Olayinka Osaji: Passionate about making memorable events for clients

In the highly competitive event business in Nigeria, it is difficult to stand out from the crowd. However, this is certainly not the case for Olayinka Osaji, chief executive officer of Magna Events.

Osaji, who is also an event management consultant and project manager, is redefining the event industry by creating unforgettable, story-driven experiences that merge creativity, precision, and innovation.

To broaden her capacity in event planning and management, the young entrepreneur had to take up training with different institutions. Now, she has mastered the art of turning any space into a colourful ambiance.

“Over the years, I have honed my skills in blending creativity, structure, and precision to deliver high-profile events across corporate, retail, and social sectors,” she said.

With a strong foundation in administration, negotiation, and stakeholder management, she ensures that every project she handles is executed with excellence.

According to her, in 2011, she took what she describes as a bold step and founded Magna Events.

What started as a dream has since grown into a brand recognised for executing corporate gatherings, luxury social events, and weddings with audiences ranging from hundreds to thousands.

Reflecting on this, she said, “I learned that beyond logistics and décor, events are about stories, emotions, and impact. That belief has been the foundation of everything I do today.”

Through Magna, her vision has expanded to offer complete, end-to-end solutions.

Speaking on her brand offering, she says her business handles full project execution. Decor by Magna, an arm of the business, focuses on creative styling, and Rentals by Magna provides the furnishings and structures that complete the experience, she said.

Together, these divisions represent her commitment to providing clients with a seamless ecosystem rather than fragmented services.

She disclosed that her fulfilment stems from the fact that her eye for detail has helped her maintain excellent customer satisfaction, which has earned the business several referrals and repeated business experience.

Looking back at her career, Osaji recounts some notable achievements. She has successfully executed large-scale events for up to 4,000 attendees, achieving over 95 percent client satisfaction.

Her educational background and global exposure—spanning Loughborough University, the University of Manchester, Lagos Business School, and China European International Business School(CEIBS)—have equipped her with best practices and broadened her outlook on raising standards in the Nigerian event industry.

She noted that consistency, creativity, and exceeding clients’ expectations have helped the business grow steadily since it commenced operation.

In evaluating the country’s event industry, Osaji says opportunities for growth through innovation and technology abound in the sector.

“The future of the event industry is exciting. I believe we are moving towards experiences that are more immersive, technology-driven, and sustainable,” she said.

She believes hybrid events, which gained prominence during the pandemic, will continue to evolve and allow for global participation in local gatherings.

Technology, she stresses, is central to achieving this vision. It automates processes such as guest registration and post-event feedback, while also enhancing engagement through virtual and augmented reality.

“Artificial Intelligence will also play a big role—from personalising guest experiences to analysing data and providing insights on what could be improved,” she explained.

With these initiatives, frameworks, and forward-looking ideas, she continues to live up to her vision—creating unforgettable experiences in the event industry while also shaping the path for the next generation of professionals.