The Nigerian event industry is facing a growing challenge that threatens its standards and credibility, according to veteran event planner Prince Taiwo Gbadebo, Lead Planner and CEO of DDMC Events. With decades of hands-on experience, Gbadebo is raising concerns over the increasing number of vendors attempting to be “everything at once,” often at the expense of quality and professionalism.
Gbadebo warns that the rise of jack-of-all-trades operators is diluting the essence of event planning, an industry that thrives on expertise, creativity, and specialization. “Competition is healthy,” he notes, “but imitation is not innovation. Copying others doesn’t make you stand out—it only makes you a replica.”
He stresses that excellence in event planning, like in any respected profession, demands focus, skill, and a deep commitment to one’s craft. According to him, vendors who abandon their core strengths in a bid to match others often lose their identity and compromise service delivery. “When you try to be everything to everyone, you lose what makes you valuable,” Gbadebo explains.
As a respected industry leader, Gbadebo is urging practitioners to reflect and reset. He calls on event professionals to embrace their individual strengths rather than chasing trends or imitating competitors. “We must stop wearing other people’s shoes and start perfecting our own craft,” he says. “Only then can we build a culture rooted in professionalism and specialization.”
Gbadebo believes the Nigerian event industry holds immense potential but insists that its growth depends on authenticity, passion, and a commitment to excellence. “Our industry can reach global standards,” he concludes, “but only if we take pride in what we do and stay true to our expertise.”
