Funke Bucknor

**Funke Bucknor-Obruthe** (born 27 June 1976) is a Nigerian entrepreneur, lawyer, and event planner widely regarded as one of the pioneers of professional event planning in Nigeria. She is the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zapphaire Events, a company that has significantly contributed to standardizing the events industry in West Africa.Early Life and Education Born Funke Bucknor on June 27, 1976, in Lagos State, Nigeria, she is the daughter of the Nigerian musician Segun Bucknor. Her younger sister was the late media personality Tosyn Bucknor. Funke Bucknor-Obruthe completed her basic and secondary education at Fountain Nursery and Primary School and the Nigerian Navy Secondary School, both in Lagos. She pursued higher education at the University of Lagos, where she earned an LLB Degree in Law. Following this, she attended the Nigerian Law School in Abuja and was called to the bar in 2000.Career Progression and Major Achievements Although trained as a lawyer, Bucknor-Obruthe began her career in marketing and public relations. Her professional trajectory shifted in 2002 when she worked briefly for a floristry company. Observing a gap in the market for professional and meticulous event coordination, she founded Zapphaire Events in 2003. Zapphaire Events quickly grew to become one of Nigeria’s leading event management companies, specializing in weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings. Bucknor-Obruthe is credited with transforming event planning from an informal business into a recognized, structured industry in Nigeria. In 2009, driven by a commitment to share industry knowledge, she established the Zapphaire Training Academy, which has since trained hundreds of event professionals.Recognitions and Notable Works Bucknor-Obruthe’s influence extends beyond event planning. Her work has garnered significant local and international recognition, establishing her as a prominent figure in African business. Major recognitions include: * **Entrepreneur of the Year** (Future Award, 2006). * **Wedding Planner of the Year** (Wedding Planner Magazine Award, 2007). * **Outstanding Contribution to the Events Industry** (Nigerian Events Awards, 2012). * In 2014, she was listed by YNaija magazine in its "10 Most Powerful Under-40s in Business." * In 2016, she was one of two Nigerians included in the **BBC’s 100 Women** series, recognizing the world's most inspiring and influential women.She has also been featured on international platforms such as CNN Inside Africa and Forbes Woman Africa.Current Status Funke Bucknor-Obruthe continues to serve as the CEO of Zapphaire Events, leading its operations in Lagos, Nigeria. She is married to Onome Obruthe, and they have two children. She remains an active advocate for entrepreneurship and professional standards within the Nigerian events industry.