Twenty-one single women from around Nigeria were brought together by television personality, influencer, actor and News Central’s Breakfast Central Host, Olive Emodi for the first ever “Olive’s Singles PJ Party” held in Lagos, Nigeria. As Christmas is a season of sharing and showing love in many ways, she chose to put smiles on the faces of these women.
Olive’s Singles PJ Party was held at The Jewel Aeida Lagos on the 18th of December 2022 and the twenty-one recipients were given an early Christmas treat inclusive of a free pyjamas, free make-up session, hair styling session, manicure, personalised gift boxes, as well as single and group pyjamas photos.
The twenty-one single women were a mix of unmarried women, widows, divorcees and single mothers, and behind the selection of these women were deep stories that cut across the death of a loved one, heartbreak, hurt and a desire to nurture new connections and genuine sisterhood.
Olive Emodi’s focus on the community of single women was borne out of her own personal experience with loneliness during the festive season. She also realised that the holidays have in many cases brought about feelings of loneliness for many people, hence her decision to do this. She used her Instagram account to reach out not just to the women, but also the vendors who volunteered their goods and services for free as they considered this an opportunity to give back.
Just when the ladies thought they had seen it all, celebrities were brought in as a surprise. Nigerian singer and performer Ric Hassani, serenaded the ladies, much to their delight. Also present were Nigerian screen sweethearts Olayode Juliana, and Lucy Ameh. TV personality Ayo Mairo-Ese who was also present, spoke to the ladies reminding them that marriage should not be seen as an escape. Storyteller and entrepreneur Ifedayo Agoro popularly known as diary of a Naija girl, spoke to the ladies about self-love and living their best lives as single women. The ladies shared their real-life experiences in the most authentic and vulnerable way.
Olive Emodi said that beyond the eating, drinking, makeup and hair that many women wear, they all have deep stories and experiences. She reiterated that being single is great and desiring marriage is also great, women who desire marriage should endeavour to make the best of their single-season and explore the opportunities it presents.
By the end of the day, lots of hugs had been exchanged and tears had been shed. Some women said the event was the best thing that had happened to them all year whilst some shared how the event had helped in rekindling the spirit of Christmas for them. New friendships were forged and new memories were created, as the women discovered a community among themselves. Love, laughter, gift-giving, caring, and sharing are all part of what makes the Christmas season the most wonderful time of the year, and the ladies at the Olive Emodi’s Singles PJ Party can attest to this.
VENDORS LIST
Venue: The Jewel Aeida, Lekki
Pyjamas: @stuchpyjamas
Makeup: @allyberrymakeovers @house_of_aphrodity @kezbeauty @luchi_empire_
Photographers: @bapstudiosng @kayode_ogungbade @lensesthegrapher
Hair Styling: @lifeehairng
Nails: @shoogacroosh
FOOD/EDIBLES
Food: @daaprilskitchen__
Christmas-themed cake: @creamycakes_pastries
Cupcakes: @thebananabreadfairy
Small chops: @_seyitan and @amazoncakesnevents
Parfait: @naturesiphealthycafe
Natural juice: @greenessence_hl
Ginger cookies: @lizsconfectionery
Gift boxes/packaging: @giftmerchants
GIFTS
Face wash: @danglifestyle_
Perfume oil: @theparfumgirl
Perfumes: @mwangaafrica
Mani/Pedi kit: @shoogacroosh
Keyrings: @qamin_nigeria
Satin bonnet: @theaanucompany
Books titled ‘CAN I BE MARRIED ALREADY’- @ifeoma_nwekwo
