Nigeria’s events industry has evolved into a sophisticated creative economy, with leading planners combining design, hospitality, production and business strategy to create experiences that leave lasting impressions. From luxury weddings and corporate gatherings to destination celebrations, these women have built distinctive brands at the forefront of Nigeria’s event planning landscape.
1. Funke Bucknor Obruthe – Zapphaire Events
Funke Bucknor Obruthe is the Founder and CEO of Zapphaire Events, one of Nigeria’s established event planning and management companies. With more than two decades of experience, she has built Zapphaire into a recognised brand known for producing weddings, corporate events and large scale celebrations. Beyond event production, Funke has contributed to the professionalisation of the industry through the Zapphaire Training Academy, which has trained hundreds of event professionals.
2. Bisola Borha – TrendyBee Events
Bisola Borha is the Founder and Creative Director of TrendyBee Events, an event styling and production company established in 2013. Known for creating highly personalised and visually distinctive celebrations, she has built TrendyBee into a recognised name in Nigeria’s events industry, with experience spanning private celebrations, corporate events and international destinations. Her work has earned both local and international recognition, including recognition among leading event planners globally.
3. Yewande Zaccheaus – Eventful Nigeria
Yewande Zaccheaus is the Founder and CEO of Eventful Limited, a pioneer in Nigeria’s professional event planning industry. Established in 2002, Eventful has grown beyond event planning into a broader events and entertainment business, while Yewande has created platforms including The Food Souk, The Beauty Souk and The Fashion Souk. Her background in law and banking has also shaped her structured approach to building Eventful into a longstanding Nigerian events brand.
4. Dr Sharon Faqua – Shamol Experience
Dr Sharon Faqua is the Founder and Creative Director of Shamol Experience, a luxury event design and production brand focused on creating refined and highly personalised celebrations. Her approach combines event planning, design, storytelling and atmosphere to create experiences that extend beyond conventional event décor. Through Shamol Experience, Sharon is building a distinctive presence within Nigeria’s luxury events and experiential design space.
5. Adeola Okeshola – 2706 Events
Adeola Okeshola is the CEO of 2706 Events, a Lagos based bespoke event planning company specialising in luxury weddings, destination weddings, corporate functions and private celebrations. With a background in investment banking, Adeola brings a structured and commercially driven approach to event production, while 2706 Events has developed a reputation for crafting highly personalised experiences for its clients. She has also received recognition within the destination wedding planning industry.
Methodology
The selection considers Nigerian event planners who have built recognisable brands through professional event production, creative direction, luxury experiences, corporate events and long term contribution to the Nigerian events industry. Leadership experience, brand development, industry influence and the scope of their event work were also considered.
