The Abuja narratives in social life is rapidly taking a new turn courtesy of new sheriffs in town. Prior to recent times, the FCT was not known beyond being the nation's seat of power where politicians meet to plot their political survival and restrategise against the next political year. Added to this is the fact that it houses key government ministries, departments and agencies. One can therefore safely say the city is a civil service state where the calendar cycle runs Monday-Friday, unlike Lagos where the large quantum of commercial and social activities run all week.
Interestingly, the I-cannot-kill-myself philosophy of Lagos where social life runs at par with work life seems to have in a way crept into Abuja. Residents of the nation's capital unlike in the past do not need to travel to Eko to unwind after a week-long work. What they are looking for in Sokoto is now in their shokoto, as we say in our parlance. Then why not save the flight ticket and have a full blast here at your doorstep?
This again accounts to why some top class MCs, comedians and artistes are finding their survival in a city once considered a rocky ground for the entertainment industry. Credit must be given to those who are bringing Abuja to limelight with social life, thereby offering residents opportunity of easing off the accumulated work-induced stress while getting them ready for a more healthy and productive lifestyle through a sound and emotionally balanced psyche. Some of these event gurus started off as pageant beauty contest organisers years back but have enlarged their scope to package events that adorn the presence of top socialites, politically exposed persons, business moguls and entertainment icons.
These visionary event organisers have not only created a niche for themselves, they have equally gone ahead to give Lagos a run for its money. In a short while, they have brought fame, attention, accolades, satisfaction, recognition and glamour to the FCT, thereby reviving the social life of the Abuja residents once in limbo.
In no particular order, these five individuals and organisations based on our research have contributed immensely to thrilling the residents of FCT with memorable events. Also note that Venue of Event, Quality Of Personalities, Turn Out of Individuals, Event Packaging, Media Presence & Visibility, Human Relation and Profit/ Income generation form the criteria for our listing.
1. Amb. Kingsley Amafibe
The Chairman Peace Ambassador Agency, Amb. Amafibe is one of the backbones of events and entertainment in Abuja. He started off on a right and strong footing with the unveiling of his Miss Ambassador for Peace Pageant. It has over the years harvested several embodiments of beauty and brain from across the country that have left enviable footprints in their various endeavours. From the fountain of this dream sprang entertainers, models, authors and respected financial experts. Amafibe's vision brought to limelight these young ladies, largely from a not-too-rich background, dusted up their talents and made them discover themselves.
With the level of confidence he impacted in them, they have not only become useful to themselves but have become assets to their families and the entire society. The platform also linked some of these beauty queens to mouth watering contracts that changed their lives for good while others met their life partners here and are happily married.
A man whose word is his bond, he stands out as one of those pageant organisers who keeps to agreements with the contestants. He has remained consistent in redeeming pledges of cars as star prize to winners along with accompanying consolation prizes. Without mincing words, a good numbers of winners of Miss Ambassador for Peace Pageant since inception have smiled home with a beautiful cars.
The company, Peace Ambassador Agency later introduced Peace Achievers Award which was initially organised along with the Miss Ambassador for Peace Pageant. As time progressed, seeing the massive pomp and pageantry it attracted, both events were separated from each other and organised independently. The Peace Achievers Award in no distant time attracted the presence of politically exposed individuals including Governors, Senators, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly members, top government functionaries, notable businessmen and socialites who have at one time or the other been honoured with this prestigious award for their contributions to peace and unity of Nigeria. The award was later rebranded as Peace International Achievers Award.
Also, the Northern Nigeria Peace Awards which later joined the list of highly successful social events organised by Peace Ambassador Agency attracted prominent political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, opinion leaders, businessmen and women, influencers, entertainers etc from the Northern region.
As a peace advocate, Amb. Kingsley Amafibe is not oblivious of the role youth empowerment plays in entrenching a lasting peace in the country. An engaged youth will not think of stoking the embers of crisis and disunity among his kinsmen. To this end, he went ahead to introduce the Big Dreams Reality TV show, through a subsidiary of Peace Ambassador Agency, Good Dreams Multi Media Concept.
