On Monday, 2nd November 2019, the much-awaited Nollywood event; the 60th birthday celebration of a talented actor, a movie icon, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo kicked off in grand style.
The 60th birthday celebration of this movie icon, Ogogo ran for a whole week with a series of activities to mark the glorious event.
The celebration started on Monday with the visitation of the celebrator to his home town, Ilaro in Ogun State where he received Royal blessing from the King, Olu of Ilaro, Paramount ruler of Yewaland, Hrm Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle-Asade Agunloye IV. It was followed by the commissioning of an ultra-modern borehole he donated to his Primary School, Christ Church School, Ilaro, the school he attended 49 years ago.
It was a triumphant entry for Ogogo and his team members; made up of GbengaAyodele (USA), Kaka, Alhaji Kamoru Adebayo (Sir K), Dr. Akeem Taiwo, Saheed (Spider), Sunny Ali, Alesh Onilegbale, Bimbo Thomas and many others who stormed Ilaro in full force. They were given a royal welcome, with drumming and cultural dance. A cultural troupe which comprised of 5 young boys, who are professional poets ignited the social fire, as they started chanting and praising the celebrator (Ogogo). For 15 minutes, the whole of Ilaro town was literally shaken to its foundation. Indigenes trooped out from left, right and centre to have a glimpse of what was going on in the school, to see that person who came in like a king and heralded with so much noise. They erupted in loud ovation when they saw that it was their son, Ogogo.
You need no one to tell you that Alhaji Taiwo Hassan Ogogo is a proud son of the soil of Ilaro town; he’s from a well-respected family. Obviously, he’s loved by many. We thought we’ve had it all at Odunfa Street, Lagos, where almost every house on the street erected banners in celebration of his birthday in front of their houses. Ilaro indigenes, however, proved that Ogogo is truly their bonafide son. As you enter the town, the first banner that welcomes you was that of Ogogo 60th birthday. And that was not all. There, were also banners with his images, greeting him, celebrating him on every street, road, nook and cranny of Ilaro town.
The commissioning of the borehole pulled prominent chiefs, dignitaries, friends, family members and well-wishers. It will interest you to know that all the school teachers were in uniform (Aso-Ebi), to appreciate what God did for the school through one of their ex-pupils, Ogogo. After a short reception organised by the school authority with performances of pupils, and speeches from a few persons from the town and those who came from Lagos. The project was commissioned by Chief AdeboyeSanu- Ekerin of Ilaro, who represented HRM. Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle.
Among the dignitaries who witnessed the occasion were, Chief AdeboyeSanu- Ekerin of Ilaro, Chief Ebenezer Babajide-Seriki Ilu Ata, Chief (Mrs) Afusat Odunfa-Iyalode of Ilaro, Chief (Mrs) Nike Akintade-Mama Eto of Ilaro, Mr. HarunaAderonmu- OronnaIlaro Central Planning committee, MrsFolawewo Esther Olaide-Head Teacher, Alhaji Adeyemo Adefemi, Mr. Akerele, MrFagbenro- FRCN and many others.
Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo is a veteran Nigerian film actor, producer and director. He was born in Ilaro, Ogun State. He started his primary education at Christ Church School, Ilaro. He later attended a Technical College where he trained as an automobile repairer.
Taiwo Hassan began his acting in 1981 shortly after he got a job at the Water Corporation as an auto mechanic. He worked at the water corporation for about 13 years and retired in 1994 to concentrate on acting, and that is what he’s known for till date.
– SUNDAY ADIGUN
