UNCORK-NG Podcast Hosts Event Industry Giant Samson Onuoha, Highlights Rising Concerns Over Fake Drinks and Nigeria’s Enduring Celebration Culture
Lagos, Nigeria – One of Nigeria’s foremost event planners and hospitality entrepreneurs, Samson Onuoha, popularly known as SammieJay and the Chief Executive Officer of Sammiejay Event Drinks Service, has raised fresh concerns over the growing circulation of fake alcoholic beverages in Nigeria, describing it as one of the biggest threats facing event planners, drinks suppliers, and party hosts today.
Speaking as the special guest on Episode 3 of the UNCORK-NG Podcast, Samuel Onuoha shared practical insights from years of planning high-profile social events, weddings, corporate functions, and celebrations across Lagos and Nigeria. The conversation explored changing consumer preferences, the impact of counterfeit drinks on the events industry, and how Nigeria’s current economic realities are shaping the business of celebrations.
According to him, the proliferation of fake drinks has significantly affected the confidence many clients have in event professionals, particularly those responsible for beverage supply.
He explained that while experienced event planners work hard to maintain quality and professionalism, the widespread availability of counterfeit drinks has made many clients increasingly cautious. As a result, several hosts now prefer to source and import their own drinks rather than entrust that responsibility to planners or suppliers, a trend he believes is gradually eroding trust within the industry.
“The fake drinks problem has made many clients more skeptical than ever before. In many cases, we’re contracted to plan every aspect of an event, yet clients still choose to purchase or import their own drinks because they want complete assurance of authenticity. While we understand their concerns, it reflects the level of distrust that counterfeit products have created in the industry.”
Beyond the challenge of fake drinks, Mr Onuoha noted a noticeable shift in wine consumption at Nigerian events, revealing that white wines are increasingly becoming the preferred choice at weddings, parties, and other social gatherings.
He attributed this trend to changing consumer tastes and the growing appreciation for lighter, more refreshing wine options that appeal to a wider range of guests.
Addressing concerns about Nigeria’s economic situation and its possible effect on the events industry, the renowned event planner maintained that celebrations remain deeply rooted in the Nigerian way of life.
According to him, while event budgets may have changed, Nigerians have not stopped celebrating life’s important milestones.
“Nigerians naturally love to celebrate. We always find reasons to come together—whether it’s weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, thanksgiving services, or other milestones. The economy may influence spending patterns, but it hasn’t diminished our desire to celebrate. We are still planning a significant number of events because celebration is part of who we are.”
The episode offered listeners an insider’s perspective on the realities of Nigeria’s vibrant events industry while encouraging greater collaboration among event professionals, drinks suppliers, regulators, and consumers in tackling the menace of counterfeit beverages.
About UNCORK-NG Podcast
UNCORK-NG Podcast is a leading platform dedicated to conversations that shape Nigeria’s wine, spirits, hospitality, tourism, and events industries. Through engaging interviews with respected professionals, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and innovators, the podcast explores emerging trends, consumer behaviour, business opportunities, and the challenges driving the future of the beverage and hospitality ecosystem. Each episode is designed to educate, inform, and inspire industry stakeholders while promoting authenticity, responsible consumption, and excellence across the sector.