With this platform, he discovered and harnessed plethora of talents among the youth population during their tasks in the camp. This again attracted likeminds, ranging from high profile celebrities, notable youth advocates and young political leaders who did not only visit the camp to identify with the youths while their task lasted but also supported the dream through cash and kind.
Unlike many others, Amb. Amafibe did not jettison his first passion, the media which indeed reasonably gave him a leverage in many other dreams he has been able to accomplish. The publisher of Alpha Plus Magazine, he has gone ahead to rebrand the magazine for optimum performance, having existed over the years as a monthly national publication. Notable individuals from all endeavours of life in entertainment, showbiz, business, politics, etc have all adorned the cover page of the prestigious newspaper that has become a household name in Abuja and surrounding cities.
Recently, he authored a book with the title "Rise Of African Fashion Designers And Lifestyle" which is currently selling on Amazon.
In recognition of his visible contributions in the industry, he was recently honoured as an honorary Doctor of Philosophy at his event. This therefore qualifies him to attach the prefix "Dr" in front of his name.
In an effort to assemble all fun lovers in Abuja and environs to unwind after a hectic year, full of hustle and bustle, he introduced Abuja All White Pool Party under his Good Dreams Multi Media Concept. Irrespective of unmet and missed targets which sometimes characterise our year, there is every reason to celebrate, especially by being among those who have seen the end of the year in a society where people are felled for fun.
The Abuja All White Pool Party has over the years provided a platform for families to ease off their stress and relax in most serene and calm atmosphere. This has been hosted in very high profile centres across the FCT; from Sandrallia hotel to Commodore Suites, Kanary Wellness Centre and others. Abuja residents always walk home with fun memories at the end of each All White Pool Party, waiting with a bated breath for the next season which is billed to hold on 5th December 2021 at Commodore suite, Wuse 2.
Amb. Kingsley Amafibe stands out in the comity of event organisers because he takes cognizance of venue before delving into an event. Top class spots such as Transcorp Hilton, Sheraton Hotels and Towers, NAF Conference Centre etc are always his choice. It takes an organiser who understands his onion to consider hosting an event in these and other A-rated centres. Undeniably, these centres have not only attracted him fame but fortune.
In terms of quality of persons he has attracted to his events, he has brought in the high and might from various parts of the country and life endeavours. He is also known for pulling a massive individual turn out in all his events. From Miss Ambassador for Peace Pageant, to Peace International Achievers Award, Northern Nigeria Peace Awards, Big Dreams Reality TV show and Abuja All White Pool Party, the turn outs have been very humongous. In some of his event, he has had a reason to make provision for an expanded hall, bring in additional seats for the comfort and relaxation of the teeming respected guests.
He is rated high as an event packager in Abuja. He stands out not only in giving every event a touch of class, he goes extra mile to ensure that lighting, sound, red carpet and whatever that event needs to have an international outlook is provided. These are not unconnected to why he is a sought-after to individuals, bodies and corporate organisations who want to have a spotless event in the nation's capital.
As a publisher and media entrepreneur, he treats with utmost seriousness anything that concerns the media in his events. He understands the essence of publicity and visibility and does not handle same with laxity. Before, during and after events, he ensures a high level of publicity and this has led to a mutually beneficial relationship between his organisation and media houses, both electronic, print and online. The streets of Abuja are greeted with billboards, posters and banners that announce to residents that something big is about to happen in their neighboruhood.
In human relations, he has carefully recruited well-bred, thoroughly trained ushers who relate with guests with a very high sense of dignity. He has ensured that guests do not only have something valuable on their tables during events, but go home with their heads high that they did not miss the event.
He has grown from strength to strength over the years in profit/income generation at the end of each outing. It is only gratifying to recoup an investment after putting in so much to host an event to the satisfaction of guests. To assemble individuals, thrill them with earth-shaking contents and then recoup your resources only encourages you to do more.
Little wonder he has continually reinvested his funds in remodeling his business empire through establishment of new offices, acquisition new operational equipment, including cars and recruitment of manpower for effective service delivery. At a recent disaster where his wife's shop was razed down in Gwarimpa area of the city during a fire outbreak, coupled with the demolition of his own office space in the Wuse 2 area by the authorities of FCDA, he emerged stronger within a twinkle of an eye to the chagrin of many.
