing grand-scale events but also reshaping what premium corporate gatherings look like in Nigeria.

Funke Bucknor

Company: CEO Zapphaire Events 

For more than two decades, Funke Bucknor-Obruthe has helped shape Nigeria’s contemporary events industry, building one of the sector’s most influential brands through her company, Zapphaire Events. Founded in 2002, the Lagos-based firm has delivered over 1,000 events across Nigeria, Ghana, the United Kingdom, and the United States, establishing itself as a benchmark for both intimate and large-scale productions.

The company’s client portfolio spans major corporate and governmental institutions, including Standard Chartered, UBA Bank, CNN, Shell, Schlumberger, Stanbic IBTC, the Nigerian Stock Exchange, and the Osun State Government. Bucknor-Obruthe’s work has also attracted global attention, notably a feature on CNN’s Inside Africa for her role in producing a Nigerian royal wedding.

Before transitioning into event management, she obtained a Law degree from the University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2000. She briefly worked in advertising before pursuing her passion full-time. In addition to leading Zapphaire Events, she serves as Executive Director at Decor by Furtullah. Today, she remains one of the most recognized and influential figures in Nigeria’s events ecosystem.

Yewande Zaccheus- Founder, Eventful Limited 

Founded in 2002, Eventful Nigeria Limited has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading event planning, venue management, and consulting companies, originally established to meet the needs of corporate clients.

The company was founded by Yewande Zaccheaus, a lawyer and former banker with more than 18 years of corporate and legal experience. A graduate of the University of Lagos with an LL.M. from Cambridge University, Zaccheaus previously served as Company Secretary and Legal Adviser at Ecobank Nigeria before resigning at the Deputy General Manager level to establish Eventful.

• She is the convener of 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 street wear. These fairs have become annual landmark events on the Lagos social calendar.
• She received the prestigious International Women’s Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC) Award and served as a Non-Executive Director at Wema Bank. A founding trustee and past chairperson of WIMBIZ, she is also the author of the four-part inspirational book series God’s Waiting Room. Zaccheaus retired from executive leadership in 2021.

The firm’s early success with high-profile corporate events soon attracted requests from private individuals seeking the same level of professionalism for social occasions. This led to the creation of Eventful Corporates and Eventful Celebrations, two business arms designed to address the distinct needs of its varied clientele.

Eventful operates with a commitment to high standards, engaging only reputable service providers with proven expertise and strong ethical records. Its long-standing relationships within the industry enable the company to deliver value, quality, and consistency across every project.

Kunmi Ariyo-CEO MIrus Events 

Kunmi Ariyo is a leading figure in Nigeria’s fast-growing events ecosystem, known for his strategic, data-driven approach to corporate and technology-focused event management.

As the Founder and CEO of Mirus Events, he has built the company into one of the country’s most innovative event firms, delivering high-impact productions for global brands and industry leaders.

With more than a decade of experience, Ariyo has overseen the execution of over 200 major events, working with clients such as Google, YouTube, Spotify, Mastercard Foundation, Facebook, DHL, the CAF Awards, and Infinix.

Recognized among the 60 Most Influential Event Professionals in the 2024 Event Industry Power List, Ariyo stands out for his ability to translate brand objectives into immersive, measurable experiences. His methodology blends creativity with analytics, strategic storytelling, and audience engagement ensuring every event delivers not just visual appeal but quantifiable business results.

Dr Ezekiel Adamu- CEO Balmoral Group 

Dr. Ezekiel Adamu is a Nigerian businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, renowned for his contributions to business, event management, and social impact initiatives. He studied Computer Science at the University of Luton (now University of Bedfordshire). He later earned a Master’s in Financial Decision Analysis from the University of Portsmouth and was awarded a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.Hons) in Business Management & Corporate Governance.

Dr. Adamu is the founder of the Balmoral Group, a diversified enterprise with operations spanning real estate, construction, energy, and event management. Through Balmoral Events, the Group has built a strong reputation for end-to-end event solutions, including strategy development, venue management, operational execution, and concept creation.

With over 16 years of experience, Balmoral Events has executed 5,045 events, developed 347 ideas, and hosted 832 important personalities, working with top-tier clients such as Pepsi, Heineken, Zenith Bank, Lagos State Signage & Advertising Agency, Coca-Cola, Bet9ja, Mikano, Access Bank, MTN, and The Place. Signature productions include Lagos Cocktail Week 2023, Art X Lagos 2022, and Lagos Bridal Fashion Week 2018.

Uche Majekodunmi: Founder Newton & David Events 

Uche Majekodunmi is the visionary founder behind Newton & David Events, one of Nigeria’s premier event decorating and full-service event management companies. Born in Manchester, UK, Majekodunmi studied Theatre Arts at the University of Jos before obtaining a Master’s degree from Liverpool University. Her journey into event design began modestly—creating flower arrangements on her balcony for her church, yet it laid the foundation for what would become a 29-year legacy in the industry.

