Encomium
WE stand in prayer of thanksgiving, neither mouthing petitions nor pleas, but grateful and appreciative of all the experiences which have brought us, the good people of ENCOMIUM (like we are fondly addressed) to this beautiful spot. We count ourselves enormously lucky and abundantly blessed, leaning more to grace and favour, but not discounting talent, craftsmanship, hard work, ‘shrewdness.’
These past 16 years (since 1997) – with rewarding journals and catalogues of records, and events which paint the social calendar crimson and cheerful – have been eventful. The challenges made us more circumspect, beat us into line, giving us insights into how easily tables could have turned, even in spite of the best laid plans. We acknowledge our good fortune.
And as 2013 swims into 2014, we cannot think of a better way to serenade our numerous publics.
With The White Gig, the grandest, classiest and biggest white party known to mankind, we are aware we have a good thing on our hands. And our guests at the 6-hour extravaganza on Sunday, December 22, 2013, at the expansive 7-star events place, Yard 158, on Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Ikeja (Lagos), will be treated to decent fun and bliss merged with excitement and ecstasy.
Our annual revelry of thanksgiving, the periodical communion of gratitude celebrating ENCOMIUM, the magazine and events company’s birthday comes at this season of hope and redemption.
Partners and associates, friends and well-wishers, join us at this Christmas party where fun tops our agenda.
BRING HOPE ALONG! DON’T FORGET XMAS IS WHITE, RED AND GREEN
Those we are honoured to have on our guest list, who have since received their invitation card, know our colour code for The White Gig so well. And we are sticking to our traditional code of only white garbs. Yes, your attires should be white –not cream or off-white. WHITE.
But your accessories –headgears, necklaces, wristwatches, bracelets, earrings, bags, shoes and socks and more –can be in the colours of the rainbow. You can highlight and enhance your white apparels with accessories in any colour.
But since we are celebrating Xmas, don’t forget the colours of the season –red and green. So, if you can, you should pick red and green accessories. And those who love us can adorn Santa Claus’ hats (you know those red ones with white trimmings?).
A PALACE TO PRANCE, YARD 158
The venue of this year’s thanksgiving revelry, Yard 158 (on Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos) can be likened to the grounds of a palace with all the facilities mansions of the rich and the finicky parade.
From its car park to the large marquee (the biggest yet we have chosen for any of our gig, groove or ball), we cannot ask for a better bargain.
And with our decorators (Open Hands) promising to transform the arena to a Xmas village. From all the props that remind you of the season to objects of desire that brighten spaces, you will be welcomed to yuletide in style.
THERE’S ONLY ONE OBJECTIVE, AND IT’S LABELLED PLEASURE
Pleasure that is decent and acceptable. Not debauchery and pervasion and sickening engagements. Clean cut fun –of camaraderie and networking, good music (from the king whose reign and rule is pleasing to all), food and drinks that raise pleasure stratosphere to an acceptable point. The objective of the gig is to treat our publics, partners and associates, friends and well-wishers to great fun with beautiful people all dressed in white as guests.
To acknowledge our collective good fortune, of being alive and well, kicking and joyous in this interesting times. Of being permitted to live and experience favour.
From the gate of Yard 158, as you pass through the immigration spot with our well-mannered guards (from K-Square Security) and our hostesses with tablets checking your name on our guest list, through our red and green carpet welcome reception (in sync with colours of the season), to the cocktail arena in the well-cooled marquee (with small chops from 12 Baskets’ Michael Afolaranmi and cocktails by Labash’s Bashir Tanimowo), with soft carols as background sound, and all through the evening of pleasure with all the goodies under the sun and sky at your beck and call, it is an extravaganza we are proud to put together.
From one spot to another, as the programme progresses into ecstasy and excitement, you will be pampered to pleasure.
The heart-thumping evening will be filled with laughter!
DON’T SELL YOURSELF SHORT
Being on top of your game requires painstaking preparation. I remember with fondness what Sofisticat’s Lanre Ogunlesi said about dressing very well –’preparation is key’.
So, for this gig which stands in a league of one as the classiest, grandest and biggest on planet earth, do all you can to put your best foot forward. Choose the most gorgeous gears you can afford. And if you are a master of ‘re-rocking’, do so creatively. You can mix and match, jazz it up here and there.