Today, he is rated high as one of the event entrepreneurs who occupies one of the most beautiful, well packaged and smart offices in highbrow area of Abuja.
2. Mr Olufunsho Alexandra Olumuyiwa Ajagbonna Aka Fajag
He is the Chief Executive Officer of Fajag Concept. The company has for years organised Face Of Democracy Pageant and Democracy Heroes Award.
Olufunsho Alexandra Olumuyiwa Ajagbonna started earlier as one of the leading fashion designers in Abuja where he fashioned for top celebrities from across the country. He later worked with a number of pageant organisations where he learned the rope of the business.
He cut his first teeth in the industry with his Face of Democracy Pageant where at the initial period he embedded his team with other stakeholders who are well experienced in the business to have a full blast of pageant outing.
He is a man with an iron-cast determination, zeal and resilience to achieve success and carve a niche for himself in anything he is set out to do.
As time proceeded, the brand became known and identified as Face of Democracy Project (FDN Projects). Again, there was a paradigm shift from the era where he held the Face of Democracy Pageant and Democracy Heroes Award the same time, date and venue.
Because of the reaction and the commendations that greeted the events, both started enjoying a stand-alone hosting, separating both from each other. There was a month or two interval after the Face of Democracy Pageant before the FCT residents are then thrilled with Democracy Heroes Award where individuals and organisations who have given our democratic culture a stamina are recognised.
As a matter of deliberate policy to recognise women who have done well for themselves and the society at large, not long ago, Fajag floated the African Iconic Women Awards. The maiden edition comes on 16th December 2021 at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
The list of those who have given showbiz in Abuja a fresh breath will not be complete without the mention of Fajag. This is largely due to his visibility, agility and activeness. This may have earned him the appointment of Special Adviser on Entertainment to the Honourable Member representing the Yenogoa, Kolokuma Opokuma Federal Constituency, Prof. Steve Azaiki
Fajag is a name you can take to the bank When it comes to the choice of event venue. Majority of his events had taken place at the prestigious and world class facility of Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja. His consistency has not dropped an inch over the years.
Talking about the quality of his events, he is respected as one who is sufficiently empowered and embedded with capacity to attract sitting and past governors, Senators, Ministers, top government functionaries and respected members of the society from all spheres of life. His ability is not in doubt in this regard.
Guests always look out for the next time to grace Fajag's events because of the satisfaction, the contents they are thrilled with and quality of personalities that adorn his outings.
His packaging is second to none. He gives it a touch that wows the audience. From the stage design, to lighting, outstanding costume and presentations of contestants and technical team of award organizers, he leaves every jaw permanently dropped. He gives it a touch of class and elegance.
In area of publicity and visibility, he enjoys some understanding with select media outlets. He tries his best to have some billboard and banner adverts, announcing what is about to happen among fun-loving Abuja residents. Because of their fun experience in the past outings Fajag has organised, their presence is as sure as daylight. Here, antecedent becomes the advert.
Talking about human relations, guests can be sure of a rich experience and something very beautiful of the table. This is not just because of the quality of guests in attendance but a matter of in-house policy. Fajag has made it a practice to treat guests with utmost dignity. He offers exceptional comfort that makes them glued to their seats even longer.
Not much is known about his income generation/profits, one can however safely say he breaks even because of the massive patronage he enjoys as well as the quality of individuals he attracts. He is not known to be flamboyant with display of wealth, therefore judging him from the prism of what is in the public glare may amount to misfiring.
He puts all it takes to have a talk-of-the-town event any day, one that can compete with the most organised public engagement anywhere around the globe. That's Fajag for you.
3. Mr Desmond Agboola
He is the Chief Executive Officer of ASO Multimedia, the organisers of Queen of ASO Beauty Pageant, Democracy Youth Round Table, Kick Against Rape Novelty Football Match, South West Advancement Award & Lecture Series and Nigeria Beauty Queens Hall of Fame Honours.
One brand that has two managers, while Desmond Agboola is the CEO, Kingsley Agboola is the Managing Director. Both work closely and enjoy a harmonious work relationship even as blood relatives.
