I Had To Package Myself So I Can Extend Concept Of "Alaga Iduro" To Other Tribes.

In a business known to be for older women in Yorùbá land, and exclusively for Yorùbá weddings, the CEO of Vicky Entertainment World, Mrs Victoria Olugbemi, has excelled and successfully revolutionized the Engagement Anchoring business popularly called Alaga Iduro.
In this exclusive interview with AKINWANDE OLUGBENGA, she opened up on her journey in the business and her experience so far.

Who exactly is VickyE?
I am Olugbemi Victoria Odunayo. Born into a Christian home, where I was trained and nurtured with the word of God. I was born and brought up in Saki Oyo-state, Nigeria. I had both Primary and secondary school education in Saki before gaining admission into Obafemi Awolowo University year 2008 to study Dramatic Arts. To the glory of God I graduated in 2012, and served our nation, Nigeria.
You studied dramatic arts, so what informed your decision to become an engagement narrator (alaga iduro) and not go into movie production?
Well I believe it's not yet time for me to go into movie production due to some reasons best known to me. What actually got Engagement business attracted to me was the love and passion I have for it, then I also discovered my talents to be singing,dancing and acting.
How long have you been an orator now?
Four years ago, I registered for training. But officially I have been on my own for 2 years now.
And how has the patronage been and what have you done differently?
God has been Faithful so far. I believe in everything one does, packaging is important. One has to package the business very well to be able to sway more customers. So the idea of adding red carpet to the event came. Being a graduate of drama, I get dramatic sometimes that everybody present at occasions won't be bored. I also make it participatory for everyone present just as though it were rehearsed.
In a country where unemployment is rife, is engagement orator a business you can encourage unemployed youths to go into?
Yes of course,I have students I have trained. To learn takes between 3 to 6 months of intensive training. I learnt mine within the period of 3 months. It all depends on how quick the learner grabs the rudiments.
So how many employee does Vicky O has now?
We don't have permanent employees just few people that we work with. The drummers and other orators. Most times, I pay them before each event. I call them VickkyE's Crew members.

Alaga Iduro is specifically engaged by Yorubas. Has there been any non-yoruba engagement experience?
Yes. I have done a few for couples from other tribes. Most of them requested it to be done in our own way(Yoruba). Only that we would need to learn to sing their traditional songs. Then, I use the official language to anchor such engagements and not Yorùbá.
What are your hopes for in the business?
To be blessed through it and to also be a blessing to the nation through the Engagement business.
For those willing to venture into engagement Oratory, what are the basic things needed?
Learning of the art. At Vicky Entertainment World, we charge very low fee for our interns to learn the trade and be issued a certificate. Even though I spent way above that to register, train and get issued a certificate, I decided to crash the training fee so that many can get trained and be self-employed.
What other things, aside finance, are needed to become a professional engagement orator?
Not everyone can be an engagement orator but whoever wishes to launch in, such a person must have passion for the work, be jovial, happy, must be able to face crowd, be a good singer and a dancer as well. Those are the things that keep your audience and the attendees up and involved. Your performance in one event also can get you referrals to other jobs.
What advice do you have for young graduates and the unemployed in the country today?
My advice for the young graduates and the unemployed is to look for one entrepreneurial work to learn. And whatever they find Themselves doing at the end, they should do it well.
Thank you for your time. It's been a good time here with you. We hope to see VickyE soaring and maybe one day, we will cover one of your jobs overseas.
I say a big amen to that. You are welcome, the pleasure is mine.