Sunday, February 19th, 2017 marked a new beginning for Kolawole Oyeyemi, the General Manager, Business Development, MTN Nigeria, he gathered friends, will-wishers in a classy 50th birthday in Lagos. The party was a 2 in 1 event, as he also launched his new book, The Parable of Fishing.The thanksgiving service was at Chapel of Uncommon Grace Church, Ikeja and reception was at Balmoral Hall in Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos. TAYO FAJORIN-OYEDIJI was there.
THE BIRTHDAY THEME WAS A GRATEFUL HEART
The theme that set the birthday in motion was tagged, A Grateful Heart’ which was a testament of God’s goodness to the celebrant for all his achievements so far. He was full of joy as he made it known that God has been the centre of his life. All promotional items were tagged with the theme logo.The colour code for the party was gold,b lack and white and all decorations was alongside the colour code.The venue was transformed into a light inspired theme. Cloud 9 decorations did the beautiful transformation.
THANKSGIVING SERVICE WAS AT CHAPEL OF UNCOMMON GRACE CHURCH
The birthday started with a thanksgiving service at Chapel of uncommon grace church which is being run by the celebrant.The celebrant, Kolawole Oyeyemi is the senior pastor of the church which was established many years ago.The service was full with alot of activities from various departments in the church. From the women ministry, men ministry,to children ,youth and others.They all demonstrated what the celebrant is to them.The pastor who precided was Pastor Paul Adewunmi of the Redeemed Church and other ministers of God.There was cutting of the cake and the choir did a beautiful rendition to usher him into the golden age era.
KOLA OYEYEMI AT A GLANCE
Popularly called Pappy K or Pastor K by his teeming well wishers, Kola Oyeyemi is not your regular social celebrity but in his field,Advertising and Marketing,he is indeed a celebrated celebrity.Dressed in a lovely blue outfit for the church service and Tan colour outfit with matching black cap for the reception,you can not but conclude that the celebrant is a powerful dresser and very stylish. Born 50 years ago to Mr John Oyeyemi Isarinade and Mojirade Isarinade in Ogbomoso.After his primary education,he proceeded to Saint Davids modern school in Ile Ife,thereafter went to Christ Apostolic Church grammar school, Akure then Oyo State College of Arts and Science before earning a 2nd class upper degree in English Studies from Obafemi Awolowo University, then University of Ife. He is an alumnus of 3 world-renowned business schools.His career tapestry has seen him transverse diverse industries, broadcasting, public relations consulting FCMG and telecommunications.He is presently the General Manager, Business Development /Innovation at MTN. He was a 2 time president of the Advertisers association of Nigeria, ADVAN and member, of Advertising practitioners council of Nigeria.Kola is active in the Lords vine yard, recruiting men and women for Christ. He pastors the chapel of uncommon grace church located in Ikeja.The much sought after speaker, facilitator and family man is a caring husband to his wife, Adenike Oyeyemi and dotting father to their 3 children, Boluwatife, Demilade and Temiloluwa.He is a man of many awards and Laurels.
NIKE OYEYEMI DAZZLED
The head anchor of the whole planning was the celebrant’s wife ,Adenike Oyeyemi. She is the wind beneath the wings of her husband and she carried herself with all humility at the party as she went from table to table to appreciate guests who came all the way to celebrate her husband. she settled for an all navy blue outfit for church service and opted for an all gold look at the reception with embellished black head gear. Her shoes also matched her, outfit which is in colours of navy blue and black and to dazzle up her look, she wore a combination of gold jewelries. She was the cynosure of all eyes as many couldn’t keep their gaze off her.
WHEN BRILA FM BOSS, LARRY IZAMOJE LAUNCHED KOLA’S PARABLE OF FISHING’ BOOK
Mid, way into the reception, one of the reasons for the gathering, the book launch, started in earnest and it was the Chief launcher of the day, Larry Izamoje who owns Brila FM that opened the floor. It was followed by top personalities in the media,adversiting and marketing field, The book reviewer and other celebs took turns to launch the book. The book is 68 pages.
THE COLOUR CODE WAS GOLD, BLACK AND WHITE
The color for the party was gold, black and white and guests did not dress less as they all looked nice in their different outfits. While some settled for Iro and Buba, some guests opted for skirt and blouses. The combination of the gold was very subtle and it came out nice in every style of outfits. Give it to our women, they sure know how to combine and accessorize their outfit. The men were also not left out as some wore white, black or gold outfits with a black cap.
MC/COMEDIAN SUPERVISED CUTTING OF THE CAKE
The birthday cake is one you will fall in love with at a glance. It is 2 in number. The cake was beautifully decorated in colours black and white, while the other has a touch of gold.The MC of the day, TEE A coordinated the cake cutting, then family and other important dignitaries joined to take some photographs. He coordinated the event flow very well and made sure there were no lapses.
MARKETING/ADVERTISING FIRMS CAME IN LARGE NUMBERS
It is expected that many of the celebrants friends from the marketing and advertising world will grace the occassion because the celebrant is one of them.He is sound in the marketing field and has helped many organisations by promoting their brands through sales.some of his ex colleaques from Cardbury, Quadrant company, Sunrise communications, all came to celebrate him.Also members of ADVAN and APCON association were also there because the celebrant has been their president for 2 consecutive terms and member of the council respectively.The likes of Tolu Ogunkoya, Alhaji Garbabello Kankarofi, Mrs Ogunnusi Ediri Ose-Ediale, Mr. Osamede Uwubanmwen, Femi Adebiba, Bunmi Adeniba and others.
