In Nigeria, one thing is certain we love free things. From airtime and jollof rice to branded T-shirts and VIP event tickets, giveaways and contests are a surefire way to get people talking, sharing, and showing up for your event. When done right, a giveaway can create massive social media buzz, increase ticket sales on Shows.ng, and turn casual followers into loyal fans. Here’s how to make your next giveaway work like magic.

1. Choose a Prize Nigerians Can’t Resist

Your prize is the hook make it irresistible. Think about what will make your audience shout, “Omo, I must win this!” Some of the most effective prizes for Nigerian events include:

Free event tickets (especially VIP access booked through Shows.ng)

Branded merch like T-shirts, caps, tote bags, or even rechargeable fans

Airtime or data bundles (always a hit)

A special shoutout from your event host, MC, or a performing artist

The more relevant and valuable your prize is to your audience, the more they will share and participate.

2. Focus on the Platforms Nigerians Love Most

To get maximum reach, run your giveaway where Nigerians are most active online. Concentrate on:

Instagram – perfect for photo and video contests

X (formerly Twitter) – great for trending hashtags and retweets

Facebook – still a stronghold for community engagement

TikTok – the go-to platform for creative and viral challenges

WhatsApp – excellent for sharing flyers, voice notes, and contest reminders within your circle

Post engaging visuals, catchy captions, and keep reminding people that all tickets are available exclusively on Shows.ng.

3. Keep the Rules Short, Simple, and Fun

Complicated rules will kill your contest faster than NEPA taking light. Make it easy:

1. Follow your event page
2. Like the giveaway post
3. Tag 2–3 friends who love to vibe
4. Share to their Instagram story or WhatsApp status
5. Use a catchy hashtag like #LagosPartyWithShowsNG

Pro Tip: Throw in Nigerian slang or a bit of Pidgin English to make the instructions feel friendly and relatable.

4. Collaborate With the Right Influencers & MCs

A single shoutout from the right person can send your engagement through the roof. Instead of blowing your budget on big names, partner with mid-level influencers, event MCs, or hype personalities who connect with your target audience. Offer them free VIP passes via Shows.ng or a collaboration deal instead of cash.

5. Announce Winners Publicly & Clearly

Trust is everything in Nigeria’s social media space. If people suspect your giveaway is fake, they’ll drag your brand online. Avoid this by:

Posting the winners’ names and handles

Sharing screenshots or videos of the random selection process

Tagging winners so everyone can see it’s legit

6. Keep the Hype Alive After the Giveaway

Don’t let the excitement die once the winners are announced. Continue the energy by:

Posting countdowns to the event date

Sharing behind-the-scenes clips of event preparations

Posting short testimonials from past attendees

Reminding people to secure their tickets only on Shows.ng

In Nigeria, people don’t just attend events they attend for the vibes, the bragging rights, and sometimes, the freebies. A well-planned giveaway can turn your event from “just another show” to the talk of the town.

If you want your next event to trend, create excitement, and sell more tickets, plan your giveaway the Naija way simple rules, juicy prizes, viral energy and make Shows.ng your ticket sales hub.