Mrs Blessing Enakimio also known as Madame Blé is a creative, result driven, award winning entrepreneur with extensive experience in Event Design and Production, Business Development, Organisational Development, Personal and Professional Development. Fondly referred to as “the Queen of Bling”, she is particularly known for her attraction to chandeliers and all things that sparkle. An astute businesswoman, she runs multiple companies: Blé Global – an international business relations consultancy; the UK cake brand – Blé Couture Cakes; award winning Events outfit: Blessing by Blé – which designs and produces International Events, Luxury Weddings and Destination Parties.
She’s the Director, Events for Brevity Anderson; a high level Event Production Company and an International Trade Advisory Consultancy responsible for producing global summits and high-level bilateral trade meetings for governments and high level clients. Brevity Anderson is a major player in the energy, oil and gas industry responsible for producing the Nigeria International Energy Summit for the Federal Government of Nigeria aimed at creating the platform to meet Nigeria’s oil and gas players. Blessing is a certified Learning and Development professional and holds a Master’s Degree in Education (MEd) from the University of East London. She is a Certified Online Learning Facilitator (COLF) and is also a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (MCIPD). She also holds an Advanced Diploma in Special Event Planning and Design amongst many other qualifications.
Energy transition: are you concerned that this high paying OG industry is becoming unfashionable?
I don’t see the Oil and Gas industry as becoming unfashionable because it is an essential global industry. The industry is the engine of industrialisation in itself. A lot of mankind’s advancement to date has been accelerated by oil and gas derivatives. As we advance and choose to do things differently, in this case; considering climate impact, we must approach intelligently and with caution – by placing people at the heart of this transition. Energy Security must come first. Our location (Africa) and our economy must be considered seriously and not swept up in the West’s idea of energy transition; we must have an African energy transition that works for Africa specifically. We should focus on making energy affordable, therefore accessible to all Africans. Let’s focus inwards on the reality of where we are and what we can do with what we have. Gas is good for Africa.
What are your key duties at Brevity Anderson?
Brevity Anderson is such a dynamic organisation and so is my role. As the Director of Events and Corporate Strategy my key duties include International event design: in-person, virtual and hybrid events, Development and management of strategies, Project management, Stakeholder engagement, VIP guest management, Advocacy and sustainability development, to mention a few.
Event planning comes with a lot of uncertainty, what indicators do you look at to stick to the OG market?
As Event Producers, we deliver high level events in multiple industries, not just Oil and Gas. Uncertainty is the norm in every sector in this post pandemic world we find ourselves in. My confidence comes from my team’s and my expertise and experience. Being a master of my trade affords me the precision to focus on research and listen to my inner inspirations and then take inspired action.
Our location (Africa) and our economy must be considered seriously and not swept up in the West’s idea of energy transition; we must have an African energy transition that works for Africa specifically.
You must have a marketing background. What previous successes do you have to your name that gives you the confidence you exude in oil and gas?
I don’t have a marketing background. Whatever business you are in – you must know how to market it if you are to succeed. Marketing is a core entrepreneurial skill. I believe in what I do, so my belief and passion for what I am doing at any given time is expressed as my marketing. With over 15 years of Event Design experience, I believe I can thrive in any sector – Oil and Gas being one of them. I am a business woman at heart so I am always seeking to serve, always considering what value I can add to my clients. I run several companies in the UK where I am based and do business internationally in a variety of markets as well.
What’s your assessment of women C-level executives in the OG industry?
There are thriving female C-level executives in the industry. This is superb for the industry because what a woman brings to the table is unfathomable. I think the industry will achieve more with these formidable women, which in turn will inspire the next generation of female leaders to consider the oil and gas industry. Barriers and biases need to be addressed quickly and positively as we focus on a solution driven strategy to make more room for females in C-level positions. In the same vein, we as women must not wait to be invited to the table; rather, we must step up and put ourselves forward, seeking opportunities and solving problems in the industry.
Being a master of my trade affords me the precision to focus on research and listen to my inner inspirations and then take inspired action.
When you get a “No”, how do you turn it around?
Simple – I switch the letters over: from NO to ON!
I ask differently or ask elsewhere. It is simply a chance to evaluate for improvement.
We saw a serving governor and other reps for the first time at the last NIES. What should we expect next year?
Yes we did, as well as many other national and international achievements such as trade deal signings, the announcement of the P.I.A, N.I.E.S Youth Ideal Lab, N.I.E.S Young Professional Programme and a lot more. This year we will see all of the above and more. You will have to get your ticket and attend to see for yourself.
What other event do you manage at Brevity?
We manage several events for various country Governments and high profile organisations in various sectors including FinTech, International trade delegations, Investment Shows, Security, Health, Humanities, Executive Retreats and more.
I am a business woman at heart so I am always seeking to serve, always considering what value I can add to my clients.