Founded in 1991, Newton & David Events initially offered floristry services, gradually evolving into a leading event decorating and production company servicing both local and international clients. The company’s name honors her family: “Newton” after her father, and “David” after her paternal grandfather, late brother, and husband. From decorating a neighbor’s wedding to managing high-profile state events and corporate functions, the firm has consistently demonstrated creativity, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence.

Today, Newton & David Events offers integrated spatial and experience design, event management, and production services, producing standout experiences such as the Moët Hennessy Private Business Lunch, CIARB Annual Conference, and Moët Grand Day 2018.

Bisi Sotunde- Lead Planner, Busy Bee events 

Coach Bisi Sotunde CBCM, CMC is a leading entrepreneur, event strategist, and the Managing Director of BusyBee Group, which encompasses events management, an academy, and a rental hub.

With over 13 years of experience, she has planned and executed high-profile corporate functions, weddings, and social events, establishing herself as a formidable force in Nigeria’s events industry.

A certified management consultant, business coach, and mentor, Bisi serves as an International Mentor for the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN Nigeria), a mentor for the Tony Elumelu Foundation, and a brand ambassador for the Cherie Blair Foundation Road2Growth for Women. She was one of six destination event planners selected to represent Africa at the Experiential Planner Expo (EPEX) 2022 in Dubai, fully sponsored by the Dubai Tourism Board.

Through BusyBee Academy, she has trained and mentored over 1,300 event professionals, offering masterclasses, workshops, and mentorship programs. She also convenes the annual BusyBee Event Business Summit and leads the Well Watered Garden Tribe Nation (WWGT), a community of over 250 event entrepreneurs in Nigeria and the diaspora.

Founded 13 years ago, BusyBee Events has delivered projects for clients including Lagos State Government, Visa, Purechem Industries, PwC, and KPMG.

Eunice Adeyemi: Managing Partner Q21 solutions 

Q21 Solutions has built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished corporate event production firms, known for transforming complex briefs into immersive brand experiences. The company specializes in the design, planning, and management of high-impact events for private and corporate clients, delivering consistently polished outcomes from concept to execution

The firm’s creative direction is led by Managing Partner Eunice Adeyemi, also known as Mrs. A, whose 25-plus years of cross-industry experience from technology and manufacturing to telecoms and financial services shape the company’s bold approach.

Her razor-sharp understanding of strategy, design, and logistics has enabled Q21 to deliver standout experiences for leading brands, including MultiChoice, SAP, Microsoft, Oracle, Jameson, Coca-Cola, Martell, Tiger, Heineken, Access Bank, First E&P, and Sahara.

Tayo Olugbemi- CEO Innate arts and media 

Innate Arts & Media Ltd has grown into one of Nigeria’s standout event and media production companies, with nearly two decades of experience shaping high-profile engagements across the country.

At the helm is founder and CEO Tayo Olugbemi, a respected industry veteran with more than two decades of experience. Backed by strong academic training in economics and business administration, he blends strategic insight with creative innovation.

Under his leadership, Innate Arts & Media has become known for transformative event environments and consistently delivering experiences that exceed client expectations.

Founded in 2006, the company delivers complete event solutions ranging from concept design and set production to photography, videography, sound, and ambience making it a one-stop shop for clients seeking seamless execution. With over 16 years of expertise in event design and management, Innate Arts & Media curates weddings, conferences, product launches, seminars, dinners, and large-scale national events.

The firm’s extensive portfolio features major national and international clients, including Kenya Airways, Ecobank, USAID, UNFPA, Air France, and UN Women.

Its role in high-stakes events such as the 2023 Presidential Inauguration, FAAN National Aviation Conference, 2022 World Toilet Summit, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, CIBN Conferences, and the 2023 Channels Presidential Townhall highlights its capacity for large-scale, complex productions.

Ugochi Nwachukwu: Founder Enchanted Events 

Ugochi Nwachukwu, Founder and Creative Director of Enchanted Events, has built one of Nigeria’s most respected event design and planning brands through global training, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. An internationally certified designer and event planner, she has dedicated years to learning from leading experts around the world, a journey that defines the meticulous standard her company is known for today.

Driven by a passion for crafting unforgettable experiences, Ugochi established Enchanted Events with a clear vision: to lift the burden of planning from clients while delivering events that captivate, inspire, and leave lasting impressions. Under her leadership, the company has grown into a preferred partner for high-profile clients and institutions, including Heirs Holdings, NIMC, the British High Commission, the Netherlands Royal Embassy, UNDP, UBA, among others.

As Creative Director, she is committed to designing experiences that reflect each client’s unique vision, blending imagination with precision and professionalism.

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Note: The individuals featured in this compilation have been carefully selected by a distinguished panel of editors, experts, and analysts at Nairametrics. It is important to note that none of the individuals listed have solicited their inclusion. 

While this list aims to be comprehensive, it is by no means exhaustive; numerous other contributors have played significant roles in advancing the corporate event planning and management industry in Nigeria. This compilation is exclusive to Nairametrics and may be updated periodically to reflect changes and advancements in the field. Feedback will be appreciated.