I did say in the last post that I would dedicate a post to our amazing presenters and compere. I have decided to do individual posts as that is the only way I can do them justice.
I am starting with our compere for the day – Chigo. We go way back – starting entry level jobs at a multinational years ago. From the first day I met her, she had me in stitches. It was clear to me even then that she should be a compere rather than hold a conventional job. I am glad that she has decided to do finally heed the call.
I should also mention that when I called her to compere NITC2, although we had been in touch, I hadn’t seen her in years and couldn’t offer her any money. She didn’t hesitate though. She immediately agreed to do it and didn’t even blink at the fact that she would have to do it for free (kisses, girl!).
She arrived in good time and was a professional throughout. If you need a compere that will bring clean humour and order to your event, you can’t go wrong with my girl, Chigo. (Yes, shameless plug, lol!)
Here she talks about what she does:
My name is Chigo and I am a Compere.
I am not a comedian or an MC, I am a Compere.
What’s the difference? Check my blog chigosplace. blogspot.com for full details.
However for now, know that a Compere is a delightful, resourceful combination of these things (i.e. Mc and Comedian) with even much more to offer than you have ever known… and this is the summary of who I am….a Compere….A funny, entertaining, Intelligent, dramatic, clear diction, perfectly arranged tenses English speaking but down to earth COMPERE.
I have been doing this job for 8 years and some months now and what an exciting journey. I will be doing this job till I’m old and grey….This is my medicine, my law, my ministry….it is my career path.
When I’m in front of a crowd with the mic in one hand and the program of events in the other hand I feel so alive. I forget that my heels ache, I forget that I’m hungry, I forget that I was feeling a bit low when I woke up in the morning or that Lagos traffic got my blood pressure up on the way to the event…I forget…I forget..I forget it all and just enjoy my audience and the event; piloting it from the customary initial “stiff” moments to the “crescendo” heights of excitement and touch down to the vote of thanks and where necessary closing prayer. I LOVE MY JOB.
I love formal events and corporate forums. I prefer them to weddings and “family events” I don’t know why …I’m still conducting that research on myself.
Maybe it’s because I have had a combined 9 years corporate experience in Banking and Telecoms juggling various roles over the years ranging from Customer service, Marketing Communications, Commercial and HR while interfacing with Operations and Finance groups.
Through the years my colleagues told me I didn’t belong on the corporate corridors. Not because I was not doing a great job but because they enjoyed my entertaining nature while we worked together. They said I belong on a TV show or radio station or writing books or keeping a column in a magazine and several other options too many to mention but they all agree that being a Compere is just my sweet spot because it allows me to move in and out of all their suggested roles.
You may reach Chigo by:
