What Makes A Great Event? 10 Common Themes Every Event Planner Should Know
Top 10 keys to unforgettable Nigerian events: great vibe, food, planning, and smooth flow.
Planning an event in Nigeria no be small work o! From small owambes to massive corporate conferences, one thing dey sure people no dey forget how your event make dem feel. Whether na wedding for Lagos, concert for Port Harcourt, or tech summit for Abuja, there’s a big difference between “just there” events and the ones we still dey gist about months later. If you want your own event to enter that unforgettable category, here are 10 must-haves every successful Naija event gets right straight from the playbook of event pros on Shows.ng.
1. Smooth Coordination – No Room for Stories That Touch
Nigeria is the land of surprises last-minute traffic jams, power wahala, or vendors showing “African time.” The best events are backed by a solid coordination plan where everyone knows their role from start to finish.
Pro Tip: Always have a walkie-talkie or a dedicated phone line for your team on event day. No be the day of the event you go dey call MC with “Where you dey?”
2. Clear Purpose – Let People Know Why Dem Show Face
Before you even book the venue, your event purpose must be clear. Is it to celebrate, learn, network, or just vibe? Nigerians like to know exactly what’s in store.
Example: A bridal shower with a theme like “Yoruba Angels in White” will attract more excitement than just “bridal party.”
3. Guest-Centered Planning – Na People First Before Anything
In Naija, guests no dey hide their feelings if dem no enjoy. Prioritise seating, ventilation (especially for outdoor venues), food variety, and accessibility.
Hot Tip: Always plan for jollof rice, small chops, drinks, and options for both Gen Z and the elders.
4. Good Timing – Respect Time, Even Nigerian Time
While guests might not show up exactly on time, you must balance “arrival time” with a real kickoff to avoid boring early birds.
Advice: Plan a pre-event vibe – light music, small refreshments – so people feel engaged before the main program starts.
5. Engaging Activities – Naija People No Like Just Sit Down Look
From live games to giveaways, Nigerians love interaction. Add hype MCs, cultural performances, or fun competitions to keep the energy high.
Think: Dance-offs, surprise celebrity appearances, or a live raffle during breaks.
6. Memorable Décor & Ambience – Give Them Eye-Candy
Whether traditional or corporate, your venue look matters. From lighting to colour schemes, create a space where people feel wowed.
Naija Vibe Tip: Add statement backdrops, creative centrepieces, and a photo booth for those Instagram moments.
7. Sound & Lighting – No Let Mic Wahala Spoil Your Groove
Good sound and lighting can make or break your event. Nigerians love their music crisp and their mic working without “Hello, hello, can you hear me?” drama.
Double-Check: Have a generator and a sound technician on standby – no stories!
8. Security & Safety – Peace of Mind for You and Your Guests
From Lagos to Abuja, security is a must. You need gate control, crowd management, and emergency readiness.
Smart Tip: Work with trusted security teams and ensure there’s a visible presence to make guests feel safe.
9. Authentic Naija Vibes – Let the Culture Shine
Music, food, jokes, fashion – Naija is rich in vibes. The best events embrace our culture instead of copying foreign styles blindly.
Example: Use trending slang, native greetings, and even popular TikTok sounds to keep guests smiling.
10. Post-Event Follow-Up – Keep the Energy Alive
After the last guest leaves, your event shouldn’t just vanish. Follow up with thank-you messages, highlight reels, or tagged photos. Nigerians love being recognised!
Bonus: Post official highlights on Shows.ng to keep the buzz going and attract future attendees.
In Nigeria, event planning is more than hiring a decorator and booking vendors it’s about curating an experience that people will gist about long after. When you give your guests comfort, coordination, fun, and authentic vibes, your event won’t just trend it will live rent-free in their memories. If you’re ready to take your event from basic to legendary, Shows.ng is your go-to hub for discovering, planning, and promoting the hottest events in Naija.
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