The end-of-year party at Ramdek Enterprises took a different turn this year as Mr. Pamilerin, the CEO, promised to give the best staff of the year an unforgettable holiday experience to mark the company's 20th anniversary and a lot of money was splashed on the event.
A day before the event, the company hall had been transformed into a party space, and anyone who hadn't been there before wouldn't believe it was just a meeting hall for staff.
The ceiling was designed with a giant and beautiful chandelier, and the walls were adorned with the company's signature colours. Ribbons and balloons hung at different spots in the hall, tables were arranged with four seats each, and everything was perfect.
There was a stage set up in the front space of the hall where the MC and the music band would perform. Mr. Pamilerin prefer live bands to DJs, and a few of them had already been booked to grace the event. The buffet stand was fixed at the left end of the hall, while the wine bar stood opposite it.
While the preparation was on some staff came around to help and supervise. At every opportunity, the staff gathered around to discuss the upcoming awards. They were all speculating on who would win the grand prize.
"I think it would be Mr Kolade, he should be the oldest staff here. He has been through a lot with the company," Bamidele, one of the IT guys, said, and a few people agreed with him, but there were those who thought otherwise.
"How about Miss Chidera, she joined the company as an intern and has brought the biggest of deals in the past eight years. She's the backbone of Ramdek," Gbemisola, the company's receptionist, countered Bamidele's opinions.
"Hmmm! Women supporting women," Eric, the company's accountant, stuttered, and they started laughing.
"So you expected me to support men?" Gbemisola replied.
"I just hope whoever deserves it, gets it. Everyone does because we have contributed to the growth of Ramdek one way or another," Eric added.
"Winning the award would be one of the best things that has happened to me this year," Bamidele said immediately everyone was quiet.
"You of all people, the chronic latecomer. Don't even think of it," Lydia, the head of the customer service replied. Everyone present made their suggestions and that's one of the moment that bring them together for fun.
They finished that day and returned for the event the next morning. Everyone came looking glamorous and Mr. Pamilerin was proud to see that his workers were doing well for themselves. Some came with families while had only their friends around.
The event started with opening prayers by one of the workers, and it almost turned into a prayer meeting, but the MC acted swiftly to keep it short. The workers did a brief introduction of themselves, and Mr. Pamilerin, the CEO, gave an appreciation speech to his workers for their achievements throughout the year.
He reminded them of the company's vision and statement, and he encouraged them to remain diligent at work; the workers jammed hands to appreciate the CEO.
Some of the workers came with gifts and the MC decided that the gifts should be presented before the award. The workers came with several gifts to appreciate the CEO's kindness towards them because his kindness was rare.
Several awards were given before the grand award and everyone was anticipating. Some workers were certain it would be them, while some knew it would never get to them even if the grand prize was more than 10.
After the awards were given by the CEO's wife, the MC invited Mr. Pamilerin to come present the grand prize. He came on stage with a white envelope and the hall went as silent as a graveyard.
I am happy standing here before you all to announce the winner of the grand award but before that, I have a few things to say.
Firstly, I appreciate everyone here for their contributions to the company's growth so far. Without you all, we won't be here today.
Secondly, I want everyone to understand that this grand award don't make anyone superior to another. It's just a token of appreciation for someone we think deserves to be celebrated more than we've ever done.
Thirdly, the award prize includes two weeks' vacation to the UK with your family and a million naira cheque on your arrival. There are a few other gifts, but those are the main prizes.
"So, right now I would love to invite Mrs. Nonye to the stage," The CEO said and everyone looked around to see who would answer the name because it doesn't sound familiar.
Immediately she stood, and there was a loud murmur in the hall.
"I know you all would be surprised because the woman you all call Mama cleaner is Mrs Nonye. She's been with us from the first day we started this place and has worked diligently with us since then.
"There were months we had a financial crisis and couldn't pay workers, a few people left, but she stood with us. There were months we were short of staff, this woman covered for us in places she could, and after she told me about her retirement this year, I believe she deserves to be celebrated for her 20 years of hard work and dedication. So I want everyone to join me in giving this great woman a round of applause."
Everyone in the hall started clapping, and Mrs Nonye stood there speechless. She was in her 60s already and her health couldn't take the stress anymore.
She asked for a microphone and was handed one. Her eyes had welled up in tears already, and immediately she greeted everyone, she broke into tears.
Mrs. Pamilerin rushed to comfort her and it made everyone present in the hall emotional. She cleared her throat and greeted everyone again, appreciating the CEO for considering her for such an honour.
She briefly told her story of how she joined the company two decades ago, how the CEO and his wife helped send her only child to get the best education when she couldn't cope anymore after her husband's death.
Mr Pamilerin gave the award after Mrs Nonye finished speaking but she had a request. She wanted all the prizes exchanged for a position in the company for her daughter since she has completed her education.
The CEO and his wife had a brief discussion and agreed that Mrs Nonye would enjoy the vacation, and when they return, her daughter can take an interview and hopefully get a job if she passes.
Mrs Nonye couldn't contain her joy as she jumped on the stage screaming with excitement. Everyone stood to clap and honour her. She was presented with plane tickets and the necessary documents for travelling, and the workers applauded her more.
After the grand award was given, the workers were called out for a dance and merriment followed. The celebration remained a remarkable one in the history of Ramdek enterprises.