Mrs. Folasade Oyedepo is one of the vibrant event planners who work with today’s innovation, ensuring that her clients get the best of celebration.
Lots of parties and events hold globally daily , and behind the glamour are companies like Caritas Events working hard to ensure that occasions hold perfectly.
One of the biggest event planning outfits in Lagos is Caritas events. Her Event Planning encompasses all aspects of a ceremony, from its initial conception , and ideas -generating stage, through to the tiny bits of details for the event itself.
Mrs. Folasade Oyedepo , a retired Vice Principal/ Founder of Caritas Events Specializes in delivery of hitch-free events, and placing the satisfaction of her clients as priority.
She talked to Elitist media team on the ideology of business growth.
- Let us know you better?
My name is Folasade Biodun-Oyedepo, a retired Vice Principal (Admin) of NEPA Staff School, Egbin via lkorodu.
I retired after working for 27years. I obtained my first and second degrees in Christian Religion Studies and Psychology Personnel from Ogun State University, now Olabisi Onabanjo University , Ago Iwoye.
l was encouraged to go into events by my husband, Engr Biodun Oyedepo because he noticed the potential in me and gave me full support , and the encouragement to learn more about it based on the fact that l like putting things in order , and that l always admire beautiful and colorful environments, most especially during occasions. This made me to go for series of trainings on decoration and events planning within and outside Nigeria during my vacations.
After my retirement in 2013, God gave us an event hall, Caritas Events Center, in lkorodu, The hall can accommodate 800 guests on banquet sitting arrangement. This also opened my eyes to various opportunities in the event industry.
Today, we have Caritas Event Center, Caritas Decor Stores, Caritas Rentals, Caritas Academy, Eru lyawo by Caritas, Alaga Caritas and TLB Jewelry Store. All to the glory of God. I am a member of the American Rental Association, Member of APPOEMN ; also a member of Shining Stars.
- As a trained educationist how did you get into event management?
Let me say Passion for beautiful environment drove me to event industry. I started because I always love to celebrate my children’s birthdays in an extra ordinary way , and whenever we had an event during my years of service, I ensured that the event goes proper.
I was the event planner of my former place of work. So after my retirement I registered my company’s name with the Corporate Affairs Commission, went for professional training within and outside Nigeria, and I also go for traditional compere jobs popularly known as Alaga.
Today I am a proud member of American Rentals Association, member APOEM, Well Watered Garden by Busy Bee, with lots of online training and self-development programme.
- Tell us what your company is all about?
At Caritas Group we are into full scale events planning, we do decoration of venues, we have Caritas Event Center, which houses two separate halls – Alpha and Omega by name with over 800 guest capacity on banquet arraignments; Caritas Decor Stores, Caritas Rentals, Caritas Academy, Eru lyawo by Caritas, Alaga Caritas and TLB Jewelry Store that houses jewelries, gift Items and party packs items,
all to the glory of God.
- What distinguishes your brand from its pears?
We are a customer service oriented company. We believe in distinction or excellent results. So whatever we are doing the mark of excellence must reflect. Our services are unique and classy ; we always offer outstanding and world class services.
- Who are your clients?
The brides and grooms, birthday Celebrants, corporate organizations, religion bodies and so on.
- How important is co – branding for hosting a large event?
I see this as a brilliant and welcome Idea, but for us at Caritas we have enough resources to handle any event , even state event because of human and materials capacity.
- How long have you been into business?
12 solid years.
- What are your future projections for your brand ?
I want Caritas event to be an household name; a one stop event place, anything that has to do with events.
We are always ready to bring your fantasy to reality and we turn your reality to wow exeperince.
- What government policies can be implemented for companies to thrive in Nigeria?
Government at all levels should streamline the different agencies they are bringing out .
They should be considerate about all these multiple taxes.
We look forward to policies that will allow small businesses to thrive.
- If you could turn the time, what would you love to do in regards of your business?
I would have moved into the event industry earlier than this.
Because this is where my passion belongs.
- As CEO of Caritas Group which books inspire you the most?
Lots of them though, but I will love to single out the rich and the poor Dad.
- What do you think it takes to succeed in business?
Consistency, Integrity, excellent service culture. Learn to improve on yourself, move with the trend and progressive questions.
- What are your words of advice to those young Nigerians who wish to wear your shoes?
They should always pray for God’s direction so you will not be at someone else’s field. Say no to short cuts.
See your work as your ministry. Always remember that to succeed you need a lot of sacrifice.
