The event business in Nigeria is booming right now. And the industry is providing jobs for many people.
Lagos is one of the many cities that boast of different events and parties almost on a daily basis. And there are many event vendors who work round the clock to ensure the success of these events.
They are Professional Vendors who make parties tick. They complete every event. There are no events without these people.
They are the event planners, decorators, cake bakers, musicians, caterers, aso-oke merchants, security personnel, make up artistes, photographers, event comperes and the likes.
Let us start with the event centres. This is where all these big events happen. On this list is Eko Hotel Convention Centre. It is still the preferred venue for the elites. There is no weekend that events would not hold there, be it birthdays, weddings, seminars, cocktails and so on. What works for them is the availability of different sections of the hall according to guest size. It is a one-stop event centre when it comes to parking and maximum security.
There is also the newly built event centre in Lekki called The Monarch. It is very beautiful and spacious. The centre is always booked for events. One selling point for the centre is the Victorian Style look. It has become the most patronised space for photoshoots. Another place, also on the Island, is Oriental Hotel. This venue is often used week in, week out. It boasts of a large parking space and security is highly guaranteed.
Let us also mention Landmark Hall, it is well patronised and big that many guests have options of other events inside the magnificent event centre.
In Victoria Island, another big centre, which ranks next to Eko Hotel is The Balmoral Convention Centre. It is located inside the Federal Palace Hotel and this place has almost become the number one most used event centre on the Island. It has hostel many huge events from top celebrities in Nigeria. Also on this list are Queenspark Hall, KFA Event Centre, the Five Palm, the Waterside Venue, Bics Gardens and others. On the mainland are Balmoral Hall which is on Oregun Road, Ikeja, Pleasant Event Centre, Ikeja and Times Square, both on Ajao Road, Ikeja.. There is also Classic Event Centre, The event centre, De Hall is around Alausa while the newly built White Stone Event Centre and 10 Degrees at Agidingbi are 2 big centres that are mostly used on the mainland.
Let’s now move to the Food Vendors who co-ordinate a vital part of parties. Many of these professional caterers are smiling to the bank on account of the jobs they are getting. Many celebrities patronise them for their different delicacies and this makes them busy all through the weekend. On this list is the big time Astoria caterers, they have been the elite caterers for many years, they have served the most important personalities in Nigeria and their game is still on point. Founded over 30 years ago, they are still relevant. They deal in all kinds of foods. What makes them unique are their sumptuous meals and their banquet table settings.It is smoothly run by its Ceo, Mrs Taiwo Atobatele.
Also is Mrs Morenike Okupe of Malas foods, she is also very well patronized for many events. She has been in the business for over 25 years and still strong. Tuwo Pama is also topping the list in this section, hardly will you be at any event and she will not be on stand by, she is also making huge money from her expertise. The younger generation of caterers are also not left out, many celebrities now patronise them for their events, in this category are Mojisola Gbajumo of Culinary woks, Simi Meshida of Sodelish Caterings, Choppies Catering Limited, Fola of Celebration Foods, The Ofada Boy, Swallow It Catering Limited, Tade Ayeni of Party Chef, Wuraola Odunsi of Goldie Lux, Choppies, Blessing Oche of Hamptons, Shantis World and many others.
Like they say, music makes a party, there is no party without music, so this is one sector which is also booming. The people playing big in this sector are also cashing out big time. They dominate almost all the parties around Lagos now. On this list are the 2 evergreen legends of our time, grand commander, Ebenezer Obey and King Sunny Ade, When it comes to the elites in Nigeria, these 2 are their favourites. They have remained a force to reckon with in the entertainment industry. They have both been around for over 50 years and they still perform back to back and just to tell you, they don’t come cheap. Another musician that is currently reigning and performing at almost all events is King Wasiu Ayinde, for the middle aged generation and lovers of Fuji music, he is number one. In fact we gathered his calendar is full till December. As an artiste who chooses event dates for many of his clients, King Wasiu Ayinde is a force to reckon with due to his busy schedule, One woman who continues to wow many of her fans and the entire women folk is Queen Ayo Balogun. She has been on the scene for many years and still waxing strong. Her energy and choice of songs are some of the qualities which endear her to many. She has also been seen performing at many events outside Lagos. Her calendar is also very full. What of the generation of live bands? Like Shuga Band what sings all genres of music, they are also carpeting many major events in Lagos and outside. Shuga Band led by Akin Tofomowo is so busy with events that nearly all week, he performs. His ability to flow with all genres of music is their unique selling point. In this category is also Veentage Band led by Olorogun Adepoju, they are also one of the most sought after music bands in Lagos. Others are Faith Band led by Ayo Ajeigbe, Sir Shina Peters, SB live, Awesome Band, Ebony, Madiva, Aristo and Abass Obesere.
