Mr. Itoto Emmanuel is the Creative Director at Engraced Events and Entertainment, the Managing Director of The Engraced Mindset Company, and the initiator, convener, and executive producer of the Engraced Campus Tour. As a seasoned event producer in Nigeria’s entertainment landscape, Mr. Emmanuel leads a team of highly skilled professionals dedicated to creating impactful tours across Nigerian campuses.
Q: Can you tell us about the Engraced Campus Tour brand?
The Engraced Campus Tour has emerged as a leading tour brand in Africa, focused on creating unforgettable entertainment experiences across tertiary institutions. By blending entertainment, empowerment, and brand partnerships, we redefine campus events, engaging and inspiring the youth. Our mission is to connect students with top-tier entertainment, education, and networking opportunities, while also fostering growth in entrepreneurship and creativity.
Q: What motivates you to organize campus tours across tertiary schools?
Our motivation stems from the desire to bridge entertainment, education, and empowerment for young people. We understand that students seek more than academic excellence; they want real-world experiences and connections with popular culture. The Engraced Campus Tour was designed to inspire students to pursue their dreams and discover new talents while promoting brand awareness in an engaging manner. Our aim is to unlock their potential and provide access to resources, including grants for SMEs, internships, and talent hunts.
Q: Why do you choose to collaborate with content creators?
Collaborating with content creators allows us to tap into a highly engaged demographic. These creators have significant influence over young people and can relate to their experiences. Their involvement increases the campus tour’s visibility and helps establish authentic connections with students, ensuring that the brand resonates deeply within the entertainment and social media landscape.
Q: Have you met your objectives as a brand?
Absolutely. We have surpassed our initial goals and become a household name in the entertainment sector, especially among youth. Our tours have drawn thousands of students, each offering a unique blend of entertainment, education, and networking. Our brand partners and content creators also experience significant exposure, further solidifying our position as a leader in campus events across Nigeria.
Q: Why focus on Nigerian tertiary institutions?
Nigerian tertiary institutions are crucial in shaping future leaders. By concentrating on these schools, we aim to empower students who will impact various sectors in Nigeria and beyond, nurturing a generation of innovators and change-makers.
Q: How do you manage producing other events alongside the Engraced Campus Tour?
Managing multiple projects requires strategic planning and effective teamwork. I prioritize tasks and delegate responsibilities to ensure high standards and exceptional experiences across all events.
Q: What strategies do you use to manage financial and logistical challenges in such large projects?
Hosting large projects like the Sabinus Campus Tour across the country, and also the forthcoming Josh 2 Funny Campus Tour, demands meticulous planning. We establish a detailed budget, allocate resources efficiently, and maintain strong relationships with partner universities to align event schedules with their academic calendars. We also use project management tools to track progress and make necessary adjustments, ensuring that each tour runs smoothly.
Q: What are your projections for the Engraced Campus Tour in the coming years?
We plan to expand to more universities across Africa, enhance partnerships with industry leaders, and innovate our programming to address emerging educational trends. Our aspiration is to be the biggest campus tour brand in Africa within the next three years, with plans underway to host tours in countries like Ghana and Kenya.
Q: What can we anticipate for the next Engraced Campus Tour edition?
Prepare for an ultimate campus tour experience with our headlining act, Josh 2 Funny! Attendees can expect a diverse lineup of content creators, celebrities, interactive experiences, exciting giveaways, and initiatives like grants for student-led SMEs, talent hunts, and opportunities for internships. The next edition, “Josh 2 Funny Live in Campus,” will be a game-changer, blending entertainment with education and personal development to deliver value-driven experiences to students.
Q: How has the Sabinus Campus Tour impacted students?
The Sabinus Campus Tour set a high standard by not only entertaining students but also offering them tangible opportunities for growth. We provided young talents with a platform to showcase their skills through talent hunts, and many of these students have gone on to secure internships and even business grants. This aspect of empowerment has been a core part of our tours, and we aim to expand on it with each new edition.
Q: What challenges have you faced in building the Engraced Campus Tour brand?
We’ve encountered several challenges, including securing adequate funding for high-quality events and logistical hurdles related to travel and accommodations. We mitigate these issues by pursuing partnerships with aligned businesses and establishing reliable vendor networks. Engaging students can also be challenging in a competitive entertainment landscape, so we continually gather feedback to refine our programming and keep it relevant.
Q: What types of agencies or creators are you looking to partner with in the future?
We seek collaboration with agencies that align with our vision for our Campus Tour and share our passion for youth engagement. We’re open to partnering with innovative content creators who have strong connections with young people and can bring fresh perspectives to our initiatives. Following the success of the Sabinus Campus Tour, we are eager to work with more influencers who can amplify the experience and deliver value to students through meaningful partnerships.
Through the Engraced Campus Tour, Mr. Itoto Emmanuel is not only entertaining students but also empowering them with the tools and experiences needed for personal and professional growth. This initiative exemplifies the power of blending entertainment with education, fostering a new generation of engaged and informed leaders.