Funke Bucknor

Funke Bucknor-Obruthe is a Nigerian entrepreneur, lawyer, and pioneer in the Nigerian event planning industry. She is widely recognized as the founder and CEO of Zapphaire Events, one of Africa's most prominent event management companies, which has been instrumental in shaping the standards of professional event planning in Nigeria. Early Life and Education Funke Bucknor was born in Lagos, Nigeria, as the second child of her parents. Her father is Segun Bucknor, a renowned journalist and musician, and her mother, Shola Bucknor, is a human resource consultant. She is the older sister of prominent Nigerian media personality, Tosyn Bucknor (who passed away in 2018). Bucknor-Obruthe received her primary and secondary education in Lagos. She pursued her higher education by studying law at the University of Lagos and was subsequently called to the Nigerian bar. Career Progression and Founding of Zapphaire Events After graduating and practicing law briefly, Bucknor-Obruthe shifted her career focus to event management, an industry that was largely informal in Nigeria at the time. She developed a passion for planning and coordinating, leading her to establish Zapphaire Events in 2003. Her company quickly rose to prominence by introducing meticulous planning, international best practices, and innovative concepts to the Nigerian market. Zapphaire Events has planned some of the most high-profile and elaborate weddings and corporate events across Nigeria and West Africa. Major Achievements and Notable Works Bucknor-Obruthe's dedication has earned her recognition as a pioneer and leader in the event industry. She has been credited with professionalizing the event planning sector in Nigeria, moving it from a largely informal service to a structured, lucrative industry. Beyond event management, she founded The Event Resource Hub, an organization focused on training and mentoring aspiring event professionals, thus contributing to the industry's growth and skill development across the continent. She is also the author of the book "The Essential Bridal Handbook." Her firm, Zapphaire Events, has won numerous industry awards. Current Status As of the present, Funke Bucknor-Obruthe remains the CEO of Zapphaire Events and continues to be an influential figure in the business and events world. She actively mentors young entrepreneurs and speaks at various business and empowerment platforms. She is married to Onome Obruthe, and they have children.