The 80th birthday celebration of renowned industrialist and business mogul, Aare Rasaq Okoya was no doubt an event that would remain indellible in the memory of those present on that day.
The highlight of the event was the cutting of birthday cake by the celebrator flanked by Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Governor of Lagos, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu among others.
The vice president, who presided over the cutting of the cake, prayed God to grant Okoya more fruitful years in good health.
For a man who started from a very humble and poor beginning, eking out a living from petty trading, to rise to the topmost echelon as an industrial giant, it should not surprise anyone that Okoya’s 80th had been celebrated amidst pomp, starting with a thanksgiving prayer with his close family members, led by prominent Islamic clerics.
As expected, his friends and associates were all gathered at his massive Oluwanisola Estate to celebrate him. They include top politicians, traditional rulers, captains of industries and giant businessmen and women.
His youngest wife, Folashade Okoya, was all through on her toes to make sure that the commemorative birthday party went smoothly as she made necessary arrangements for logistics including security, sumptuous dishes, vintage drinks, good music and sundry merriments, making the day a memorable one.
Top on the list of dignitaries that graced the event are Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former President, Federal Republic of Nigeria; Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu; Lord Mayor Akinpelu; Chief Dele Momodu; Dr. Seye Kehinde; Joke Shogunro; Aare Bashir Fakorede and Yeye Aare Basirat Fakorede; Justice Oguntade and wife; Dr. Samuel Adedoyin and wife; HIM Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi the Ooni of Ife; HRM Oba Adesina Adenugba, Ebumawe of Ago Iwoye; Sir (Dr.) Kessington Adebutu; Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria; Chief Kunle and Chief (Mrs.) Ojuolape Ojora; Chief Subomi and Abimbola Balogun; Chief Oba Otudeko; Mr. Demola Seriki; Sir. Segun Okeowo and wife; Sir. Alex Duduyemi; Princess (Dr.) Toyin Kolade; Chief Mrs. Kemi Nelson; Mrs. Abimbola Jakande; Engr. Funso Joko Akin-George; Chief Emeka and Bunmi Anyaoku; Mr. Femi and Jumoke Pedro; Modele Sarafa-Yusuff; Chief Bisi Olatilo; Mrs. Daisy Danjuma; Mrs. Bolanle Ambode; Chief Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Prof. Wale and Sade Omole; Chief Alao and mrs. Kemi Akala; Chief Niyi Adebayo; Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Mr. Segun and Bola Awolowo; Chief Lai Mohammed; Chief James Onanefe Ibori; Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, Osile Oke-Ona Egba and the Oloris; Senator Lanre Tejuoso; Sir. JK Randle; Olori Ladun Sijuade; Professor Pat Utomi; Dame Abimbola Fashola; Mrs. Sarah Sosan; Senator Ibikunle and Funso Amosun.
Other important names at the shindig are HE Prince Dapo Abiodun, Executive Governor of Ogun State; Erelu Bisi Fayemi; HRM Oba Saheed Elegushi; Hon. Shina Peller; Chief Mrs. Nike Akande; Mr. Paul Ruwase; Chief Wale Babalakin; Mrs. Adejoke Orelope Adefulire; Erelu Derin Osoba; Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, deputy governor of Lagos State; Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly; Mrs. Maiden-Alex Ibru, Publisher, The Guardian Newspapers; Olorogun Oscar Ibru; Chief Odein Ajumogobia; Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, executive governor of Lagos State; Tessa Ikimi; Sena Anthony; Abiola Atanda; Evangelist Esther Ajayi and Husband; Mr. Kola Abiola; Mrs. Kemi Mimiko; Joe Okei-Odumakin; Members of Island Club, Lagos; Olorogun Sunny Kuku; Mr. & Mrs. John and Sola Momoh; Chief Florence Ita-Giwa; Mr. & Mrs. Sunny Omoregie, and many other society men and women who all glowed in various exotic attires.
Beejay Sax performed to the excitement of the guests while star MCees, MC Industry, Gbenga Adeyinka the 1st and Tee-A anchored the event. Maiyegun Of Yorubaland, K1 De’ Ultimate, Chief Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade, Musiliu Haruna Ishola, Sir Shina Peters, Davido and others thrilled all almost non-stop.
