Funke Bucknor-Obruthe shines in Nigeria’s event planning and business scene. She builds her work on clear links between ideas, actions, and outcomes. Each word and decision connects closely with the next. This approach helps you see her strong style and simple leadership.
Early Life and Education: Foundations of Excellence
Funke was born on June 27, 1976, in Lagos State, Nigeria. Her early life gave her strong goals. At Fountain Nursery and Primary School, she learned to see each step as linked. At Nigeria Navy Secondary School in Lagos, she grew more curious. At the University of Lagos, she studied Law, and then at the Nigerian Law School in Abuja she trained further. Called to the bar in 2000, she began law practice. Each stage built another close connection of skill and discipline.
Transition to Event Planning: Turning Passion into Profession
Funke loved event planning. Even while practicing law, her heart leaned toward events. She worked at Tie Communications for a short time. Then she founded Zapphaire Events in 2003. Each step joins a simple chain: passion leads to work; work leads to growth. Her new company built its reputation with clear ideas and fresh designs.
Building Zapphaire Events: A Brand Synonymous with Excellence
Under Funke’s care, Zapphaire Events grew fast. The brand now has three parts: Zapphaire Events Limited, The Zapphaire Training Academy, and Decor by Furtullah. Her choices made strong links from idea to success. Over eighteen years, the company set up more than 1,500 events around the world. High-profile weddings and corporate meetings share a linked path of style and care.
Industry Contributions and Recognition
Funke plans grand events. Her work earned praise at home and abroad. She has organized royal Nigerian weddings and was featured on CNN’s Inside Africa. Many awards join her path, such as:
• The Future Award for Entrepreneur of the Year (2006)
• Wedding Planner Magazine’s Wedding Planner of the Year (2007)
• Nigerian Events Awards for Outstanding Contribution to the Events Industry (2012)
• YNaija’s "10 Most Powerful Under-40s in Business" (2014)
• BBC’s 100 Women of 2016
Her work has clear, short links to wider recognition. She is named among Africa’s top three wedding planners. She joins the Advisory Board of the Destination Wedding Planner’s Congress (DWPC) and was honored by the King of Dubai in 2016. ## Empowerment through Education: The Zapphaire Training Academy
Funke does not stop at planning events. In 2009, she started the Zapphaire Training Academy to teach and share skills. Over 500 event professionals have learned new skills here. Her work connects ideas to growth through the Zapphaire Connect Series and The Event Experience Africa (TEXA). TEXA links fresh ideas with solid work. Many participants and speakers join, each word and idea adding to the chain of learning.
Author and Media Personality: Sharing Her Expertise
Funke sees the needs of brides and event organizers. She wrote The Essential Bridal Handbook for the African market. Her book and her YouTube series, “Funke Says”, make each tip and lesson connect easily. She guides listeners and readers from one idea to the next with clear links.
Personal Life and Values
Funke Bucknor-Obruthe is married to Onome Obruthe, and they share two children. She is also the elder sister of the late Tosyn Bucknor, a well-known media personality. Funke’s story is filled with close links of family, work, and values. Her own words remind us: “There is something special that you can harness and bring to the table. Always add value to other individuals.” Each connection in her life builds strength and meaning.
Legacy and Ongoing Impact
Funke has left a strong mark on Nigeria’s event industry and on African business. Her clear, linked steps show that hard work connects passion with success. Global media like Forbes Woman Africa and CNN light up her path. Funke’s journey shows that clear ideas and close links between each step can change an industry.
Funke Bucknor-Obruthe’s story is a clear path from passion to success. Her work in event planning, her focus on teaching, and her steady leadership create a chain of clear links. For those who want to learn how success is built in Nigeria’s creative fields, her life shows that every word and action can connect to a brighter future.
