Virtual events have become the new normal across Nigeria whether it’s a church webinar, birthday hangout, business training, or even a product launch. But planning a virtual event that runs smooth, stays engaging, and doesn’t leave people struggling with network wahala? That can be tricky, especially if you’re just starting out.

No worries, we got you covered! With this easy, step-by-step guide, you’ll be planning virtual events that are not only stress-free but also jollof-rice worthy. Yes, events so good, people will remember and talk about them till the next one!

Step 1: Set Clear Goals, Why You Dey Do This Event?

Before you jump into the tech or invites, ask yourself:

• Why am I doing this event?
• What do I want people to gain knowledge, fun, connection, or business deals?

Whether it’s a Naija business masterclass, online praise night, or a lively Instagram Q&A, knowing your “why” helps you decide the audience, format, and tools that will work best.

Step 2: Know Your Audience Like You Know Your Jollof Recipe

Is your event for young hustlers, students, mamas and papas, or maybe Gen Z TikTok lovers? Nigerian audiences are diverse, so knowing your crowd determines everything from the speakers you invite to the kind of Naija slang or language you use.

No need to sound like a tech guru if your audience is mainly older folks. Keep it simple, relatable, and always pepper with those local vibes.

Step 3: Pick the Right Platform, Naija-Friendly and Easy to Use

Not all platforms work the same, so choose one your audience already trusts and knows. Here are some Nigerian favorites:

• Zoom: Perfect for trainings, workshops, or business meetings
• Google Meet: Great for smaller, more intimate groups
• Instagram/Facebook Live: For fun, entertainment, and casual chats
• WhatsApp or Telegram groups: For ongoing community interactions

Make sure the platform won’t chop data unnecessarily or cause wahala with poor connection.

Step 4: Plan Your Format and Agenda, Keep Am Short and Sweet

In Naija, people’s attention spans and data plans are precious. So, keep your event concise:

• Aim for about 1 hour max — no long lectures
• Mix in speakers, performances, or fun breaks like polls and giveaways
• Schedule quick pauses to allow people to stretch or recharge

Pro tip: If you no manage time well, your 1-hour event fit turn 2 hours and nobody wants that.

Step 5: Budget Like a True Naija Hustler

Virtual no mean free. You go need small small cash for:

• Data bundles for you and your speakers (trust us, gifting data boosts participation!)
• Graphics, promo materials, and social media ads
• Subscriptions like Zoom Pro, Canva Pro, or other tools
• Airtime or giveaways to keep people engaged and happy

Plan your budget well so the event no go stress your pocket.

Step 6: Promote Like You Mean Business Naija Style!

You don’t just announce and hope people show. You hype am well! Use:

• WhatsApp status and groups
• Twitter/X threads and hashtags
• Instagram Reels and Stories with catchy content
• Facebook groups and community pages
• Broadcast messages on WhatsApp
• Collaborate with micro-influencers or popular niche pages

Start early and remind your people again and again. Naija people are busy and sometimes forget, so keep the buzz alive.

Step 7: Prepare Your Tech Setup and Squad

Days before your event:

• Test your mic, camera, lighting (ring light if you get am), and backup power (gen, inverter, or power bank)
• Set up co-hosts or helpers to manage admitting guests, monitoring chat, handling music/slides, and dealing with trolls or tech issues

No be by force you do everything alone, teamwork dey important for smooth running.

Step 8: Go Live and Engage Your People!

On the big day:

• Start on time (no late start, even if people still dey join)
• Welcome everyone warmly — say “How far?!” and “If you dey hear me, type YES!”
• Use polls, shout-outs, Q&A sessions, and giveaways to keep the energy up
• Mix in jokes, local stories, or quick music breaks to keep the vibe lively

Remember, nobody wants to stare at one person’s face for 60 minutes. Make am interactive, lively, and fun.

Step 9: Follow Up, The Event Don’t End After the Stream

After the event:

• Send a thank you message or email to your attendees
• Share replay links if you recorded the session
• Drop a quick feedback form, keep it short and sweet
• Post highlights or photos on social media to keep the momentum going

This way, you build trust, brand loyalty, and get your audience ready for your next big thing.

Tips for Virtual Event Success

• Always have backup power or internet — MiFi, gen, power bank, anything to keep you live
• Keep events short and well-paced — Naija data and attention span no be jokes
• Add local flavor — music, jokes, relatable stories — Naija no dey dull!
• Test everything before the event, even if you’ve done plenty before, no room for last-minute surprises

Conclusion

Virtual events in Nigeria don’t have to be stress or wahala. With clear goals, knowing your audience, picking the right platform, good promotion, and solid tech prep, you fit run events wey go make people talk and come back for more.

For your next virtual event, remember to shine with www.shows.ng, your go-to for event ideas, tools, and support to make every event a banger.