Our History

APPOEMN was birthed as an idea by Molara Akinosho, who later shared it with her colleagues Gbemi Ope and Funke Bucknor-Obruthe. The vision was clear: to build an international-standard association for Nigeria’s event industry — a place professionals could call home, collaborate, solve problems, and have a unified voice before the government.

At the time, there was no such community. Event professionals had no forum for interaction, no standards, and no industry representation. Determined to change that, the founders invited colleagues to a lunch meeting on May 18th, 2010 at The American Club House. In attendance were: Gbemi Ope, Molara Akinosho, Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, Kemi Remi-Dairo, Kemi Adeleke, Funbi Akinyosoye, Yewande Ruwa-Dung, Seun Tall, and Dupe Adeniran.

A follow-up meeting tagged “Getting to Know You” was held on June 1st, 2010 at New China Restaurant, OPIC Plaza, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja. It had over 30 event stakeholders in attendance and marked the beginning of broad engagement within the industry.

After this mini launch, invitations were sent to more event professionals to join the forming association. Under the coordination of Gbemi Ope and her administrative team, APPOEMN received its name and its now-iconic logo — a hand holding a flower, symbolizing an event being carefully managed by a planner.

Core Values

A place to call home for all event professionals
A body representing the industry before the government
A platform where industry standards are formulated
A center for mentorship and continuous learning
A place where work-related challenges are solved
A thriving environment for networking and collaboration

First Elected Executives (October 15th, 2010)

President – Omolara Akinosho
Vice President – Funke Bucknor-Obruthe
Secretary – Kemi Remi-Dairo
Treasurer – Funbi Akinyosoye
Public Relations Director – Gbemisola Ope
Education Director – Jibola Ponnle
Events/Creative Director – Yewande Onabiyi
Logistics/Hospitality – Funke Aloba
Association Admin – Jumoke Abudu

These executives successfully managed APPOEMN until its official public launch on August 1st, 2012 at City Hall, Onikan, Lagos. The first Gala and Recognition Night followed on August 5th, 2012.

Conferences, AGMs & Growth

In June 2013, a planning committee was inaugurated to organize the Association’s first Conference, held from September 16th–22nd, 2013 at Red Carpet. It was a huge success, honoring veterans including the late Segun Bucknor, King Sunny Ade, Ali Baba, Jimmy Jatt, and others.

On March 4th, 2014, APPOEMN held its first AGM at KFA Event Centre. Another AGM was held on April 21st, 2015 during which a draft constitution was presented and approved.

On September 22nd, 2015, APPOEMN held its first Town Hall Meeting at Yoruba Tennis Club — a forum for addressing industry-wide issues and public concerns.

On June 28th, 2016, an AGM was held at Foundation of Truth Hall, Surulere, Lagos, where new executives were elected.

Leadership Timeline

2016 Executives

Gbemisola Ope

President

Adefunke Kuyoro

Vice President

Kemi Remi-Dairo

General Secretary

Titi Moritiwon (later Ezeagwula)

Finance

Emeka Okosieme

PRO

Ajibola Olatomirin-Richards

Education Director

Kehinde Iyiola

Event/Creativity

Joke Adebeso

Hospitality

Taiwo Ajao

Logistics Director