COOL FM MD, AMIN MOUSALLI HONOURED KOLA
It will interest you that the MD of award winning radio station, cool fm, Amin Mousalli likes to party too.He was at the party to honour the celebrant who we gathered he’s very close to and has been friends with many years.In th past events when the celebrant launched some of his books, Amin was a regular feature.He looked dashing in his tuxedo suit.He stayed till the event came to a close.
MTN STAFF STOOD BEHIND THEIR BOSS
At the event were MTN staffs who trooped out to celebrate their boss especially the Sales and Distribution department.They were very many and they occupied up to10 tables.They looked stunning in their ankara aso ebi which they took for Mtn staff only. Sighted at the event were; Adekunle Adebiyi,Valentine Izuchukwu, Kester Osahenyen, Olaoluwa Osundina, Stella Nwosisi, Olaleke Fakeye, Preciuos Minimah, Olubukola Kajero, Winifred Umerah,Chinyelu Onochie, Chioma Oparaji, John Anyafulu,Olawale Adegboyega, Olubunmi Lawal, Chinedu, Aliche, Olaniyi Alabi, Obinna Nwosu, Martins Ihesiaba, Ademiju Ibilola, Victoria Tebowei, Beatrice Olateru Olagbegi, Onyinye Nwankwo, Godmercy Agidi, Martins Emeh, Reginald Ofor, Emmanuel Egbunne, Stanley Okeke and Doyun Fadahunsi. Others are Ugonwa Nwoye, Babalola Oyeleye, Emamoke Ogoro, Saidat Lawal Mohammed, Funmi Olaogun, Ify Kagho, Roseline Okonye, Mabel Bassey, Benjamin Elum, Adline Okeke, Akinolu Oladiran, Ezekiel Bamgboye, Joseph Ogbuka, Foyinsola Oyebola, Olubayo Adekanmbi and Toyin Araromi.
IGNITE AFRICA VOLUNTEERS TOO
The humanitarian part of the celebrant is the Foundation he founded called Ignite Africa which seeks to inspire young people across Africa.Volunteers of the foundation were at the birthday as well to support their founder.They travelled from far and wide to attend the birthday.
THE CELEBRANT CHURCH MEMBERS WERE PRESENT
Kola Oyeyemi pastors chapel of uncommon grace church and all his church members all came in their large numbers to celebrate their Pastor. The Assistant Pastor, Friday Okuwe and Deacon Obor led others.The church represented well and made sure everyone who attended the thanksgiving service were adequately taken care of.They made some delicious meals for the congregation after service and distributed many gifts as well.
ROSEBERYL EVENTS PLANNED THE PARTY
One of the upward event planners in town, Roseberyl Events planned and coordinated the birthday party. The team lived up to expectation, it was well coordinated and put together. From the start to finish, guests needed not to worry because all their needs were met. Global event supplied the ushers.
VERDANT ZEAL BOSS SPOTTED WITH HIS WIFE
In the advertising industry, Tunji Olugbodi is a force to reckon with. He runs the thriving advertising company, Verdant Zeal. He shares a close friendship with the celebrant and this was seen as he got to the party early, not only was he there, he came along with his wife who looked radiantly beautiful in a sun yellow dress.
HIS FRIENDS OF MANY YEARS SUPPORTED HIM
Kola is a man of many parts; he has friends at different stages of his life because of his humble nature.At the party were some of his close friends and younger friends whom they have been together for many years,Tunde Ayara of Communication Faclitators Limited was there, Mr Kehinde Salami of Ideas house, Mr Biodun Oshinubosi of Abelinni, Kayode Olagesin of Town criers, Tade Adekunle of Keskese, Tolu Ogunkoya, Nkiru Oguadinma, Ropo Alabi and others.
THE OYEYEMIS AND AWAKANS ALL CAME OUT
Some of the families of the celebrant both home and abroad were around for the day, the celebrants wife’s family was also not left out of the show. Sighted at the party were the celebrants mum, Mrs Mojirade Isarinade, celebrants wife’s father, Chief G.T Awakan, Tunji Isarinade, Mrs Wande Okusanya, Mr and Mrs Bisoye Isarinade, Mr and Mrs Adewale Awakan, Mr and Mrs Ademola Adetona, Shayo and others.
OTHER VIPs WHO CAME
Aishat Falode was at the event, she wore a black dress with orange embellishment matched with a turban, Publisher of Yes magazine, Azuh Arinze was there, Ayo Animashaun of Hip TV, Ali Baba’s wife, Mary Atunyota, MTN Ambassador, Afeez Oyetoro popularly called Saka, Mr and Mrs Wale Adesokan, SAN, Mr and Mrs Dapo Adekunle, Mrs Kemi modile, Mr and Mrs Orhwavborua, Mrs Bisola Onigbanjo, Capt Mrs Agbelusi, Mrs Dupe Odutola, Mrs Ronke Chikezie, Mr Jeph Oluwagbemiga, Mr and Mrs Demola Olusunmade, Mr and Mrs Isola Jegede, Mr Taye Ige, Mr and Mrs Makinde, Mr and Mrs Olumide Ale, Mr and Mrs Olumide Ofere, Mr and Mrs Taiwo Johnson, Mr and Mrs Osagwu, Mr and Mrs Sanjo Bankole and many others.
WHO DID WHAT
Goldie Lux catering catered for guests, Liquid and Ice handled Drinks, RL Desert handled Desert, Abeke Catering made Fruit Tree, Shellet food handled Amala on point, KSquare was incharge of security and many others.
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