They started off with the Queen of ASO Beauty Pageant, which was effectively managed by Mr. Kingsley. It dates as one of the earliest beauty pageants in the nation's capital. So many people attribute it to Queen of ASO Rock. Queen of ASO Beauty Pageant stands out on the crest of its cultural inclination. It has produced one of the highly valued beauty queens in Nigeria, Jennifer Igwegbe who later became Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria Ambassador, Joy Onumajuru later crowned Miss Commonwealth Africa, Ogenna Walter Ekwubiri added Miss Tourism World and others who had broken records in the pageant industry and beyond.
ASO Multimedia has gone ahead to produce queens who adorned the crown of Miss Tourism Nigeria. Their queens have maintained a lead in making massive impact in various endeavours. It is on record that Queen of ASO Pageant was the choice destination for any beauty queen who craves for special spotlight in terms of visibility, entrepreneurship, connection and opportunity of gracing an international stage in beauty contest. The tempo has remained same. ASO Multimedia has an enviable record of producing beautiful, charming and elegant contestants. This it has been achieved through a strict standard for screening.
It shows off its quality from the moment of screening to the actual hosting of event. It's choice of location for any event is not without a touch of class. Queen of ASO Pageant has over the years been hosted along with ASO Outstanding Award. Even though both events till date have not been separated from each other, the Kick Against Rape Novelty Football Match enjoys a stand-alone hosting.
It is one of the major projects of winner of Queen of ASO Pageant where a novelty football competition is hosted between ASO Pageant beauty queens and ladies from the media, law or other professional fields. It could also be with other beauty queens elsewhere. It is meant to raise awareness against rape and advance advocacy against sexual and gender-based violence, SGBV. This novelty football match has been hosted in Lagos, Abuja and beyond.
It has attracted the high and mighty, ladies of substance and of heavyweight, including the former Director General of National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Julie Donli-Oka because of its relevance in the fight against trafficking and sexual offences as well as Minister of Women Affairs, both past and present. The Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu has also consistently been a part of it and other notable ladies in the society.
ASO Multimedia as a brand known for its integrity does not go about bandying names of personalities around without being sure of their presence at event. Beyond attracting quality and high network individuals, whoever they say will grace their occasion will eventually be there. No excuse at all. This has solidified the trust of the general public with ASO Multimedia.
With their South West Advancement Award & Lecture Series, which has taken place a couple of times, this brand has also shown the stuff it is made of. Very successful, it has been able to have some bold faces in the country make appearance.
Because of long list of success stories it has recorded, becoming a leading brand in organising historic and talk-of-the-town beauty contests, a lot of beauty queens from across the country look forward to featuring in ASO Multimedia brand. To accommodate this growing desire, the management in its magnanimity floated the Nigeria Beauty Queens Hall of Fame Honours. This was largely fashioned out to honour and recognise beauty queens who have affected the society in their own little ways, those who have used their crown to affect humanity. In the past three years, the prestigious Oriental Hotel, Lagos has played host to this noble event.
ASO Multimedia does not compromise with event venue. They have no competition in this regard. Despite being aware that their event will also come out with the flavour it is designed to achieve, they have for years maintained Sheraton Hotels and Towers Abuja as choice venue for Queen of ASO Pageant. It is a top-rated event venue for organisers who understand what they want. Even when they shift the fun stage to Lagos for any reason, Oriental Hotel, another classy venue also plays the host.
They lead with an aura of uniqueness because of that cultural touch they sprinkle on each event, as not to forget their background.
Credit must be given to them for attracting some selected faces at their events. This is in addition to the goodwill of previous events hanging at their back which usually comes to play. The two managers also enjoy the leverage which previous winners and contestants of their beauty pageants bring to the table. Models faces who mostly are enlisted as awardees also electrify the hall with their charming beauty.
Turn out of individuals has not been bad either. A significant attendance adds glamour to events and ASO Multimedia enjoys this at all times. Fun lovers look forward with excitement for their events.
