It was a well planned 70th birthday party that met with what the celebrant, Sisi Dupe Lawale had planned for herself, to mark her 70th.
The event was a classy party held, by the Lagoon, in an exclusive part of Ikoyi, Lagos. It was at the Osborne Foreshore, Phase 2, opposite Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos. The venue is called, The Anchor Place, Texas Connection Ferries Jetty. That was where this beautiful lady called Modupe Abosede Olusola Lawale had her 70th birthday party, last Thursday 3rd February 2022.
She runs the company Texas Ferries and Marine, and Land Logistics Limited, owners of the venue. Initially, she had planned to travel to Israel/Zanzibar to celebrate her 70th birthday, but that couldn’t happen due to logistical reasons. So she planned to stay back with her friends to celebrate.
That Thursday evening the beautiful waterfront of The Anchor Place came alive, as quality guests strolled in one after the other to honour this lovely woman. Many came as couples, whilst some guests came alone. 90% of the guests were ladies in their 60’s and 70s. It was an old school affair. Some of Dupe Lawale’s younger friends also rallied round her. But quite visible were are very, very close friends.
Many of the friends complied with the Black Tie Dress Code. And the No head tie rule. So, many of her guests did traditional weaving and some wore wigs. But a lot wore lovely evening wears. It was a colourful mix. It was an open-air event. And the venue was well decorated by her friend, Mrs Simi Onabanjo, who runs Date Reminders Events Company, which is known for classy events. She and her crew did a good job, as the venue was transformed. The event had beautiful, tall ushers who on their own were engaging enough. The Waterfront area of the venue had a long walkway graced with a trail of a red floral antique rug. The entrance had a huge frame of the celebrant and birthday wishes from staff, friends and family members.
The entrance also had a big backdrop with pictures of Sisi Modupe Lawale on it. The settings had special Dior chairs and tables covered with beautiful petals and flowers. The ceiling was also not left out as it was beautifully decorated with penlights and props. The affair gave way for a beautiful gaze at the Lagoon.
Guests started arriving as from the 4 pm time, stated on the Invitation Cards, and Demola Olota thrilled guests to so many lovely tunes taken from all over the world. Demola Olota is a music maestro. He is a Master of the game. The event started at about 6pm with the celebrant’s Grand entry. She was dressed in an elegant royal blue lace and gele to match. She had a great smile on her face ready to welcome and thank guests. As this went on, Olota, continued to dish out melodious tunes with his band members, singing along.
One unique thing about the party was that it was well planned and the organisers of the 70th Birthday programme for Mrs Mudupe Abosede Olusola Lawale followed the laid down plan, starting with the Photographs on the red carpet, provision of Medley (songs) provided by the ace Saxophonist, Demola Olota who came with a 9 members band, then the Grand entrance of the celebrant. She sang 2 of her favourite songs: Goodness of God and Okan Mi yo ninu oluwa. Then came Call to worship & Opening prayer. Then came the Hymn, Life is good and then came Bible Reading Psalm 100. This was followed by a Solo-Oh Lord my God, then came Exhortation and then the Choir song-Ten thousand reasons. Then followed a shower of prayers (Exhortation).
The closing Hymn was Thine is the Glory. It was after this that Dinner was served. Then came Tributes and the Cutting of the Cake. It was after this that Dancing began and it was followed by the Response of the celebrant who thanked everyone for their show of love. The last item on the Programme then followed, which is Party-After-Party.
The Menu was special and classy. There were 3 categories namely Chinese, Continental and Lamb Spare Ribs. Everyone had more than enough to eat. And drinks flowed ceaselessly. Of course, there was Small Chops and Finger Foods to the bargain. The celebrant who likes to Sing and dance was on her feet all through the 7-hour party, dancing and praising God. She looked refreshingly young at 70.
The celebrant danced wearing a beautiful dress, popular HO2 material and gele dancing all the way. After dancing with her guests, the celebrant took her seat on the high table, seating beside Bishop Ranti Odubogun (retired) from the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Ven Dr Yemi Agbelusi, the Arch- Deacon, Church of Nigeria Anglican Commission and Pastor Ayo Tegbe and Pastor Mrs Dorcas Tegbe, of Holy Ghost Christian Centre. As soon as the celebrant was seated, Bishop Ranti Odubogun took the microphone to say a short prayer. After this, he led a hymn song to which the celebrant sang along joyfully. Venerable Dr Yemi Agbelusi then went on to appreciate the presence of everyone present, while extending greetings from Jerusalem to the celebrant who had wanted to spend her birthday on the Pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He said he just came back after spending the last 9 months there. After this, Demola Olota again went on to jazz up the atmosphere skillfully playing his saxophone. As this went on, guests began to flood the open-air arena. Dishes from different vendors were served, as Mc Dee and Mc Damola took turns to share jokes and announcements.
After a while, it was time for testimonies. Mr Gbenga Olowo took the stage to talk about the celebrant who was his childhood friend. While speaking, Mr Gbenga Olowo talked about the celebrant as a strong woman who would fight for what she wanted. He also talked about how they both stimulated a lot of tourism in the Nigerian economy.
Mr Olademeji Alo also said a few things about Madam Modupe Olawale as he thanked God for making her stronger at 70. After a short musical interlude by Demola Olota and his band, the cake session was coordinated and the floor was left open for everyone to dance.