Never leave your garbs to the last minute. Don’t manage. Be at your best.
RULES OF ENJOYMENT
Well bred souls are considerate and tolerant, courteous and warm. And our rules of enjoyment at The White Gig align with standard codes of decency. Obey those in charge, smile and be kind.
From our gate, show your invite and patiently wait as your name is checked on the tablet where guest list is downloaded. Strut in, smile and exchange pleasantries. You can chat and pose for photographs at the welcome arena. Stride in to the cocktail area in the marquee and pick your choice from the colourful cocktails and finger licking small chops. Wait till you are guided to your table, and enjoy the evening –with food and drinks on the menu. You can dance at will, and enjoy all on offer from 4 till 10 p.m. Easy? Yes, very easy…
THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS
We surround ourselves with the best in the business of planning, hosting and management of events in Nigeria. And we are proud of our service providers whose understanding of A-list ceremonies stand on top of the league table.
For the sixth season of The White Gig, we are happy to be standing on the shoulders of giants:
Yard 158 –Blessed with one of the biggest marquees in this town of the chic and colourful, with ample parking space in the capital of entertainment, asking for more is greed and avarice.
K-SQUARE –Kunle Komolafe’s men and women are carefully chosen and thoroughly trained to withstand all sorts of people and situations. The gentle giants will secure any event effortlessly and without drama. Courteous but firm, they are familiar with all the rules to keep away mischief makers.
KISS EVENTS –Clean sound and beautiful lights are the forte of Kiss Events. And crash barriers are handy for whatever purpose you want to deploy them.
OPEN HANDS –When you are fortunate to have international experience, turning spaces to joyful atmosphere with décor, lights and props become so easy. And Akin and Yemi Ariyo have learnt well, and gifted, to boot.
REPLICA DIGITAL PHOTO STUDIO –Remember the billionaire pads turned to a photo studio where your pictures are ready in minutes? Yes, the brains behind that endeavour are with us again. And for a token, guests can have their images frozen for posterity.
DJ JIMMY JATT –A king whose reign is rewarding and fruitful and full of prosperity is ever revered. That’s why we adore DJ Jimmy Jatt whose tenure has multiplied joy full of abundance.
LABASH –In tall and short glasses, slim and large cups, colorful fresh fruit juices and cocktails have no better disciple than Bashir Tanimowo of Labash. Chilled thirst quenchers, the drinks are naturally sweet and delicious.
12 BASKETS –Small chops of different variety have found meaning in the care of Michael Afolaranmi of 12 Baskets. Puff Puff, Samosa, Spring rolls and their cousins and siblings will make you swoon and roll your eyes.
BONIX –Drinks nurtured with utmost care, some chilled, many kept warm or at room temperature, Bonix knows how to treat all right. And dispensing them with grace and caution, with pleasure and delight at the back of their minds, the couple behind the company know the game well.
BISSY CAT, HOT POT, MARKZ CATERING, MR. DE CHINESE –Our caterers are ready to pacify your palate and stomach, and keep you happy and satiated with sumptuous meals which you won’t easily forget.
RL DESSERTS –Lolade Otuyemi has promised all the sweet things that will make your eyes shine and dart. From chocolate fountain to iced yoghurt and more…
NIGERIA POLICE, LASTMA –Gentlemen and officers who ensure compliance to law and order will be on hand to ensure your safety and security.
JOIN THE FUN TRAIN
The beautiful and warm hearted, those who are quick to support endeavours can still partake in The White Gig. With benefits that are unbelievable, you can support us in many ways at the gig like no other. Kindly call or text 08055002034, or send a mail to [email protected] for details.
PICK A BRANDED TABLE
Want to be at the hub of the gig? Planted where the fun resides and goodies flow without restraint? Get a branded table of ten guests. Please, call or text 08055002034, or send a mail to [email protected].READERS ARE PART OF THE FUN
Our readers are part of the fun at the sixth edition of the gig. And those who have registered their names and addresses have been contacted. We can’t wait to treat the kings and queens to an evening of endless enjoyment.