The Make Up Category is also another essential sector when it comes to events. Celebrants and party guests want to look beautiful and dashing for their events so they consult these make up artistes almost every weekend, for photoshoots, birthdays, weddings, even funerals. First on this list is Banke Meshida of BM Pro, some celebrities have made it a norm that without Banke, nobody touches their face. They have established a long lasting relationship with her, that she makes up for most big families in Nigeria, not only Lagos, but at destination weddings around the world. She knows the game like the back of hand.
Most brides are her clients. Popular makeup artiste, Bimpe Onakoya is also one of the top artistes used by big celebs. Also is Demi Williams who is majorly patronized by society women, specially for their birthdays or photoshoot. She is also doing well and always busy. We can’t but mention Tolulope Adebayo, the face behind Tshakky make up, she is very talented too. She is good at what she does. Dominating the party sector are the likes of Isle Ov Tea, Bola Taiwo of Beautywise, Oshewa Beauty, Ronald the 7th, Anita Brows, Bare to Beauty, Dorranne beauty, Tints Make Up, Beauty Cook, Lips and Lids, Yglam, Peace O Ibadin and many more.
How will all these parties turn out well if there are no Event Planners? Event Planners are major risk and stress takers. They take stress off their clients. They make parties go smoothly and hitch-free. They are also one of the most essential parts of a party. Some of the planners who are always busy are Funke Bucknor, CEO of Zapphire Events. She is unarguably the most patronized event planner in Nigeria. She has planned parties by almost all the big names in Nigeria. She has this expertise she puts forward when she wants to work and that is why she is majorly patronised. What of Yinka of Magna Events? she is very good too. Elizabeth R Events owned by late Ibidun Ighodalo, despite her demise, many celebrities still patronise her company, Olajumoke Adekoya of Seamless events.
Bimbo of Subtle Elegance, Ayiri Oladunmoye of Oaken Events who just planned Olu of Warri’s coronation, Adeola of 2706 events and Yewande Dung of Sara O Events, the duo who planned ex-Gov Amosun’s daughter’s wedding, Sade of Pholard Events who planned Chief Kesington Adebutu’s party, Banke Sorinola of Bankysu events, then the kiddies party planner and decorator, Pixieworld events and many others.
Decoration also gives events a lift and there are some people playing big in this sector. They are simply the space changers. Here we have the big time event decorator, and space transformer, Newton and David led by Uche Majekodunmi. She is one of the most sought after elite decorators, her major selling point is the use of foreigners who are well experienced florists as her staff and the use of natural flowers. There is also Furtulla, the decorating arm of Zapphire Events led by Funke Bucknor, Finnesse Events by Kehinde Onabanjo, she is also the CEO of Whitestone Event Centre in Ikeja, wave making decorator, Nwando Signature, Aquarian Touch, The Wedding Guru and many more.These ladies are doing wonders when it comes to space decoration.
The Security Outfits are also busy week in week out. Infact this sector does not recognize weekends because almost all events, be it corporate or social need security, so even during the week, they are always busy. On this list is Ksquare Company, they are the most sought after security company in Lagos, Spartan, Solutions, and Event View are also very prominent at most events in Lagos.
