A MEMORABLE NIGERIA NATIONAL MEETUP: MY EXPERIENCES ON NOVEMBER 30TH

basil20 -
Our Event Flyer

Hello 🤗 fellow Steemians It’s been a week already since the "Nigeria National Meetup", yet every bit memory still feels to me fresh, vivid, and much alive in my heart like it happens some minutes ago.

Our Preparations for the Grand Event

From the very moment the meetup was announced publicly after undergoing ground contributions, it was really clear that this would be an extraordinary gathering and first ever Top Class. The event I tagged to be “special and unique,” and so every aspect of the preparation reflected this truely.

First we made plans and thanks to the planning committee, The Sponsors which are Steem4nigeria, Steem Kids and Parents and @goodybest.
A unique T-shirt design for the event was created to mark the occasion perfect, with two options of different designs to choose from. I did opted for a simple yet stylish design which was the first design—a plain blue top with clean white writing (Steem and logo) on the front side and (My username and www.steemit.com) on the back.
I'll say it was minimalistic yet carried a powerful message to the community.

Giving Instructions

[Our Guest @xkool24, @ninapenda and @ruthjoe Being welcome to Uyo by Our Couple Steemians]

Our esteemed very admins and moderators which includes @xkool24, @sahmie, @bonaventure24, @ninapenda and @ruthjoe made an incredible sacrifices for this event, traveling from a distance locations to attend. Upon their arrival, they were all warmly welcomed by @ngoenyi and @benton3, this couple picked most of them at the pack and were lodged in a hotel closed to the event axis, ensuring they felt at home in every way possible. I won't also forgets @blessing-okere's contributions, she gave it a
Masterclass.

The Birds
@alli001 drilling them properly
During Slaughtering
Our birds already Cooking

Then the hour came, The food preparations, which were nothing short of remarkable adventure. This much Dedicated "Steemians" such includes @kidi40, @alli001, @bossj23, @fortwis09, and many others around the area tirelessly worked to ensure that everything was in place and probably arranged. From slaughtering of birds which was strictly handled by @alli001 and @kidi40 to the purchasing of drinks and packing coolers, every of the detail was meticulously handled by the above users. I would have loved to assist in this aspect but distance and other engagement won't allow me.

@bossj23 on it again
Cooking in Progress

My Special recognition goes to our @steemnurse01, our dear and very talented chef, who orchestrated a culinary masterpiece that left all of us wanting more.

The Big Day: November 30th

Ouh My Goodness! The long-awaited day has finally arrived, and guys the excitement was best described palpable. Many Steemians from far and wide gathered at the venue already, anticipating to celebrate and connect, some were already vibing and knowing More while I was still away.

Can I call myself the Plaza Coordinator, because i was able to coordinate many steemians from ibom plaza axis to the venue, I was not able to do this alone but with the help of @nsijoro and @usoro01.
As many as we were including @nsijoro, @usoro01, @uduak01, @dwings, @uduak3287, few other steemians and invitee by @nsijoro, @dwings and I who waited for me at plaza. We picked a mini Bus to Oron Road, believe me it was only Steemians that full in.

Plaza Steemians on the way

while on our way, @whizzbro4eva won't allow me breathe with calls 🤙 and pranking me that foods has already been shared, to some point I was wondering if I'm the MC of the event because it was not ordinary.
Soon we reached the Ibiaku Junction and pay off the driver, take a few walk to the event arena (OBA Playground).
I met with @elliany, @sahmie, @xkool24, @bonaventure24 @godswillpeter, @tempestinyang and many other before the event start.

MC @johitchel

Our very own Master of Ceremonies, @johnmitchel, was nothing short of exceptional. His pleasuring energy and charisma kept everyone engaged and much alive, though was fun of tasting each delicacy behind us before everyone else. Should I say it's Testing Behind the Scene 😋and I’d recommend him any time any day for any event without hesitation.

The Key Moments of the Meetup

According to the MC's Agenda and order which was as follows;

Introduction and Recognition:

Influential High Table

Our event began with the introduction of Steemians and it was individually, then followed by the recognition of many dignitaries present and many were invited to the high table to respect and honour their position. Because I acknowledge them as the Pillars which we lean on.

I'm ready for the lecture. @uduak3287 are you?

Impactful Lectures:

@ngoenyi always on Point 👉. Thanks mama

Her brief but very impactful lecture resonated deeply, through asking us why Steemit and then everyone had a very profound answer which affirm that it can only be here with Steemit. This help reminds everyone of the platform's unique benefits.

boss during his teaching
Mama Your Advice is classic. Thanks for the strategy

The Question and Answer Session:
This moment was one of the highlights of the event too. We know many Steemians had their issues and so the ground was open for Steemians to have the opportunity to voice their concerns out, by asking questions and receiving a practical and most reliable solutions.

Myself During Questioning. I'm always Curious 🤔

I took join too to take the opportunity to ask a question, which earned me a lighthearted nickname at last, “Pastor Umo Eno on the podium.” due to my facial especially and probably gesture.
My question was met with an insightful response and very prominent answer from my boss, @benton3, leaving me impressed, inspired and learned.

Sir @benton3 answering to our questions
Opening of Mystery Box and Gifts:

The session for unveiling of the mystery box was a perfect moment of suspense and excitement to all. Gifts were distributed and collected by some lucky Steemians, I'll love to put that way.
This was proudly sponsored by @bossj23, even in his absence. Brand new Sneakers, Palms, Digital and Analog Wrist Watch, Head Phone, Power Banks, plates, Portrait and Art Photo among many others were own by steemians who returned home with it and i wasn't left out here Because I own a Power Bank Today.

Mumzy @okere-blessing with her gift
@kidi40 and his present
@steemnurse01 so happy with her portrait
Myself trying so hard to unwrap my gift 🎁
@usoro01 with her package 📦
@whizzbroeva with a portrait
@xkool24 with a Art Drawing of himself
@ngoenyi with a Art Drawing of herself

All are Courtesy of @bossj23. THANK YOU sir

Culinary Delights and Fellowship

As the event time wound down, it was definitely time for refreshments. The meal prepared by our mother @steemnurse01 was nothing short of spectacular, so delicious that I'm declaring my intention to return for cooking lessons and know more. The combination of the chicken to Rice and malt was simply perfect, providing the ideal close to a very remarkable day.

The Grand Finale: Photo Shots, Fun and Dance

We all took group photos, and then individual pictures, some with friends and so on. Exchanging of usernames, praising of one another, and shared words of encouragement was our target 🎯 here.

"VLog Moment"

Our meetup concluded with a dance session that really brought out the hidden talents of many of the Steemians here as dancers
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"Our Photo Crew"
@imohmitch as crew 1 and @whizzbro4eva as crew 2. This Two take a wonderful and memorable pictures. They're the rock behind every scene and both made it their responsibility in covering the event through our. Capturing amazing posture and awkward posture as well.

One of the Crew very active and serious
"Can You Imagine the Mimic Pictures this Guys snap us"

Reflections on an Unforgettable Experience

Looking back to this, the Nigeria National Meetup was certainly everything I hoped it would be and more. The pure connections I made, the priceless knowledge I gained, and of course the memories I created will ever remain etched in my heart. It was more of a testament to the power of community, equality and shared purpose, and collective effort as family.

Until we all meet again same time Next Year, let’s all continue to grow, connect, and thrive 💪. The Nigeria National Meetup will forever be a premium cherished chapter in my Steemit journey.
See you guys at the next annual meetup, Steemians!

     "Thanks Y'all For Reading"