The meetup that broke records- National Meetup of Nigerian Steemians

In the history of Nigerian steemians, we have been having meetups but never has it been this massive. Over 100 persons were in attendance. The joys, the happiness, the bonds, the friendships, the ecstacy and the humour, all attested to the fact that we had never had it this way in the past.

Have you ever wondered why the difference? Have you ever thought of the reason why it broke records? Well, it will interest you to know that no one present had any reason to regret being present irrespective of the individual sacrifices.

As meetup lovers, @goodybest and I had planned to have a meetup in our city of residence. We have that history together although I passed it on to her. Lol 😂😂😂! We wanted it to be an avenue to bring steemians together once again since we had seen a lot of influx of newbies from our city of residence in the recent times. Plans were in progress and the announcement was made for the city meetup and the t-shirt was being designed as well before it was bought over and converted to a National meetup, courtesy of @xkool24 who liked the meetup idea and wanted to be part of it as well as others. After considering the possibilities, goodybest and I were happy to buy the idea and plans were made for sponsorship.

A group was quickly created to onboard all Nigerians and another for the organisers. These groups became avenues for communication of information regarding the meetup and for pre-bonding among Nigerians. As one of the planning committee, I took charge of the t-shirt in continuation. Demands for the t-shirts kept increasing in numbers and that was when I was truly convinced that it will be a wonderful moment for us. I printed more than 60 t-shirts. Do you know that this t-shirt is one of the reasons why this meetup broke records? The sky was blue and the ground was blue as well. You can imagine the publicity that that colour made within the environment!

I took my time to deliver those t-shirts before and during the meetup.

Apart from taking charge of the t-shirts, I as well ensured that the environment where we are going to use for the meetup was given us. The sound system, the chairs, the generator and the spot to use for it. I kept keeping in touch with the manager to ensure that we aren't disappointed and of course we wouldn't have because that is also my place of workout. I am well known there and I am always given preference in whatever I request for. So, I had to make sure that everything was intact.

Then comes the purchases of the things that will be used especially the food aspect. Goodybest and I took the time to ensure that we purchase all that was needed. We spent 3 days on this aspect, shopping for drinks, food items and the likes. They were all packed in my residence for proximity sake.

I contacted the person that designed our banner after it was agreed upon by the committee and it was ready before time of which goodybest helped to pick it up. It was also hung during the meetup Was used for picture taking

On the aspect of cooking, I was able to source for cooking utensils and organised those who will help out with the cooking. I am grateful to @alli001, @kidi40 and others who even slept over in my house while ensuring that the meet was slaughtered and ready. We slept very late that day because I had to spice and steam the meet before morning. I am also grateful to my family for their assistance.

In the morning, after my workout, I directed those who were present for the cooking on what to do. I had the likes of @eveetim, @steemnurse01, @kemsyluv, @fortwis09 among others. As they were busy with the preparation, I got myself busy with breakfast preparation for our guests. Yes, those that came from other cities were lodged in a hotel that is owned by one of my clients. This made it more easier for us due to proximity and familiarity. I guess they enjoyed the place. It was booked in advance and they were checked in upon their arrival. There wasn't any issues at all. Xkool24 @ruthjoe @ninapenda @sahmie and @bonaventure24 can attest to that. I also ensured that they were well taken care of throughout their stay.

At the meetup, after all other protocols were observed and the steemians were all seated in their colorful t-shirts, I took my turn to deliver a talk that were agreed upon by the committee. The topic was, why Steemit? And the benefits. I was pleased to deliver this topic and I made it very interactive. I gave a sampled number of steemians the opportunity to explain why Steemit?. That is to say that everyone should be able to know why he or she chose Steemit instead. The lecture was a successful one as it layed the foundation upon which other selected topics were discussed of which goodybest and xkool24 took their turns. These lectures sank deep into the ears of the steemians in attendance. It was followed by the questions and answers section where steemians voiced out their concerns and they were all given responses accordingly.

	xkool24
@goodybest
	myself
Myself
	@benton3 during responses

Then the misery box was brought in that was arranged by @bossj23. Even though he was in attendance only virtually, he still arranged for surprise gifts for most of us there. I was thrilled to hand over some gifts to the recipients. But an unforgettable moment came when I was given a surprise gift - I opened and guess what? It was a portrait! This is actually the second time I have received such a gift from steemians here on the blog. I didn't expect that from bossj23. This is so beautiful and I was beautifully drawn by @tempestinyang who is the artist. I was very happy and I am truly indebted to the giver. I truly appreciate him for that show of love. I also noticed the same joy on the faces of those that were gifted. He started this gifting from the t-shirt. He paid for more than 20 steemians who couldn't pay for their t-shirts. He is indeed, a very generous person. I pray that the Almighty replanish his pocket.

At the end of the meetup, we took pictures as a group and as individuals. I was observing the unity, the bonding, the friendships and the happiness that filled the air. It was as if we shouldn't leave the venue. Everyone was so overwhelmed with joy. It was as if they had been praying for this moment to arrive and here it is. They couldn't let go of their friends. Who said that Steemit is not the best blogging and social media platform? Who said that it is not a learning avenue? I couldn't help but to cry. If it is this way, imagine what it will be like to hold a Global meetup where we will get to see steemians from other part of the country.

Global meetup proposal

If it will be allowed, I will like to propose to the Steemit team @steemcurator01 and @steemcurator02 for a global meetup. I wouldn't mind if it starts first with all the steem representatives meeting first, then selected steemians from different countries. It can also begin with regions, like African countries meetup and other regions and then with time, it will advance to all steemians globally. I have to mention the Steemit team because without their support, it won't be possible. But if adopted and planned in advance, it will be one of its kind. What do you think @goodybest @eliany @kouba01 @xkool24 @irawadedy @karianaporras @steemchiller @pennsif @adeljose @stef1. I believe that it will impact positively on steem and Steemit. It wouldn't take much efforts to organise having experienced what it took to organise this particular one we just concluded.

In conclusion, I am happy to be part the organising committee and to be in the hosting city. The meetup was really a record breaker in terms of the t-shirt, the unity, the bonding, the logistics for those outside the city, the collaboration with Steem4nigeria, steem kids and parents and goodybest as the sponsors among others, the number of those in attendance. We even have the presence of the 2 stem representatives in attendance, @eliany along with goodybest. Do you also know that @minichef was there?

	Eliany and I
Minichef and I, eliany's daughter on her meetup t-shirt

I can't wait to have a repeat of it or even more elaborate ones. Kudos to everyone! Let's keep active