Appoemn was first birthed as an idea by Molara Akinosho, who later shared it with two of her colleagues, Gbemi Ope and Funke Bucknor Obruthe, passionate professionals who envisioned an international association for the event industry in Nigeria. At the time, there was no unified platform for event professionals — no body to share challenges, set standards, or represent the industry before the government.

On May 18th, 2010, they invited colleagues to lunch at The American Club House to discuss forming an association. Attendees included: Gbemi Ope, Molara Akinosho, Funke Bucknor Obruthe, Kemi Remi Dairo, Kemi Adeleke, Funbi Akinyosoye, Yewande Ruwa-Dung, Seun Tall, and Dupe Adeniran. A follow-up event tagged “Getting to Know You” took place on June 1st, 2010 at New China Restaurant, OPIC Plaza, Ikeja, with over 30 stakeholders in attendance.

After the meeting, outreach expanded to invite more event professionals to join. Under the coordination of Gbemi Ope and her administrative team, the group formalized its name and created its iconic logo — a hand holding a flower, symbolizing an event carefully managed by a planner.

Core Values

• A place to call home for all event professionals
• A body representing the industry to the government
• A platform where standards are formulated
• A center for mentorship and professional growth
• A network for collaboration and problem-solving

First Elected Executives (2010)

• President - Omolara Akinosho
• Vice-President - Funke Bucknor-Obruthe
• Secretary - Kemi Remi-Dairo
• Treasurer - Funbi Akinyosoye
• Public Relations Director - Gbemisola Ope
• Education Director - Jibola Ponnle
• Events/Creative Director - Yewande Onabiyi
• Logistics/Hospitality - Funke Aloba
• Association Admin - Jumoke Abudu

These executives managed the association until its public launch on August 1st, 2012, at City Hall, Onikan, Lagos. The first Gala and Recognition Night followed on August 5th, 2012.

Growth and Expansion (2013–2016)

The 2013 Conference, held at Red Carpet, was a major success — honoring industry veterans such as the late Segun Bucknor, King Sunny Ade, Ali Baba, Jimmy Jat, and others. Annual General Meetings (AGMs) in 2014, 2015, and 2016 brought new leadership, constitutional updates, and structural reforms to strengthen the association.

Leadership Timeline

2016 Executives

• President: Gbemisola Ope
• Vice President: Adefunke Kuyoro
• Secretary: Kemi Remi-Dairo
• Finance: Titi Moritiwon (Ezeagwula)
• Corporate/PRO: Emeka Okosieme
• Education Director: Ajibola Olatomirin-Richards
• Event/Creativity: Kehinde Iyiola
• Hospitality: Joke Adebeso
• Logistics: Taiwo Ajao

2018–2020 Executives

• President: Gbemisola Ope
• Vice President: Adefunke Kuyoro
• Secretary: Omolola Balogun
• Finance: Titi Ezeagwula
• PRO: Bose Abisagboola
• Education Director: Ajibola Olatomirin-Richards
• Event/Creativity: Kehinde Iyiola
• Hospitality: Joke Adebeso
• Logistics: Taiwo Ajao

2020–2022 Executives

• President: Adefunke Kuyoro
• Vice President: Funbi Akinyosoye
• Secretary: Omolola Balogun
• Asst Secretary: Olajumoke Olatunji
• Finance: Funmi Olaogun
• Corporate/PRO: Bose Abisagboola
• Education Director: Yemisi Peters
• Event/Creativity: Maria-Pamella Nwonu
• Welfare: Ojuolape Femi-Ayodele
• Logistics: Segun Okunuga

2023–2025 Executives

• President: Oluwafunbi Akinyosoye
• Vice President: Tijani Mohammed
• General Secretary: Olajumoke Olatunji
• Public Relations Director: Ebunlomo Taiyese
• Events Director: Chinwe Claire Attoh
• Welfare Director: Oyailo Felix John
• Education Director: Olufunmilayo Latunji-Oni
• Logistics Director: Okunuga Segun Inanwole
• Finance Director: Adenike Akinyemi

Reflections from the Founder

Looking back at our history, I have learnt the power of a dream — if you can dream it, it can happen. No man is an island; together we have built something remarkable, growing stronger as professionals and individuals. Though we faced challenges, persistence and unity brought us here.

“Together we are stronger.”
— Omolara Akinosho, Founder, APPOEMN