Talking about packaging, the cultural aspect of their beauty pageant usually comes out captivating. Even the Nigeria Beauty Queens Hall of Fame Honours comes out with something new and catchy to the eye, both in Abuja, Lagos or elsewhere. Their novelty football match beautifies both teams and their officials with quality jerseys, boots, socks, et al. The choice of pitches is usually carefully selected to meet the cossy taste of the organisers.
They try their possible best to value and make use of the media before, during and after their event. They have a reasonable visibility and publicity to enlighten the public.
In human relations, because they have been able to churn out a good number of beauty queens, ASO Multimedia has built a solid human relations over the years which ensures that guests are comfortable throughout the duration of their event. They are also known for being time conscious without any compromise. African time is a no-no here. Their 5:00pm does not change to something else irrespective of the circumstance. They respect and value time, a reflection of Western engagement with time. Because of the high caliber of persons, mostly with a tight schedule that show up at their events, they ensure guests do not overstay.
Talking about profit/income, although they are not loud, the noticeable changes that characterise each event from the previous one speaks to what may have come into their pockets. The packaging shows there is good progress. Personal investments also appears appreciable. Courtesy of the good relationship that exists between the organisation and some of the beauty queens it has produced, they have also enjoyed an expanded goodwill through referrals and new contacts.
It stands as pageant brand of its own, unique taste and packaging. No bandwagon effect, no copy copy. Just stylish and beautiful.
The CEO, Mr Desmond Agboola was recently joined in holy matrimony with his heartthrob after a surprise engagement to her in Abuja. The wedding ceremony expectedly turned out a very colourful one that had top celebrities, politically exposed persons and respected individuals in attendance.
No scandal has been associated with this beautiful brand.
4. Dr. Suleiman Adejo
The founder Messengers of Peace (MOP) Foundation, Dr. Suleiman Adejo is the National President of mop, convener of the prestigious National Peace Awards a yearly event where peace promoters are honoured, also the convener of the Queens of Peace Nigeria/Africa and the convener National Peace Summit, an event where experts come to discuss and proffer solutions to peace and conflict resolutions. He is also the secretary of the Actors Guild of Nigerians patrons forum while Prince Ned Nwoko a known philanthropist and billionaire serves as the chairman (AGN).
Before this time, he has been rendering consultancy services to public and private organisations representing a German company and producers of the best parking meter machines in the world Authomaten Technik Baunann ( ATB) and Kinos Smart System of china One of such was the now defunct Park n Pay service in Abuja, the nation's capital. Although it was temporarily suspended, efforts are at moment being intensified to bring back the service across FCT again. In fact at the moment, approval has been granted to the company to resume operation in the FCT .
Just recently, he was appointed by Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State as a member of the State Economic Advisory Council. He serves in three committees Finance and Investment, Education and ICT while he is the Alternate chairman of the social infrastructures development committee.
He enjoys a cordial working relationship with few government offices, the AGF and SGF were part of the 2021 national peace awards as the SGF gave the key note speech for the event. The administration of the Federal Capital Territory also partners with MOP in all their events across the country and FCT in the production and distribution of their customized peace vehicle plate numbers. The FCT Minister of State Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu acceptance to become the Grand matron of Messengers of Peace, MOP Foundation, in addition to H E Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina state who was also recently unveiled as MOP Patron together with HRH the Emir of Bichi Alh Dr Nasir Ado Bayero and the current National President of ALGON Bar kolade Alabi has added more vibe to the brand.
The cardinal aim for the establishment of Messengers of Peace, MOP Foundation is to promote peace across the country's ethnic and religious divides. He has in his team peace advocates, otherwise called messengers of peace or real lovers of peace who are engaged as instruments to broaden the horizon of peace across Nigeria's landscape.
From this population also sprang a pageantry, Queen of Peace Nigeria and Africa who became a high-level peace advocates dispatched across troubled states of the federation for the purpose of enhancing national unity and peaceful co-existence. Their job is not limited within the shores of Nigeria. They have travelled within some countries in African; Ghana, Tanzania, Ethiopia and recently they were hosted by the Firstady of Islamic Republic of Saharawi. Dr Sulaiman Adejoh is a consultant to the government of Guinea Bissau on several activities, the next edition of the African Peace Awards is slated for GB to promote internal peace and bilateral relations though at purely on advocacy ground.
