+For Senator Dr. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele’s 60th Birthday Party
Topping the numerous glamorous parties held in Lagos last weekend is the 60th birthday reception party of Senator Dr. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele aka MOB. It was a grand reception party that saw over 50 serving federal lawmakers occupying the National Assembly in attendance not leaving our governors, speakers of state Houses of Assembly, politicians and captains of industries. The National Assembly members were led by the Senate President himself, Senator Goodwill Akpabio. They all shutdown Lagos for one of their own who is a prominent member and Majority leader of the Senate.
The party was held at the Harbour Point Hall, a very popular and highly classy event centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. It is a well-thought-out venue capacity of receiving the numerous top dignitaries from all walks of life who turned up for the event.
Notable among the many senators who graced the occasion were Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jubril; Senator Aminu Tanbuwa, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun Sanni, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Senator Titus Zam, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Senator Sanni Muhammed Musa, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, Senator Neda Imasuen, Senator Osita Izunaso, Senator Dicket Plang, Senator Akintunde Yunus, Senator Francis Onyewuchi, Senator Bassey Etim, Senator Idiat Adebule, Senator Abubakar Sanni Bello, Senator Lamido Ibrahim, Senator Okechukwu Ezea, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, Senator Sen. Benson Agadaga, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Senator Solomon Yayi and many others.
The choice of holding the grand birthday reception party in Lagos is indeed a laudable one. A few days ago, a similar party was held firstly in Abuja, the seat of power, and followed by 24-hour Marathon Praise & Worship Service which was held in Ekiti state, the home of Senator Opeyemi Bamidele. The one held in Lagos was the biggest of the 3. It was well attended by constellations of stars and who is who in Nigeria.
Anchoring the event were the duo of Gbenga Adeyinka D 1st and Morayo Afolabi Brown. They combined well delivering a top-notched and seamless programme coordination which was filled with remarkable moments for the celebrant and his guests. They indeed showed class and mastery of the art.
Every segment was glamorous. Starting from the arrival of guests who all came well dressed in their lovely outfits for the occasion. The commencement of the programme kicked off when the event anchors took time to announce the arrival of top dignitaries as they set their feet into the event hall. The list is too long to mention. The party is best called a star-studded event.
Notable among the many arrivals of dignitaries into the hall was that of the Senate President and over 50 Senators in his entourage. You can imagine how their arrival and entrance would be. Also, the arrival of the Lagos state governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu who was also the chief host of the day. He came into the hall with the acting Governor of Ondo state, Lucky Ayedatiwa. Then comes the grand arrival of the man of the occasion, MOB himself. He was accompanied by his loving wife, Mrs. Opeyemisi. They were received into the hall with a standing ovation and this signalled peak of the occasion.
A documentary that gave a detailed biography of the celebrant, starting from his humble beginning up to his most recent accomplishment. Then it saw the immediate family of the celebrant celebrates him to high heavens as he turned 60.
The cutting of the birthday cake was supervised by Governor Sanwo-Olu while Senator President, Godswill Akpabio gave the toast in honour of the celebrant. This was swiftly followed by a romantic dance by the celebrant and his wife with Timi Dakolo rendering the melodious songs which was applauded by their guests.
Performing on stage was the veteran Juju singer, King Sunny Ade and his band. They did well in entertaining the celebrant and his long list of guests, which they all enjoyed to the fullest. KSA got many of the Senators and other dignitaries to approach the stage to dance as they party with the celebrant and his wife. It was a party all the way.
Notable dignitaries whose presence added glamour to the occasion were Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State with his first lady, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu. His counterpart in Ekiti, Biodun Oyebanji; acting governor of Ondo state, Lucky Ayedatiwa; Lagos state Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat; Deputy Governor of Ekiti state, Monisade Afuye; Ekiti State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Adeoye Stephen Aribasoye and a few members of the house; Hon. Mojisola Alli Macaulay; Hon. Olamiju Akala; Hon. Akinola Kehinde; Senator Femi Kila; Chief Wole Olaonipekun, Abiodun Ogunsanwo; Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Hon. Akeem Muniru; Hon. Kafilat Ogbara; Dele Adeshina (SAN); Hon. Bimbo Daramola; The Deputy Clerk of the Senate, Isabella Ugochi Iloba; representative of Chief of Air Staff; Otunba Stephen Olukayode Ogundipe; Rear Admiral Adamu; the Osi Are Onakankanfo, Hon. Kayode Balogun; Senator Babajide Omoworare; Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe; Fmr Gov. Of Ekiti state, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Otunba former Dep Gov of Lagos, Femi Pedro; Mrs. Toke Benson Awoyinka; Amb. Eniola Ajayi and husband, Yemi Adaramodu; Barrister Babajide Ogala; Folashade Ambrose; Senator Florence Ita Giwa; Wale Edun; Babatunde Fowler; Bolaji Dada; Hon. Deola Kupoluyi; Alhaji. Wahab Sanni; Segun Daudu; Alhaji Wasiu Akeusola; Arch. Dayo Adegbite; Mrs. Adeola Samson; Prof. Sylvester; Dr. Kayode Opeifa; Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan; Dr. Muiz Banire, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi; Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Ajakaye; the Oniru, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal; Hon. Abike Dabiri; Senator Iyiola Omisore; Chief Olusegun Osoba; Esv Godspower Omozusi a fellow of Nigerian Institutions of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS); Hon. Segun Olulade aka Eleniyan; Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi; GAC members and other APC chieftains among many others as the list is inexhaustible.
Sponsoring the Coverage
The 24-hour Marathon Praise & Worship event in Ekiti, along with the Reception Party on Sunday, was covered by CityPeople. The Coverage of both events was sponsored by Esv Godspower Omozusi, who is a fellow of the Nigerian Institutions of Estate Surveyors and Valuers. He is also an executive member of NIESV Lagos Branch and a close friend of the celebrant.
-Abubakar Muhammed Jamiu (08085185886)
