How to Organise a Send-Forth for a Colleague in Nigeria (Step-by-Step)

What makes a Nigerian send-forth different from a leaving party

In Nigeria, a send-forth is more than a leaving party. It's a formal-ish ceremony that says: we saw what you contributed here, and we're marking it. It often has a programme, speeches, a card presented in front of people, and contributions pooled for a gift. Getting it right takes coordination — but it doesn't have to fall on one exhausted person.

Step 1 — Decide who's in charge (and share the load)

Pick a small planning committee of 2-3 people. One handles logistics (venue, food, time), one handles the card and contributions, one handles the programme/speeches. A send-forth that's planned by one person always shows — and the planner always resents it.

Step 2 — Set a realistic budget per person

Be honest about what the team can contribute. ₦2,000–₦5,000 per person is typical for a mid-sized Lagos office. Calculate based on realistic participation (not everyone who says they'll pay will). It's better to plan for 60% participation and be pleasantly surprised than to over-promise the departing colleague a gift you can't deliver.

Step 3 — Start the card and contribution early

The biggest send-forth mistake is starting the card collection two days before. Messages rushed under time pressure are bland. Start at least a week out — share the link, remind people twice, and close it the day before so you have time to review.

Using a Thankeeu farewell group card here removes the coordination nightmare entirely: one link on WhatsApp, everyone signs and contributes without bank transfers to a personal account. The departing colleague withdraws the gift directly to their Nigerian bank.

Step 4 — Plan a simple programme (30–45 minutes is enough)

A good send-forth programme follows this structure:

1. Opening/welcome — 2 minutes. Someone sets the tone.
2. Tributes from colleagues — 3-4 people, 2 minutes each. Assign these in advance; don't call on people spontaneously.
3. Response from the departing colleague — 5 minutes. Give them time to speak properly.
4. Card and gift presentation — present the group card on a screen or phone, then present the physical gift if applicable.
5. Prayer — almost always expected in Nigerian offices.
6. Food and socialising — the part everyone actually came for.

Step 5 — Food and logistics

Small chops and drinks is the Nigerian office standard and almost always right. For senior staff, a full caterer might be appropriate. Confirm dietary needs if you know the team well. Confirm the venue (boardroom, cafeteria, or off-site) at least three days out.

Step 6 — Brief the speakers in advance

Nothing kills a send-forth like a long, wandering speech from someone who wasn't prepared. Tell each speaker their topic and time limit the day before. "Speak to their work style" or "speak to the funniest moment you had together" gives them direction and produces better tributes.

The card is what they keep forever

The food is eaten, the speeches are forgotten — but the card stays. Make sure theirs is worth keeping. An online group card with messages from 20+ colleagues, photos, and voice notes is far more meaningful than a physical card signed at the last minute. Start the farewell card here — it takes two minutes, and the whole team can sign from their phones before the day arrives.