In its kits, Messengers of Peace Foundation has some beauty queens who are making waves in their various respective endeavours.
With his National Peace Award, under the Messengers of Peace (MOP) Foundation, Dr. Adejo has acknowledged and recognised the high and mighty in government, business, showbiz and entertainment industry who have contributed significantly in broadening the scope of brotherliness in our great nation.
One indisputable selling point about Dr. Adejo is his capacity to pull high profile personalities, including serving Governors, Minister, Heads Departments and Agencies, Federal Legislators and Diplomats to his event. You can take his list of invitees to the bank. They do not disappoint.
His years of experience in event management gives him an edge to come up with an international class events within a very short period of time and effortlessly, little wonder, they are going to stage as the first ever global Messengers of Peace awards at the Hilton metropolitan hotel in London come June 2022.
Another selling point about this brand its 100 peace nuggets compilation of quotes translated into the three major tribes in Nigeria ,Yoruba, Hausa and Ibo are distributed free during townhall peace sensitisation workshops. It takes place before any event is hosted. It is also another value addition to the peace project.
The National Peace Summit organised by MOP Foundation provides an umbrella for individuals, representatives of ethnic nationalities and religious groups, trade unions, student bodies, Kids, etc to come together, brainstorm and chart a way forward for the country's peaceful co-existence.
On his choice of venue, his consistency in making a tasteful choice has remained unquestionable. He is known to make use of sophisticated and secured venues to give the brand and quest a classic event all the time ,from the transcorp Hilton Abuja, to Sheraton hotel and recently the international conference center Abuja are the only choice areas for the MOP events.
On quality of individuals that grace his events, they are of high profile. Politically exposed persons are never in short supply when it comes to Dr. Adejo's events. A significant presence of top state and federal government functionaries add glitz and glamour to any of his outings.
In packaging he gives his events a modest touch of class due to the the calibre of persons that honour with their presence.
He also gives his best before, during and after event in terms of publicity and visibility in the media space. There are however so much he has done that are not in the public domain. You must give that to him.
In human relations, the beauty queens this brand has produced over the years have helped in building a solid human relations between the brand and guests. They ensure that guests have some refreshments while they are thrilled with entertainment. Leaving a guest happy at the end of the day is of utmost importance to them.
Messengers of Peace (MOP) Foundation wields side attractions that spice up events, one among which includes the stage special presentation by messengers of peace Kids AKA mop kids to get audience and guests relaxed. The mop kids numbering 35 on stage well trained, bond together for any event and they make the brand tick. The organization have it's own online tv moptv where all their contents are viewed. They also have their own magazine known as MOP Magazine which is for a quarterly Publication.
On income/profit, one will not be wrong to say that Dr. Adejo and his team get some swollen pockets when the quality of personalities, choice of event venue and other factors are put into consideration. His fortunes also reflect in the packaging he gives his events, general assessment of him and investments he goes into after each outing.
He didn't come into the industry without any experiential background, having consulted for individuals and public institutions in the past. He came to amplify what he has been doing in a seemingly different field of endeavour and not as a JJC as we say in our parlance. He is truly an industrious personality of high reputation.
5. Amb. Chris Odey
Amb. Chris Oko Odey, a multi ward-winning entrepreneur, activist, humanitarian, SDG advocate, motivator, talent/PR manager, creative director and concept developer has litany of brands he effectively manages and keeps active.
Among the brands where he is the Founder/CEO include International Goodwill Ambassador Club, Women Power Conference & Award, O’ddy Printing and Publishing Limited, Goodwill Ambassador Events Agency etc.
He wields a humongous experience in the industry, numbering over two decades. He is one of those in the FCT who started with award events before delving into pageant organising.
In the list of awards he has organised are Nigeria Goodwill Ambassadors awards, African Goodwill Ambassador Awards, Africa Peace Ambassador Awards, Africa CEO Merit Award and Nigeria Governors Scorecard Awards.
His awards events are organised by his Goodwill Ambassador Events Agency. Since 2014, this brand has honoured many notable personalities who have distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavour.
