An In-Depth Conversation with Emeka Achebe-Okosieme, MD/CEO of Mexxanda Provisions Limited: Pioneering Innovation in the Event Industry.

 

By: Boldwalk Magazine

 

 

Who is Emeka Achebe-Okosieme?

Emeka Achebe-Okosieme is the Managing Director and CEO of Mexxanda Provisions Limited, a leading provider of ICT solutions and services within the Nigerian event industry. With a background in engineering, project management, and a deep-rooted passion for sustainablility practices, Emeka has spent over a decade building impactful solutions and spearheading industry innovations that shape the way events are managed and experienced in Nigeria.

He is also a key advocate for sustainability in the event sector and is deeply committed to pushing forward global standards like ISO 20121—a framework designed to help event organizers integrate sustainability into their operations. Under his leadership, Mexxanda Provisions has grown from its roots in ICT to become a forward-thinking company focused on integrating cutting-edge technology with sustainable event solutions.

 

Emeka Achebe-Okosieme’s Journey Through the Event Industry

 

Q: Let’s start with your background. How did you become involved in the event industry?

A: It all started with a mix of my background in ICT and a keen interest in event management.  
In 2012, I founded Mexxanda Resources Ltd, which later became Mexxanda Provisions Ltd. My mission was to bring ICT solutions to the event industry, recognizing that the sector needed better tools for management, coordination, and execution. We launched Eventome™, a digital platform designed to simplify event processes. Although we faced some setbacks, such as the loss of our domain, we persisted through our Eventome Facebook page and Eventome Blog ( link ), and also launched the Nigeria Event Management Group (NEMG) on LinkedIn ( link ).

 

Q: What role did international collaborations play in shaping your business?

A: From the beginning, we sought global partnerships to bring the best solutions to the Nigerian market.  
We collaborated with top institutions and event management solutions like Meeting Professional International (MPI), Cvent, Certain, and etouches (now Stova). Though these partnerships didn’t immediately gain traction, they gave us a unique insight into the gaps in the Nigerian event industry, which has helped shape our approach to event technology moving forward.

 

Q: How did you become involved with APPOEMN and what impact did it have?

A: APPOEMN became a game-changer in my career.

In 2013, I joined APPOEMN (Association of Professional Party Organizers and Event Managers of Nigeria). By 2014, I became part of the Management Committee, where we worked with Ms. Funke Bucknor Obruthe (Zapphire Events) to create the foundational structure for the association. We built a constitution and planned the first Annual General Meeting (AGM) that elected the first EXCO of APPOEMN. This set the stage for what would become an influential force in the Nigerian event sector. Subsequently, our efforts led to significant growth in membership and industry engagement culminating into the birth of “The Event Industry Conference (TEIC)” in 2017.

 

Q: You’ve mentioned the advocacy for Green Events—tell us about that.

A: Sustainability has always been close to my heart.

One of the causes I passionately championed within APPOEMN was Green Events, particularly incorporating technology to make event management more sustainable. I pushed for eco-friendly solutions. This wasn’t an easy sell at the time, nevertheless, it was an important conversation, and it set the stage for more sustainable initiatives in the years to come.

 

Q: How did your journey shift in 2017?

A: 2017 marked a significant pivot in my career.

I took on a major Engineering Procurement and Project Management project in Anambra State, deploying the DuraPatcher, an automated pothole patching machine. It was Nigeria's first use of this cutting-edge technology. This project pulled me away from the event scene temporarily but allowed me to reflect deeply on my work and the future of the event industry.

 

Q: And how did that reflection lead to new projects?

A: It fueled the creation of my book and redefined my direction.

While working on the project in Anambra, I found the time and space to complete my book, Eventome: An Event Management Handbook. The book, now available on Amazon and Gumroad, has been well-received in the industry. I'm also planning a reprint to meet growing demand. This period of reflection also reignited my passion for bringing sustainability into the event industry, especially through new technology and certifications.

 

Q: So, what’s on the horizon for you and Mexxanda Provisions Ltd?

A: The future is exciting, with sustainability leading the charge.

I’m back in Lagos, managing several projects. Our current focus is on Special Party Effects for events—this includes integrating green energy practices and pushing for sustainability certification under ISO 20121. We’ve submitted a formal proposal to the Lagos State Government and are working alongside the Women in Renewable Energy Association (WIRE-A) to host The GreenEvent Symposium (TGS).

 

Q: What is ISO 20121, and why is it important?

A: ISO 20121 is the gold standard for sustainable event management.

ISO 20121 is an international standard developed by the International Standard Organization (ISO) for Standardization and to help event professionals integrate sustainability into every aspect of event planning. This standard was introduced for the London 2012 Olympic Games and aims to minimize the economic, environmental, and social impacts of events.

 

The key benefits of ISO 20121 include:

• Reduce the environmental impact of your organization, events and venues by cutting down waste and improving energy efficiency
• Adopt a holistic approach to sustainability, considering social, economic and environmental impacts
• Enhance stakeholder engagement and satisfaction
• Create Job opportunities by attracting more business, events and top talent to your organization
• Reinforce organizational reputation, transparency and brand value
• Contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1-16

• Promoting resilience and future-proofing the event industry.

 

 

For us at Mexxanda and WIRE-A, achieving ISO 20121 certification represents a commitment to both the planet and the people. It's a step towards making the Nigerian event industry more eco-conscious and globally competitive.

 

Q: Final thoughts as we wrap up?

A: There’s still much to be done, but we’re on the right path.

I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished, but there’s so much more to do. The event industry is evolving, and sustainability is key to its future. Through initiatives like The GreenEvent Symposium (TGS), we’re pushing the industry towards a more sustainable and innovative future.

So… We Move.