Moving on to the Photography sector, these set of individuals are memory keepers, they document all you need to look back on later in life. On this list is the award-winning photographer, Ty Bello. Mention any celebrity in Nigeria, Ty Bello has photographed almost all the top celebrities from the presidents, to the Vice Presidents, their children, governors, billionaires, businessmen and women. She has been dubbed the queen of photoshoots. Let’s not fail to mention the likes of Jide Odukoya, Photonimi, Transformaz, Akintayo Timi, Tamzy Boy and Klala. They are doing very well in the photography sector, they are always being used by celebrities for their events. When it comes to photoshoots, the likes of Oyin of Posh Clicks, Eleanor Goodey photography, Modu, M12 and Mofe Bamuyiwa of MBM, Buckles Memoir, Gazmadu Photography and many more, are playing big.
Event Masters of Ceremony are also smiling to the bank. Topping the list is Gbenga Adeyinka, Ayo Makun, known as AY Comedian, Doyin Kukoyi, Madam Kofo, MC Pluto, Bovi, Tee A, Ebuka and the likes.
The Drink Sector is not left out of this list, there are many drink professionals who are playing big and dominating events back to back.The cocktail vendors are also in this group. Number one in this business is Mrs Bola Okojie of Bonix Drinks. She has been in this business for many years and very strong at it. She has been patronised by many ‘A’-list celebrities in Nigeria. There is also Kingserve Drinks by Yinka Ogun. He is majorly sort after. What of Mrs Deola Williams of Richbeth Drinks? She is one of the mostly patronised drink vendors in town. On this list also are, Icebox Drinks, Drinks Pro, Man Dues Cocktail, Aplus Drinks, Cocktails In and out, Lara Rawa of Events Cocktails, Barcode Cocktails, Luxe Bar Cocktail etc. In the DJ sector, we have DJ Kulet, DJ Moonlight, DJ Kaywise and few others.
Playing big and dominating parties in the finger food sector are King of Small Chops, Saheeto, Laredo Small Chops, Chop City, Chopstix Grills, 12 Baskets, 1229 Foods etc. The big players in the Cake sector include award-winning artisan Jemide of Cakes by Tosan, Dew Drops, Bolaji of Cakes and Cream, Beeleemah Cakes, Helado Delicia, Nutaboutcakes, Odunscreamz, etc.
In the Fashion sector, we can’t but mention that it is in different categories, there are some who dominate the fabric sector, the gele sector, the bead sector, the gold sector, the Aso Oke and also the hair sector.
For the Aso Oke sector, we have seen many brides and celebrants who patronise these set of people, their Aso Oke is mostly worn every weekend for parties, some of them are Shadiat Alaso Oke, Bisbod Aso Oke, Jaderon Aso Oke, Loola O Blings, Oyiz Aso Oke, Bimms 24, Tisbee Aso Oke, Super Q, Aso Oke by CC and others.
In the Hair sector, some stylists play big, In fact some make up artistes do not go through the stress of tying gele anymore, they seek the expertise of these set of vendors to add finishing touches to their make up. They are Segun Gele, Abbydouz Gele, Taiwos Touch, Andras Gele, Onigele, The Gele Boy etc.
The bead sector consists of these four women whose beads have been worn by the high and mighty in the society. They are The Coral Factory, Ordawyse, Geebalo, a lush Jewels, and a guy, Gbenga Art Smith.
The Fabric sector is so wide that it is inexhaustible, but let’s mention some of the fabric merchants celebrities patronise in Lagos, Mrs Dupe Sagoe of the famous Sagoe Gele, Bolanle Ogunsanwo of Fabrique plus, SAS Textiles, Rinimes Fabrics, Jumoke Animashaun of Elsie Fabrics, Jumoke Oyeneyin of Jummy Fabrics, Fabric 4 Elites, Fabric Central, Lara Aduwo of Laviva Fabrics, Habibat Lasisi of Haloolas Luxury Fabrics, Doyin Sweet Fabrics, Kubis Fabrics, Kadmos Fabrics, Tito of Stepoutlaces, Lolade Tinubu George of Lorlas Fabrics, Morayo Aso Asiko, Alhaja Sherifat Olugbode of Gbodesherry Fabric, Morkals Fabrics, Bunnie Bee Fabrics, Kemi Adamu of Fabric Room, Temilade of Kwamule Fabrics, Ona Fabrics, Nicky Fabrics, etc
-TAYO OYEDIJI
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