You may have encountered Kehinde Onabanjo-Iyiola, the CEO of
Finesse Events, without realizing it. This intentional choice to remain in the
background is a strategic move by the sophisticated event planning and
management consultant, aimed at directing attention towards her creations
rather than herself.
Nevertheless, this strategy has not completely shielded her
from recognition. Each time individuals witness her work, they find themselves
eager to connect with the woman who crafts dreams into extraordinary realities.
“It’s very intentional. You will never find me wearing
makeup or being extra in my appearance. I’ve had people express shock when they
see me for the first time. They always expect a flamboyant personality like a
big Madam or something but I’m not that sort of person,” she said softly on a
recent afternoon.
We visited her office at WhiteStone, the premier events
center she established in 2021 to meet all her clients' needs. The impressive
structure is hard to miss, strategically located along Billings Way in Ikeja.
Since its spectacular opening, WhiteStone has emerged as the
preferred venue for high-profile individuals looking to make a statement with
their weddings, birthday celebrations, or corporate gatherings. Set on a vast
expanse of land, the venue also features additional amenities that enhance the
overall experience for clients.
These include two outdoor chapels, the Moonstone Hall, which
is a cozy space for intimate social and corporate functions, the Gemstone
training and conference room designed for corporate meetings and training
sessions, Coral Lodge, which offers hotel accommodations for out-of-town guests
and is accessible to the public on non-event days, and the Amber Restaurant.
“When I set up this place, I wanted to ensure that every
angle, every space, was well maximized, and of course, give you a beautiful
experience that will not easily be forgotten,” she revealed.
Onabanjo-Iyiola demonstrated her affinity for event planning
from an early age. Raised in Badagry, she completed her primary education at
ASCON Staff School and her secondary education at Lagos State Model School,
Kankon, before advancing to Lagos State University to pursue a degree in law.
She fondly remembers assisting her mother with organization tasks and selecting
outfits for her sisters. Her mother, characterized as actively involved, played
a significant role in nurturing her entrepreneurial mindset.
“As a matter of fact, my mom went to school after she had
given birth to the five of us. She would drive us from Badagry to her
university in Abraka, Delta State. Even as a teacher, she has her side hustles.
She taught, baked, and had a supermarket, and we all had to help in running
that supermarket. Her enterprising nature kinda rubbed off on all of us.”
Her entrepreneurial spirit was clearly visible throughout
her university years. As an active participant in the Junior Chamber
International (JCI), her exceptional organizational and planning abilities
consistently stood out during various events. It was only natural for her to
take on ushering roles during that time. With experience at Elizabeth R, a
prestigious brand in event planning and management, she felt a strong
inclination to establish herself as a prominent figure in the industry.
“I’ve come to realise that when you focus on a passionate
talent or skill, it pays off more than what you actually studied in university.
That was why when I graduated from the university I chose to settle in the
event planning and management field rather than law.”
Onabanjo-Iyiola established her events company in 2008, with
a primary emphasis on event planning and decoration. As she advanced in her
journey, she recognized the importance of evolving and broadening her scope.
Currently, Finesse Events has gained a reputation for its expertise in event
decoration, coordination, and management.
“We conceptualise and bring your events and dreams into
reality,” she said.
The inaugural event she organized was her twin sister's
wedding. Despite limited resources, Onabanjo-Iyiola made certain that the
occasion was truly memorable.
“Her wedding gave me five events. Her friends were hooked
and that was how I kept getting referrals.”
Initially starting as a planning and decoration firm, she
has broadened her offerings to encompass rentals and a training academy. Her
clientele predominantly consists of elite individuals, including high-ranking
politicians and members of royalty.
Notable clients include Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Oba
Saheed Ademola Elegushi, and real estate tycoon Sir Olu Okeowo, among others. A
common remark regarding her services is her remarkable attention to detail and
sophistication.
Onabanjo-Iyiola credits this to her profound insight into
her clients' desires, emphasizing that many clients prioritize the treatment of
their guests, prompting her to focus intently on every aspect, regardless of
its size.
“Depending on the personality of the client, you have to
ensure that you deliver to their expectations.”
There have been times when Onabanjo-Iyiola's abilities were
questioned, yet she consistently astonishes her clients with her exceptional
work. A notable example occurred when she was suggested for the coronation of
the Ojora of Ijora, Oba Fatai Aromire. Some members of the planning committee
had initial doubts about entrusting her with the task.
Nevertheless, by the conclusion of the event, they were
thoroughly impressed with her performance. This experience allowed
Onabanjo-Iyiola to establish herself as a distinguished event planner
specializing in the planning and coordination of coronation ceremonies.
“We’ve done a couple of high-profile events that are in
large numbers, say between 15,000 and 20,000. And we did them effortlessly,”
she said. “I could recall when we did
Governor Makinde’s father’s burial. Then
he wasn’t the governor. About 4,000 people attended the occasion and the
governor kept telling me about all the praise he received from the event. So
when his mother passed, there were about 15,000 guests and everybody wondered
how we could manage the crowd and the event but I assured them that it would
turn out fine. I remember someone walking into the venue and saying that they
can’t think of anyone who could have done it better.”
This commendation stems from Onabanjo-Iyiola's careful and
detailed planning.
“We basically put everything on the table and look at
possibilities and requirements. We do a
map and designate tasks to people. It’s not like we have not had low fines but
I don’t get too emotional about things. I’m always prepared for every
situation, so I like to plan ahead. I’ve had situations where I had a
miscarriage, and accident attending to last-minute jobs. I’ve learnt on the job
how to say no to last-minute jobs.”
She is dedicated to organizing events that endure over time.
Emphasizing the changing trends within the industry, Onabanjo-Iyiola pointed
out that professionals are consistently elevating standards.
“And not just in Nigeria, all over the world. So things that
you couldn’t have imagined would be happening, like someone having to just buy
a land space for their daughter’s wedding, and they will build the space for
that, solely for that purpose. They will build that space in three months, and
demolish it after the wedding.”
She continued: “The volume at which people spend to have an
impeccable event is unbelievable; funds that you know people can use to buy a
house that they can live in for years. People are willing to, you know, spend
that money. That’s why the entertainment industry is one of the largest
industries in the world. And of course, everybody wants to make a statement.
People would even borrow to make a statement. For that particular day, people
want to create an impression that would linger for so long.”
Onabanjo-Iyiola has long aspired to achieve recognition as a
leading figure in her profession. Given her track record of successfully
managing numerous events, it seems that aspiration may already be a reality.
However, the ambitious lady, who recently celebrated
her 40th birthday, is not resting on her laurels. She has alluded to an
upcoming project that promises to revolutionize the industry. For the time
being, she is dedicated to leaving a significant mark on the event management
sector.