The air at the 1940s revival was thick with the scent of nostalgia—a reminder that while trends fade, true style and heritage are eternal.
On February 3rd, 2026, time folded in on itself in Lagos as the Association of Professional Party Organizers and Event Managers of Nigeria (APPOEMN) hosted Owanbe 5.0. The Sheba Event Centre was meticulously reimagined, shedding its modern skin to become a 1940s sanctuary that masterfully blended heritage with event excellence.
The event was more than a themed party; it was a sensory immersion. APPOEMN curated a space where the “Old Skool” aesthetic met contemporary precision. Every detail—from the textures in the decor to the sepia-toned lighting—was designed to evoke the resilience and elegance of post-war Nigeria.
The experience area served as a portal to a golden era, where guests arrived as living embodiments of history. The gentlemen were dapper in high-waisted silhouettes and classic caps—channeling the sophisticated poise of the 1940s elite—while the ladies radiated timeless grace, adorned with intricate threaded hairstyles and bold, heritage-rich wrappers. Upon arrival, guests were given a royal welcome and enjoyed nutritious snacks like hot Akara and bread, washed down with an array of local drinks including Palm wine, Burukutu, and Zobo.
The evening pulsed with high-energy live band performances, weaving a melodic bridge from the evergreen classics of the golden era to the vibrant rhythms of contemporary music. This sonic journey was perfectly paired with a curated menu of traditional Nigerian cuisine, designed to evoke the soul of early celebration eras.
In a moment of industry honor, awards of recognition were presented to deserving members to celebrate their exceptional contributions:
- Lifetime Service Award:Funke Bucknor of Zapphaire Events
- Ambassador Award:Olufunbi Akinyosoye of Dunamis Events
- Mentorship and Guidance Award:Coach Bisi Sotunde of BusyBee Events
- Knowledge Sharing Award:Tope Tinubu of White Orange Events
- Event Support Award:Olaoluwakitan Deborah of Amoke Alaga
- Active Member Award:Roash Events
- Volunteer Service Award:Patogsignature Events
The festivities were interspersed with spirited competitions to crown the night’s style icons, with winners emerging in the following categories:
- Best Dressed (Female):Won by @modeeskitchen, whose ensemble featured rich Damask fabric and intricate coral beadwork.
- Best Gele:Won by BISBAM (@alagaiyawo) for a masterfully tied headpiece that paid homage to 1940s elegance.
- Best Fila:Won by Aksent Events.
Ultimately, Owanbe 5.0 was a celebration of continuity. By revisiting the 1940s, APPOEMN demonstrated that the roots of Nigerian hospitality and celebration are deep, storied, and unshakable. The event successfully proved that to move forward in the event industry, one must first deeply understand and honor the craftsmanship of the past.
By Cletus Asikpo, Creative Director, Postmyevents Media Services
Photo Credit: APPOEMN
