Funke Bucknor-Obruthe is a name that has become synonymous with elegance, excellence, and elevation in Africa’s event planning landscape.

A trained lawyer turned celebrated entrepreneur, she has built a life and legacy around moments that matter.

As the founder and CEO of Zapphaire Events, Funke has transformed what was once considered a logistical service into an art form, one that speaks of culture, creativity, and meticulous execution.

Since launching Zapphaire Events in 2003, Funke has orchestrated over 1,500 weddings, corporate galas, and high-profile events across the world.

But what sets her apart is not just the number, it is the intention.

Every event under her watch is curated with soul.

Each experience is a story told in color, emotion, and perfect timing.

From luxury weddings to presidential functions, her work speaks louder than any pitch, and her presence has become a seal of trust within and beyond Nigeria.

Funke is more than an event professional, she is a culture shaper, a mentor, and a mouthpiece for industry growth.

In 2009, she launched the Zapphaire Training Academy, a platform that has trained over 500 aspiring event professionals and planted seeds of excellence across the continent.

Her passion for empowering others also led to the creation of The Event Xperience Africa, an annual gathering of top-tier event professionals, producers, and creatives from across Africa.

Since 2019, TEXA has become a hub of insight and collaboration, expanding the limits of what the African event industry can achieve.

Beyond the big stages and spotlight, Funke has authored a landmark publication, The Essential Bridal Handbook, the first of its kind tailored to African brides.

She also created the popular YouTube series, Funke Says, where she shares candid wisdom, real stories, and advice that has helped countless couples and planners navigate the emotional, spiritual, and practical terrain of weddings.

Every word she writes or speaks comes from experience, and every lesson is laced with empathy.

Over the years, her brilliance has not gone unnoticed.

She was named Entrepreneur of the Year by The Future Awards in 2006, and Wedding Planner of the Year by Wedding Planner Magazine in 2007.

In 2016, the BBC listed her among the 100 most inspirational women in the world, a recognition that only confirmed what her clients, peers, and mentees already knew.

But accolades aside, Funke Bucknor-Obruthe is the kind of professional who leads with heart.

She has redefined what it means to be an event planner, fusing innovation with emotional intelligence, and showing that a great event is not just about aesthetics, but about impact.

Whether she is speaking on a global stage, consulting for a couple’s big day, or mentoring the next generation, she shows up fully, with laughter, depth, and an unshakeable commitment to purpose.

From Lagos to London, and every aisle, ballroom, and boardroom in between, Funke Bucknor-Obruthe is building more than a business.

She is building moments that become memories, and memories that become legacy.