Encomium
FORMER Face of Lux and top event planner, Ibidun Ighodalo has been adjudged the Queen of Decorations, years after she cornered the juicy contract of beautifying Lagos during the yuletide.
It would be recalled that celebrations in Lagos State before Governor Fashola’s administration was cool, though a bit dreary if not for firecrackers (knockouts) and a few Christmas decorations on a few houses. Festive as it was then, it remained largely an exclusive one (more of individuals and families).
But in 2007, Christmas celebration changed forever in Lagos. For the very first time, the streets were given a glittery makeover by Ibidun Ighodalo, the boss of Elizabeth R, a leading Events Planning and Management company.
Elizabeth R is a full service Events Planning, Design and Production company, creating extraordinary events and experiences for private and corporate clients.
Before she was given the arduous task of beautifying Lagos, Ibidun was renowned for her ability to transform mundane settings into exquisite spaces that serve as feasts for the senses. She is also from the very famous and affluent Ighodalo family who are an extremely powerful and successful people.
Aware of her commission and mandate, she began to interpret her dream and vision of transforming Lagos into a fantasy land during the Christmas/festive season which turned out to be ground -breaking and laudable.
“It ushered in an era of goodness and goodwill for the state. Christmas lights and displays adorned heritage structures, sites and parks, to brighten up the capital. Lagos twinkled with an array of Christmas decorations in all shapes, sizes and colours, giving our streets a festive sparkle,” a source familiar with Elizabeth R’s early decorative scenes of Lagos told ENCOMIUM Weekly.
“Magical lights, ornaments, whimsical decor and displays, and garlands created a breathtaking spectacle. Lagos became a wonderland with a very distinct seasonal spirit, and the news spread far and wide. People came from all over to take in the enchanting sights, from displays of peacock inspired sets, to ships, dazzling lights and other exquisite ones. Christmas was no longer exclusive, it became an inclusive moment for all, and brought a sense of joy and amazement. Elizabeth R has constantly pulled out all the stops and Lagos wore on a modern and sophisticated look.”
Ibidun’s boundless energy, tireless spirit, enthusiasm, creativity, imagination and years of event planning experience has since cemented her status as the go-to and most innovative planner, and endeared her to people. It has also made her perhaps the richest and youngest lady in her field.
Now on top of her game in the project of putting up Christmas lights, it is bigger and better than ever before because under Ibidun Ighodalo’s direction, Lagos streets and sites are a masterpiece, and a beauty to behold.
“We cannot imagine Christmas in Lagos without the midas touch of Elizabeth R, it is now a collective tradition and one we look forward to celebrating,” a Lagosian enthused.
Married to Pastor Ituah Ighodalo of Trinity House, the ex-beauty queen and maiden Face of Lux owns the Dorchester by Elizabeth R, a four thousand seater event arcade on the Island. Delectable Ibidun also handles most of society’s top notch events in a career spanning over a decade (She founded Elizabeth R in 2003 as a public relations and events company).
Contacted on Saturday, January 10, 2015 to comment on her exemplary transformation of the landscapes of Lagos mega city during festive periods, the pretty lady pleaded with ENCOMIUM Weekly to allow her work speak for her. She, however, said her being decorated as queen in her field is an appreciable compliment.
-UCHE OLEHI
