“Recognise Us As Partners”, PEPVAN Pushes For Deeper Government Collaboration
•••Marks 10th Anniversary
•By OYENIYI KAZEEM
IBADAN – THE Professional Event Planners and Vendors Association of Nigeria (PEPVAN) has renewed its call for stronger collaboration with the Oyo State Government, stressing that official recognition and partnership would formalize the industry and unlock its full potential in Oyo State.
This message formed the central theme of the association’s 10th-anniversary celebration held in Ibadan.
Pioneer President of PEPVAN Nigeria, Mayowa Oloyede, who led the founding vision of the association, emphasized that government collaboration is key to advancing the profession.
“The collaboration we seek from government is recognizing us as an event house and body in Oyo State and in other states where we operate. If the government wants to plan or design any event, they should partner with us,” Oloyede said.
“Most of us live and pay taxes here. We need the government to patronize us, support us, and recognize us as a professional association they can work with.”
Oloyede traced the origins of PEPVAN to a single vision,
“The association started from a single person who saw the need in the event industry. By providence, PEPVAN became the first organized platform where event professionals could come together, exist, and collaborate. Over the years, we have built a formidable association with members from all walks of life.”
He acknowledged the challenges facing the industry,
“We have so many challenges, the inability to manage the excesses of some people who call themselves professionals, and the lack of government backing. It’s not because they don’t belong to our association, but some of their work cannot be presented properly, and when they deliver, the public classifies all of us together.”
“We also face manpower issues, financial constraints, and some government policies that have not helped the industry. But the event industry remains lucrative; there is room for everyone depending on their niche, rentals, MCs, coordination, or decoration.”
“Before, Lagos planners got new ideas faster than us. But today, many of us in Ibadan are well-travelled and exposed. We have imported global ideas, and Ibadan has gained serious momentum. Event planners in Oyo State can compete with anyone in the world. Lagos started it, but we have upped our game.”
National President of PEPVAN Nigeria, Adetunji Adekunle (Wonders), reflected on the 10-year journey of the association, highlighting growth, collaboration, and member development.
“This 10-year anniversary speaks resilience, excellence, continuous collaboration, and togetherness. Today, we have over 500 members nationwide and we are still growing. In the Southwest, no association can compete with us.”
Wonders emphasized that collective effort has strengthened individual members’ brands,
“Coming together as a body has shaped our individual brands. When individual brands improve, the association improves. Members’ businesses have witnessed exponential growth over the years. Even after COVID-19, the industry bounced back strongly, contributing to the country’s GDP.”
He also addressed issues such as quackery and inclusivity,
“Some people think they can operate alone, but when they face challenges, they have no one to turn to. That’s why we organize monthly trainings. Event planning is not for women alone; men are doing well. Passion, willingness to learn, character, emotional intelligence, and God first are key to success in this profession.”
Representing the Oyo State Government, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Wasiu Olatubosun, commended PEPVAN for its contributions and reinforced the need for professionalism.
“PEPVAN is one of the key stakeholders in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. They have been supporting the government, and we urge members to maintain professional ethics, discipline, and creativity.”
He also encouraged ongoing support for Governor Seyi Makinde,
“They should keep supporting Governor Makinde’s administration and remember us in their prayers.”
Addressing the issue of quackery,
“Membership in associations is voluntary, but credible bodies like PEPVAN can implement measures to encourage people to join. We recently collaborated with the Hoteliers Association and NANTA to enforce registration compliance. Event planners are harder to track, but if PEPVAN continues building structure, more people will join.”