Hey guys! Welcome – again – to another tile in the Share of Voice scrabble board. With Share of Voice, we aim to tell stories of and have conversations with CEOs, Directors, C-Suite Execs, Brand Managers, Media Personalities, influencers across industries. We have had conversations with people like Samuel Ajiboye (Alpha and Jam), Adenike Fagbemi (Nixxhash Communications), Bayo Adedeji (Wakanow), Olajumoke Bolu-Kujero (Jumia) etc. And this one…

Jamiu Ijaodola is the CEO at Eventhive.ng, one of the fastest-growing PR Firms in Nigeria with core competencies in developing Africa’s businesses via face-to-face events.

This is how it went:

Hi Ijaodola, we hardly know you. Tell us what makes you stand out in a group of…50.

I am a graduate of Mechanical Engineering from the Lagos State University, My background as a student leader has contributed to my growth, I am an excellent communicator, and I find it quite easy relating to new people. I have also honed a unique skill set that makes me a well-rounded and versatile leader of our organisation. I can tackle issues with a wide perspective and formulate effective problem resolution options. I’m driven by completing tasks, no matter how difficult they are. I also enjoy discovering each of my teammate’s skills and strengths and helping use those to determine which tasks they would be best suited for.

A pandemic, and those necessary changes 

Well, before now, our work at Eventhive.ng has been largely remotely done, just as many of our physical engagements has been wrapped around meeting with clients and partners. However, we have had to over-communicate with our partners and attendees who were scheduled to attend our flagship event in the power sector, Lagos Power Fest which we postponed. Also, we have prioritised internal communications with our team, who are the main point of contact. We have also been constantly providing regular information to our key stakeholders that need to be informed about our organisation’s position.

Challenges, and subsequent responses

The event industry has been strongly affected by the disruptive effect of COVID-19. Since the onset of the pandemic, hundreds of events have been cancelled all over the world and waking up to the news of postponements have become the new normal. At Eventhive.ng, We postponed our flagship power sector event, Lagos Power Fest which was scheduled to hold on March 26, 2020. Of course, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, we are working very hard to minimise the losses caused by the pandemic. We are particularly measuring the adaptability of virtual events within the Nigerian market whilst engaging our clients on marketing and sponsorship opportunities, virtually. In our bid to further deliver added services to the clients we are currently servicing, we have created a PR Extension, HivePR, which will focus on media relations and corporate communications.

Starting over with customers post-pandemic – or not

We do not know how or when this crisis will end, but we know it will end. So, rest assured, the event industry will be among the first to adapt its operations to the new post-COVID-19 era that awaits us. Like I said earlier, virtual events are taking place more than ever over the last few weeks, as almost half of the world’s population is stuck at home. Conferences have been redesigned to become virtual events and they are doing a great job in keeping people connected. So, we are currently measuring the interests of our customers and clients in line with these new changes.

A downward spiral in Event Hive’s finances post-pandemic?

This is an unprecedented challenge for the event industry at large as our focal point of work is wrapped around bringing people together. Of course, it has affected our finances already as we have postponed and cancelled some events due to the disruption in our calendar. However, we are confident we will bounce back better after the pandemic.

The switch from Mechanical Engineering

I made a switch after measuring my strengths and competencies while at the University. I participated largely in student union activities. I developed very efficient communication and public engagement skills while serving in the union, this led my interest in PR. So after graduating, I started immediately with founding eventhive.ng.

Eventhive.ng’s USP

Eventhive.ng is one of Nigeria’s leading PR Firms with core skills in developing Africa’s businesses via face-to-face events. We created the platform for the launch of Nigeria’s first railway e-ticketing platform via our flagship event within Nigeria’s Transport sector. We use our conferences and exhibitions in helping businesses across Africa to target new business, showcase their products, build deeper relationships with their clients, and identify new opportunities for performance and improvement. What differentiates us from other organisations is the calibre of stakeholders and networking opportunities that are usually available at our events.

Using a magic wand to make changes

My desired change will be to revolutionise Africa’s event industry towards ensuring events become the important face of marketing for organisations.

The one question Jamiu has never been asked?

I would like to rephrase the question; what people do not know about me? The answer would be I play table tennis quite effectively.

Any other expressions? 

Yes, I do. I occasionally write on Politics and Governance.