New Ogun Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun hosted a 2 in one dinner, to celebrate his Inauguration and his 59th birthday. The event was at The Marquee inside the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library. The Committee was led by PR guru, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, with Ali Baba and Dayo Benjamin-Laniyi as Comperes. The event began as soon as Prince Dapo Abiodun arrived with his wife, Bamidele and children to a rousing welcome by all guests.
Guests were thrilled by Davido, Olamide, DJ Jimmy Jatt, DJ Fresh wave, and KSA, who rolled back the years with his energetic brand of Juju music. A velvety-voiced singer was the one who sang a love song for the first couple as well as a lively happy birthday song for the Governor before they were invited to cut his birthday cake. It was a memorable night and Nigeria’s high society was there in large number to honor one of their own.
Present at the ball were Aremo Olusegun Osoba and wife, Beere Derin, Chief Olabiyi Durojaiye, Dr. Sunny Kuku, Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Adewale Ajayi, MrAigbojeAig-Imoukhuede, Mr. Sam Iwuajoku, Senator Sanusi Daggash, Senator Tokunbo Ogunbanjo, Chief Mrs. Mobolaji Momodu, Senator Gbenga Obadara, Arch. Biodun Fari, Tayo Ayeni, Otunba Lai Oriowo, Tope Abere, Bayo Fatusin, Hon. Folake Oshinowo, Prince Bisi Olatilo, and Muyiwa Ige to mention a few. City People’s OGUN Correspondent, BUNMI MUSTAPHA was there. Below is her account.
AREMO OSOBA CAME WITH HIS WIFE
One of those who stood by Governor Dapo Abiodun and never strayed during the fight was former Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba. He was solidly behind the new Governor. Since then, he has not missed any part of the important functions of his Excellency. Aremo came with his wife, Beere Aderinsola, they were both on the front row with the governor at the dinner to for the inauguration and birthday. He was praised by people for fighting for a good cause and also being supportive.
EX-OGUN DEPUTY GOVERNOR TOO
Alhaja Salmot Badru, the former and first female deputy governor of Ogun State was also present at the dinner ball.
HON. SURAJ ADEKUMBI VERY VISIBLE
Lately the former speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Honourable Suraj Adekumbi has been very visible at all the inauguration function of the new government, he was at the lecture, cultural night and also present at the dinner ball, he came early and spent quality time.
JUSTICE DIPEOLU LEAD OGUN JUDGES
Ogun State Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, is the first Female Chief Judge in Ogun, she lead other judges to attend the dinner ball of the new Governor.
PRINCE SEGUN ADESEGUN IN A JOYOUS MOOD
Anyone who has seen the former deputy governor of Ogun State, Prince Segun Adesegun lately can tell, the politician has been in a very happy and joyous mood, recall that he and his governor senator Ibikunle Amosun had a cat and dog relationship during Amosun’s first term in office where prince Adesegun was his deputy. Prince Adesgun displayed a pleased and happy man at the inaugural and birthday ball as he was winning, dining and dancing as he exchanges pleasantries with guests, he was at the event with his wife.
THE 2 PARAMOUNT RULERS WHO CAME
The event was attended by royal fathers across the state, but the two paramount rulers present at the event were, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewaland, and also Oba Babatunde Ajayi, the Akarigbo of Remoland.
AND THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR STEPPED OUT IN STYLE
The new deputy governor, eng.Noimot Salako, was looking stylish fir the evening, she was dressed in a peach dress with turban to match, supported by her husband, Alhaji Bode Oyedele.
WITH LOVE FROM ODUKALE FAMILY
The family of Odukale, who are the owners of Leadway Assurance were fully represented, the family was lead by the first child Mrs. Sotubo and her other siblings who came to celebrate with the new Governor.
AND THE CELEBRANT HAD A DANCE LIKE A WEDDING FIRST DANCE
The moments that remain unforgettable for guests at the event and forever memorable for the governor and his wife Bamidele was when popular soul singer Chef requested for them to step on the dance floor for a surprise package. With her mind-blowing voice, chef performed at last song by Etta James, the couple held each other like a newly wedded couple having their first dance, as they stare into each other’s eye, it was a very romantic moment, the whole of the event center went quiet and movement was almost seized , and the end of the dance the governor sealed the dance with a kiss, and everyone gave them a standing ovation.
SIMEON GERALD GAVE OGUN STATE TOAST
Simeon Gerald is the number one Cocoa investor in Ogun State. He has been an Ogun investor for more than 15 years. This explains why he was asked to make the Toast for the state.
He said “Ogun State is an extremely special state in Nigeria, it’s a state that we have been involved in for more than fifteen years, it a state that has been kind to me as an individual, I know for a fact, and this explains why one of the kings made me an Otunba two years ago. As an investor, and I stand here tonight to give a toast to Ogun State, I am not here to do anything more than giving a toast to this dear state, as I do so, I will like to say to you, to foreign investors and indeed, Nigerian investors, this state is seriously worth considerations for investment, we have invested tens of millions of dollars in the state in the last fifteen years, Ogun State is not the biggest cocoa producing state in Nigeria yet, but we are still working on that, but in terms of cocoa processing, if it was not for the foundation that His Excellency has laid in terms of making it an easy place for business and to invest, this certainly could not happen, so your Excellency, on behalf of Ogun investors I will say thank you very much, I will also like to use an example of one of a senior manager in Nigeria said to me not long ago, Nigeria always wants something more, just like Oliver Twist, well we investors also are like Nigerians, we asked that you support us in the future, in every possible way, we always want and need more, but in return for that, we will give our kind and faithfulness. I will stop here and say anybody considering investing in Nigeria there is frankly no better destination to invest, please put Ogun State on top of your note, I will like us to raise our glasses and make a toast to Ogun State”.
ABOUT THE CHAIRMAN OF THE INUGARAL AND BIRTHDAY BALL
Yomi Badejo Okusanya, YBO as he is fondly was the Chairman, Inaugural ball for governor Dapo Abiodun. He is a Public Relations guru and a very savvy entrepreneur and visionary. But none of that influences his estimation of his competence and self-worth. During his speech as the chairman of the event, his first words after observing all protocols were urging everyone present to invest in Ogun and also to bring more investors to the state.
Okusanya has built a career on combining daring, dexterity and largely inspirational initiatives with diligent application that incorporates everything from snatches of dependable formulae to the most improbable. He jokingly said no one should eat, drink and sit without considering investing in Ogun state which will help the state growth and give Ogun State the state many dream about. he no doubt did his best as the event was well planned and OOPL Marquee which was the venue was given another facelift with the beautiful decorations and lightning.
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