INTERVIEW WITH THE C.E.O OF PLEASANT JAY EVENTS
J.O.E-
Introduce urself.
P.E- My name is Ajoke Akinola the
MD/CEO of Pleasant Jay Events. I received my Higher National Diploma with upper
Credit in Business Administration and Management from the Institute of
Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu. I have a wide range of administrative,
banking and marketing work experiences.
Pursuing my passion for
administration and organizing, I was trained by a UK certified specialist (Mrs
Kikelomo of Blooms Designs) as well as other local trainers in the field of
Event Planning /management and Catering Services. I started the Event Management Company
in June 2010. I am
a member of NECA NETWORK OF ENTREPRENUERIAL WOMEN (NNEW) and alumni
member of FATE Foundation. I have attended a wide range of seminars, conferences and
workshops like the Start Your Business (SYB) organised by the International
Labour Organisation (ILO), YOUWIN business Plan seminar organised by the
federal Government of Nigeria, Capacity building for SME organised by the
Business Day, Business Networking organised by FATE foundation, 2nd SME
TOOLKIT conference and 2nd social Sector Dialogue organised by EDC
of the Pan African University amongst others.
I have (By God’s grace) successfully
planned events for multinational companies like IBM West Africa, Penquin South
Africa and others like Rosario Furniture, Netsolution LTD, Rosebuzz Oil
&Gas and several individuals.
J.O.E- How long have you been in the event management business?
We started out in June 2010. 3 years
precisely.
What inspires you to keep your head up in the midst of the storm during an event?
The Holy Spirit is our major source
of inspiration. He directs, and grants us success even in the midst of storms
during an event.
Also the passion we have for the job
is another source of inspiration. For any event we managed, we handle them as
if our whole career depends on them. We give our clients the wow effect, the
passion for the job, makes us go the extra mile for our clients. For every
event there is something extra for the clients; so at all times the clients
always appreciate us.
When was your most challenging moment while planning an event, and how did you handle it?
Most challenging moment was when
clients provided non dependable vendors, though we advised accordingly but the
clients insisted. These so called incompetent vendors arrived late for the
event and also forgot some of their equipment. This actually happened during a
client wedding ceremony.
What we did was to calm the couple’s nerves when they arrived at the reception venue; we made sure they were comfortable in a separate room, while we were following up on the other vendors that were yet to arrive. We were able to manage the situation perfectly.
What we did was to calm the couple’s nerves when they arrived at the reception venue; we made sure they were comfortable in a separate room, while we were following up on the other vendors that were yet to arrive. We were able to manage the situation perfectly.
When was your most exciting moment in event management?
We have found most of our jobs
exciting due to the fact that we take pleasure in doing our jobs well and we
also work with reliable and professional vendors.
What were your challenges when you started?
Some
of the challenges we faced were penetrating into the Nigerian market, because
many find it difficult to trust that the upcoming entrepreneurs can actually
deliver alongside with the so called “big shots” in the industry. Another
challenge we face is the human capital, we rarely find committed staffs. Most
people are out to make quick money.
How do you cope with event management and the home front?
Basically as a career woman, hold my
family in very high esteem. In cases where I needed to stay away from home for
some days, I make adequate plans ahead of time so as to keep both ends moving.
I just don't neglect my family for anything.
What type of attire can be easily seen in your wardrobe?
Majorly, you’ll find tops and
trousers, they are smart on me and am ready to move at all times
What do you think about event management in Nigeria today, and where do you think it's heading to?
Event management in Nigeria has become one of the prominent businesses
in our land, and has been able to proffer solutions for many Nigerians, i.e.
planners and clients as well.
Though one of the major challenges in the industry is the issue of quack planners; many chose the profession only to enrich themselves at the expense of the clients. They provide scruffy and unprofessional services. But thank God for the immergence of APPOEMN (Association of Professional Party Organiser and Event Managers of Nigeria) to curb all these.
Though one of the major challenges in the industry is the issue of quack planners; many chose the profession only to enrich themselves at the expense of the clients. They provide scruffy and unprofessional services. But thank God for the immergence of APPOEMN (Association of Professional Party Organiser and Event Managers of Nigeria) to curb all these.
Where do you see pleasant jay events in the next 5 years?
We hope to become a household name
and the preferred leader in the event industry by creating and sustaining a
viable brand in the industry and delivering value beyond our clients’
expectations
How do you intend to give back to society?
How do you intend to give back to society?
We intend to do this by working
closely with NGOs and also offering well subsidized training for prospective
event managers.
What advice do you have for new and intending event managers?
My advice for them is to always put
God first, remain focused, be committed and to believe in themselves.
Who
would you like to appreciate?
Our utmost gratitude goes to
almighty God for bringing us this far. Through thick and thin He's been there
for us and gave us victory.
Also to my sweetheart, my husband
and strength, he's been so supportive and understanding.
My wonderful mentors have been so
great to me. To the entire Jayz Occasions & Events team for featuring us on
your blog, we feel highly honored.
And to everyone that God has used
for us, we say a big thank you.
Website: www.pleasantjayevents.com.ng
Email: info@pleasantjayevents.com.ng