The Nigerian Goodwill Ambassadors Pageant was the first teeth he cut in his pageant events. Even though he has somehow stepped down activities here, it is on record that he has produced notable beauty queens who are standing tall in the society today.
Because of his passion for welfare and development of women, coupled with efforts to ensure that women are appreciated because of the milestones some of them have achieved at one point or the other in private sector or public sector, he established Women Power Conference/Africa Leading Women Awards. This brand has been an umbrella for women leaders across political, business, entertainment and professional lines to come together and reason. One of the bold faces in Nollywood, Tonto Dike was among those he managed at one time or the other as Project Director.
As a result of feedback that came in over time and the need to honour top executives who have exhibited outstanding managerial prowess, Ambassador at Large, Chris Odey rolled out the Africa CEO Merit Awards. It is important to highlight that recipients are not limited only within the shores of the Nigerian soil. Ambassador Odey is one showbiz practitioner who is known for his capacity to effectively mix with other African countries. He has at several occasions attracted the presence of notable persons, women leaders and influential personalities from across the continent to his shows.
His Africa Peace Ambassadors Awards which recently joined in the league of his events will roll out its first outing on 12th December 2021 at Ladi Kwali International Conference Hall, Sheraton hotel, Abuja.
The Nigeria Governors Scorecard Awards was established to weigh the people's pause on the performance perception of the state chief executives. A number of governors across the country who have shown leadership and service have will be recognised and honoured.
His printing press, O’ddy Printing and Publishing Limited has over the years produced and printed hight quality publicity materials for his events. In addition he also handles commercial printing, and has attracted good patronage from clients.
Talking about his choice of venue, it is difficult to peg Amb. Odey with one particular event venue. However, irrespective of where he takes his event to, it is a certainty that it will not only attract significant presence of high and mighty, it will wow and stick to memory of guests for a long time. His confidence that he will have a fantastic outing irrespective of his venue choice is unshaken and it has really worked for him. His belief is anchored on the fact that his thrilling contents will do the magic wherever the venue may be. He has hosted events at National Merit House Maitama, Sheraton Hotel and some other selected venues.
On the quality of events, apart from his closeness to top celebrities which usually adds a touch of class to his events, Amb. Odey has shown he has some balls when it comes to drawing influential women leaders from within Nigeria and African Continent to his events.
His packaging is topnotch and usually leaves guests with a reasonable sense of satisfaction. His experience as an event manager in the past 21 years may as well be one of his selling points which sees him host about four to five events in one year, apart from others he plans and organises for his clients.
Amb. Odey is one man who does not throw his door open for people to troop in, wine and dine. He has a defined number of persons he expects at each event and this he goes for. There is however always sufficient breeze of comfort for anyone who comes at the end of the day. You must give him that.
In visibility and publicity, he has built and sustained a reasonable level of rapport with some leading media organisations in the country. He ensures visibility in FCT whenever he hosts an event, particularly billboards and banners. He leverages on the advantage his printing press offers him to churn out massive below-the-line advertisements, announcing what is about to happen at strategic points in the city. He also gives post-event publicity adequate attention.
His human relations approach is equal to none. As a personality with a humble heart, he practically takes the lead in ensuring that the comfort of his guests is not compromise. You can see him moving from one corner of the hall to the other, giving guests attention, irrespective of being the arrowhead of the occasion. Again, you can't find discrimination in his agenda. He treats guests with equal respect and ensures they get a good reception, the same way he renders services to his clients wholeheartedly as an event planner and organiser without undue preference to any.
Added to this, he has taken steps to honour some outstanding personalities who are making waves even in the industry, as a way of encouraging them while also inspiring others.
In terms of his profit and income, although one cannot with certainly assess his profit generation capacity, it is however important to underline that he does not fall below the line of breaking even. A physical assessment of him clearly shows that Amb. Odey does not run at loss. Even feelers close to him believe his personal investments lends credence to the fact that Ambassador 'no dey carry last' when it comes to matters of Naira.
From his traditional marriage ceremony which took place not long ago, one can safely say that Amb. As the White wedding is slated for January next year. Odey is someone whose hard work in all these years has brought some fortunes. The calibre of personalities who graced the event tells you he is a hard nut to crack. That's what he stands for.