She had an impressive Guest List which include Chief Mrs Iyabode Martins-Kuye, Mr & Mrs Ketiku Segun, Monehin Deji, Mr & Mrs Ndah Tony, Mrs Obe Eniola Abosede, Rt Rev & Mrs Odubogun Ranti, Mrs Odumosu Victoria Olutayo, Mrs Odusanya Funmilayo, Miss Odutan Folake, Mrs Odunubi Bimpe, Prof & Dr Mrs Odusote Kayode, Chief Mrs Ogunbejisola Bosede, Balogun & Iyalode Ogunbiyi, Mrs Ogundana Titilayo Tokunbo and Mr & Mrs Lanre Ogunlesi.
Others include Mrs Ogunmekan Funmilola, Chief & Chief Mrs Ogunsola Ajibola, Chief Mrs Oguntade Modupe, Oba & Olori Ojutalayo Kole, Mrs Okeowo-Bolade Bisi, Mr & Mrs Okunfulure Wole, Hon Justice Olayinka Olaide, Mrs Olomolehin Grace, Dr & Mrs Olowo Gabriel, Chief Mrs Olowu Oluremilekun, Mrs Olufunwa Ibidun, Mrs Oluwasani Ajoke, Pastor & Mrs Demola, Mrs Omikunle Deola, Chief & Chief Mrs Onakoya Tunde, Mrs Oni Yinka, Mrs Onigbanjo Ifeanyi, Alhaja Oniru Olufunke Alaba, Opeke Segun, Mrs Origbanjo Victoria Roli Uwamu, Dr Mrs Osho Funbi and Osinuga Deolu.
The Roll Call also includes Ambassador Otepela Ayo, Mr & Mrs Owoeye Ayo, Mr & Mrs Oyetegbe Ayo, Dr Mrs Phillips Toyin, Princess Rotimi Enitan, Mr & Mrs Samo Ayo, Mrs Sheidu Adewunmi, Chief & Chief Mrs Shobayo Adejare, Chief Mrs Shojobi Omolara, Mr & Mrs Shokunbi Kunle, Solanke Gobyega, Otunba & Mrs Talabi Olumide Olalekan, Mr Teniola Eric, Alhaja Tinubu Bintu, Mrs Togun Ibidun, Sir & Dame Williams Abayomi, Mrs Williams Oluremi Motomori, Mrs Ayanbadejo Funmilayo, Mrs Ayanlaja Yinka, Prince Hon Ayedun Sk, Mr & Mrs Ayodeji Iranola, Mr & Mrs Ayodele Adeniyi, Mr & Mrs Ayoku Taiwo, Mrs Ayuba Ronke, Mrs Azendah Yentunde, Prof & Mrs Balogun Tokunbo, Chief Borha Abiodun, Dr Mrs Cole Bimbo, Mr & Mrs Dada Babatunde, Chief Mrs Dada Lola, Mrs Dania Bolaji, Mrs Dosunmu Adelarin Aina, Mrs Duro-Emmanel Mariam, Capt & Mrs Ebubeogu, Mr & Mrs Elegbede Toyin, Mrs Ehidire Jide Olufunminiyi and Mrs Eze Rita.
On the list is Ezenuwa-Mbah Chinwe Hilda, Chief Mrs Fashola Bolajoko, Mrs Gbadebo Modupe Ajayi, Lady Giwa Margaret Oluyemi, Prof & Dr Mrs Giwa-Osagie Osato, Mrs Hassan Funmi, Mr & Mrs Hecksher Rodney, Mrs Ibidapo Bose, Chief Mrs Ibidapo Obe Olusola, Mrs Ibrahim Saada Stella, Mr Israel Dotun, Mrs Abdulrasaq Foluke Kafayat and Mrs Abolarinwa Bamidele
Others include Adebola Lekan, Mrs Adekunle Abiodun, Dr Adenuga Femi, Mr Adeola Dayo, Prince and Mrs Adesanya, Bambo, Mr & Mrs Adesule Yombo, Prince & Princess Adewuyi Akinlade, Ven & Mrs Agbelusi Yemi, Ajayi Ayo, Mrs Ajibade-Bakare Dupeola and Princess Ajibola-Dixen Adeyinka. So also, Akande Edna Adebowale, Mrs Akinfolarin Yetunde, Hon Akinlade Justice Bisi, Akinlawon Titi, Akintobi Bukky, Chief Mrs Akinyelure Nike, Mr & Mrs Akinyemi Sanya, Mr & Mrs Aladejebi Kayode, Alhaja Alli-Owe Salimot Ajoke, Prof & Mrs Alo Babajide, Dr & Mrs Alo Oladimeji. Others include Gen Amusu Tilewa, Mrs Asekun Yemisi, Eng & Mrs Ashafa Dipo, Pro Awosanya Gbolahun, Capt & Mrs Awosika, Chief Mrs Johnson Funke, Dr Kehinde Seye, Komolafe Folashade, Mrs Ladele Funmilayo, Mrs Lapite Folake, Mrs Lawal Ayo, Ambassador Marcus-Bello Foluke, Mrs Martin Ronke, Chief Mrs Obakin Abiodun Mojisola and others.
Her beautiful daughter, Feyi couldn’t make it. She lives in the US. But it was she who signed the Invitation Card which came in form of a Letter to guests. In the IV she explained that the earlier celebration at scheduled places in Israel and Zanzibar) has had to be postponed due to global pandemic…notwithstanding the above, it is my sincere desire to host you to a dinner party on the 3rd of February 2022 to mark the day in her honour. Please accept this letter as my formal invitation…And it was signed by Oluwafeyikemi Oluranti Joy Akinyemi-Lawale (Miss).
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