Despite the adverse effect of COVID 19 pandemic which has greatly affected the social-cultural sector in the world, many people have fast embraced the “new normal” by adjusting to the safety guidelines in preventing the spread of the deadly virus. The Owambe sector in Nigeria has greatly been affected by this scourge. It has crashed many businesses for people who are in the event business. Gone are the days when large gatherings or social functions are of importance to any celebrant but now, many people have devised other means by making their celebrations special in their own home. Unlike when large partying used to be in vogue, where event halls are beautifully decorated, with music going on, food and drinks for many guests, such things have been cut down now and have also in a way minimized the way people spend millions of money on one party. Now the new thing that is in vogue is how celebrities now turn their homes to event venues where they can conveniently feed only their family members, decorate their houses, set chairs and tables alongside music and still achieve a lovely party though a quiet one.
What captivates one the most is the amount of décor that people decorate their homes with which makes many event decorators smile to the bank despite the lockdown.
In fact, event decoration in Nigeria is a BIG DEAL and people are spending a lot of money to host their events and to impress their friends, families and others in their own way. Another significant thing they do is to host a virtual party which has become the new way of hosting parties right now so the need for decorations and all other things now matter. While some decide to have parties, some just decorate their spaces to take pictures with their family and friends. Some of the many celebrities who have done this in recent time is Oniru of Iru Land, Oba Gbolahan Lawal who clocked 50 years. He had a very private party with close family and friends and his palace was transformed into a beautiful edifice by popular event planner, Zapphire Events. The Aro of Ife, Chief Alex Duduyemi also celebrated his 85th birthday in the confines of his palatial mansion where few guests were entertained. What of Tastee Fried Chicken boss, Chief Mrs Pamela Adedayo? She clocked 70 and it was a beautiful celebration in her home. Her house in particular was transformed into the heavenlies as guests were wowed by the magnitude of beauty. Popular event decorator, Funmbi Oduwole, the CEO of Rostal Flower outdid herself. She displayed what she knows how to do best when she celebrated her 50th birthday, she transformed her home into the heavenlies.
It has now become the new style of celebrating parties in this period. Beautiful decorations in drapes, flowers and balloons for birthdays, house warmings, weddings is now very much in vogue. This costs less, involves less stress and it also goes in line with the safety precautions the new normal has brought.
-TAYO FAJORIN OYEDIJI
