Lagos fashion designer, Data Okorodudu is 60 and celebrated on Saturday, October 16th, 2021. For a woman who lost her husband, Jeye to Leukemia, over 10 years ago, it was indeed time to reflect and thank God for His mercies. Friends and family gathered to celebrate her and she was indeed grateful to clock the diamond age.
Speaking on what life has taught her at 60, Data said “life has taught me that if you put God first trust in all you do, you will naturally be inclined to do to others as you would want them to do to you. Secondly, surround yourself with positive thoughts and positive people. Thirdly, live, love, learn and while at it, keep your family strong and together”.
On her priorities at 60, the JD7 founder said it is “to work towards always being at peace and in sync with my creator, God Almighty and also, with myself, my family and friends. Now, I have to listen to, and take good care of my body, soul and spirit. Start a gradual, but, sure handing over of active management of the family businesses to the children”.
On life without Jeye, Data said “after the passing of my dear husband, it hit me that I have to play the dual role of both mother and father to the family. Luckily for me, my family has always been my number one priority. So, it wasn’t that much of a painful burden though. I am totally blessed with the best children, grandchildren, parents, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, relatives and in-laws in the whole wide world. A strong, reliable, and loving family keeps you strong and lightens the burden”.
While nothing that she has no regrets, Data says she looks forward to “living my life like it is golden”.
Armed with a degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, Data launched herself into the world of high fashion with the establishment of JD7 Couture. Her breathtaking designs earned her media reviews and acceptance by the creme-de-la-creme of society. With each milestone came recognitions and awards. She was also appointed a fashion and lifestyle consultant for MTN as well as a director for the vane, a fashion and lifestyle e-commerce technology company with headquarters in New York.
At the height of her fashion career, Data lost Jeye, her beloved husband. This caused her to take a step back from the public space to attend to family matters. It was a very emotional moment for her as she and Jeye had a whirlwind romance and marriage. They both met at the University of Lagos, got married and had all their kids before she turned 30. He got married at 25 while she was 21. Today, she is a glamorous mother and grandmother.
She notes that “life has been very interesting, challenging, and very, very busy, but I have my way of keeping it creatively exciting. God Almighty has been very gracious to me, my children and grandchildren, and I give Him all the glory”.
Data is a great, great-granddaughter of King Jaja of Opobo, in Rivers State. Even though she is known for starting JD7 Couture, she also owns a lounge known as Seven Seasons. Born into a family of 6 children, Data’s mum was a primary school teacher while her dad had British orientation and introduced them to music and dance.
While noting that a second marriage is not on the cards because her late husband set a high standard which another man could not meet, Data says it has not been easy getting to mourn her husband, take care of the children and watch the men that think they can come to her because her husband is no longer living.
On her part, Wosilat Omotolani Okoya-Seriki clocked 60 in August and had an unforgettable bash in far away Madrid, Spain.
This wife of Demola Seriki, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain and only sister of famous industrialist, Aare Razaq Akanni Okoya was celebrated by close friends and family. Demola, a former Minister of Defence and the celebrant’s first daughter, Bisola Tokan, were on hand to ensure guests had a nice time. Wosilat’s only brother was at the party with Folashade, his youngest wife, alongside most of his children. Wosilat’s close friends, such as Terry Waya and Demola Oniru were also at the birthday dinner.
While celebrating her sister-in-law on Instagram, Shade Okoya posted, “happy birthday! On this day of happiness and joy, I’d like to wish you a lifetime full of success because a person as unique as you, deserves all of their dreams to come true”.
Wosilat is the mother of three lovely girls and a grandmother of two. She is the only sister of Aare Okoya, Chairman of Eleganza Group.
– Iyabo Oyawale
With Additional Reports
from Vanguard
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