In the bustling heart of Lagos, Nigeria, where commerce and creativity collide, Funke Bucknor-Obruthe has built an empire on something deceptively simple: joy.
As the founder and CEO of Zapphaire Events, Bucknor-Obruthe is more than just an event planner—she’s a cultural force, an innovator in Africa’s growing creative economy, and a pioneer in a space once dominated by informal structures and inconsistent standards.
Over two decades ago, the law graduate from the University of Lagos pivoted from courtroom aspirations to craft a career in event planning, long before it became an aspirational path for African youth.
“I saw an opportunity to turn passion into business,” she says, seated in her vibrant office adorned with photos from decades of dazzling weddings, corporate galas, and high-society soirees. “But it was never just about organizing events—it was about creating experiences, about storytelling through celebration.”
That mindset helped position Zapphaire Events as a trailblazer—not just in Nigeria, but across the continent.
Her brand, known for its precision, elegance, and Afrocentric flair, has managed events in over 10 countries, with clients ranging from global corporations to African royalty.
She’s turned the once-niche industry of event planning into a multi-million-dollar sector, proving that creativity, when combined with strategy, is serious business.
Beyond the glitz, Bucknor-Obruthe has remained a fierce advocate for professionalization within the African events space.
Her training platform, The Zapphaire Academy, has mentored hundreds of aspiring planners, instilling in them the rigour, discipline, and entrepreneurial spirit needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. “There’s talent everywhere in Africa, but we need more structure and mentorship,” she notes.
Her influence extends well beyond events.
As a public speaker, mentor, and media personality, Bucknor-Obruthe has become a symbol of what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
She’s graced the stages of TEDx, spoken at business forums across Africa, and continues to champion women in business, particularly in creative industries often overlooked by traditional investment channels.
In an economy as volatile as Nigeria’s—rife with inflation, regulatory shifts, and infrastructural gaps—building a sustainable business is no small feat.
Yet Zapphaire has not only survived, it has thrived. Bucknor-Obruthe attributes this to adaptability.
“COVID-19 hit our industry hard, but it forced us to innovate—virtual events, hybrid experiences, tighter logistics. We emerged leaner, sharper, and more creative than ever.”
Today, as Africa’s youth embrace entrepreneurship over employment, Bucknor-Obruthe stands as a case study in the monetization of culture.
Her story underscores a powerful shift in African economies—where value isn’t just extracted from minerals or oil, but from ideas, aesthetics, and unforgettable moments.
“We’re not just building events,” she says, with a smile that betrays both grit and grace. “We’re building memories. And memories are priceless.”
