Hitting age 70 is such a milestone that is worth celebrating. This was the reason the children of one of Nigeria’s finest journalists, Mike Awoyinfa took it upon themselves to surprise their dad in a big way. Not many believe that surprise parties are really, as a matter of fact, some believe that they are being staged. However, the look on Mr Awoyinfa’s face as soon as he caught a glimpse of the auditorium and the beautiful inscriptions on the banners and wallpapers entirely told the story.
The event was held at the Maradiva Twin-water auditorium, situated at the Okunde Bluewater scheme in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. The venue was not just appropriate; it also fits the class and style of the celebrant. The venue was well designed in such a way that it spoke about the attributes of the celebrant in different ways. Some of his old articles and publications were used to design the backdrops.
City People’s duo of Brands Editor, DAMILARE SALAMI 08155134152 and Senior Photojournalist, ABDULRASHEED SANNI bring you some of the hot gists from the party, enjoy.
Mike Awoyinfa In Brief
Mike Awoyinfa revolutionised human interest journalism in Nigeria when he (alongside late Dimgba Igwe) pioneered the highly successful Weekend Concord in 1989. He became the founding managing director/editor-in-chief of The Sun Publishing Limited in 2002.
For the benefit of those who may not know this quietest of quintessential gentlemen, Mr Mike Awoyinfa is one of the most prolific and exceptionally versatile writers that Nigeria has ever had. A literary guru, with an exceptional and exciting witty writing style, Mike Awoyinfa is a cut above most of our writers. His intelligence and sense of logic demonstrated in his writings are complemented by his bright and engaging personality which those closest to him have enjoyed over the years.
He is the author of many successful books including the journalism classic, The Art of Feature Writing (1990), the business bestseller, 50 Nigeria’s Corporate Strategists: Top CEOs Share Their Experience in Managing Companies in Nigeria (1999), Nigeria’s Marketing Memoirs: Case Studies (2005), SEGUN OSOBA: The Newspaper years, 50 World Editors: Conversations with Journalism Masters on Trends and Best Practices (2014), among other books.
Mr Awoyinfa at the event was described as creative, articulate, reliable, humble, gentle and passionate.
Meet The Coup Plotters
The children of Mr Awoyinfa were guilty in a good way! They brought smiles to the face of their ever-serious dad when he clocked 70. From the planning to execution, everything was done without his knowledge. All his friends and close allies were invited on his behalf and they made the right choices.
The chief plotter was Mr Babajide Awoyinfa, the first son with support from his kid brothers, Mr Taiwo and Kehinde Awoyinfa and their spouses.
The story would not be complete if the mention is not made of Mrs Bukola Awoyinfa, the wife of the celebrant. She released enough details to the planners and her inputs made the entire team record a remarkable success.
Olive Emordi, Deyanji of Lagos Anchor The Event
Olive Emodi is an accomplished Nigerian actress, who was formerly a lawyer. She is not a regular actress, she is also an award-winning TV presenter and OAP. She read law, thanks to her mother’s influence, but she is popular as an actress and TV presenter.
She did a great job at Mr Awoyinfa’s birthday bash, give it to her, she made the event more lively. Olive was supported by another talented compere, Deyanju of Lagos, the co-anchor.
DJ California, Adigun & The Spice Band Heat Up The Auditorium
The blast of oldies from DJ California’s turntable was the welcome vibe the guests needed to set them in the mood for the party. His mix-tape was on until the celebrant was ushered in unprepared.
As soon as Mr Mike Awoyinfa entered the auditorium, a blast of happy birthday cheers greeted his surprised face and Lawrence T. Adigun, the leader of the Adigun and the Spice Band took over from there.
Adigun is a multi-instrumentalist, a vocalist and a popular Live band singer. He has been running the band for quite some time now. His performance and that of the band at the event were superb and very classy. He took the guests back to the days of disco and still brought them back to this contemporary time.
Is This Another Journalists’ Hang Out?
Call the event a journalists’ hang out and you won’t be too wrong. Top journalists across different media houses were present at the event. Not just them alone, even the rookies made use of the opportunity the event granted them to hook up with some of their mentors on the job.
The likes of Dare Babarinsa, Eric Osagie, the MD of The Sun Newspapers, Sola Osunkeye, Louis Odion, Funso Bangbose and Wale Sokunbi were all spotted at the party.
The Sun Family Made It Their Show
Mike Awoyinfa was attached to The Sunday, SUN Newspaper in Castle Upon Tyne. There he sharpened his nose and brain for Tabloid Journalism. When it comes to Tabloid, you can’t beat them. He learnt more about how to cast headlines there. It was therefore not a surprise to see The SUN family takeover the party with attendance and participation.
The likes of former MD, Dr Tony Onyima, Mr Johnson Ogunnaike, Iheanacho Nwosu, Jessica Ojei-Humphrey, Tope Adeboboye Chichi Obinechi, Nkiru Obeki and Damola Olajumoke were all present at the event.
Channels TV Boss, The Ibrus were Present Too
Dr John Momoh hardly attends events but when he does, it shows that such an event must be significant to him. Mr Mike Awoyinfa’s 70th party was one of such important event. He came through for the veteran on his big day.
Mr Goodie Ibru, the former president of the Nigerian Foreign Exchange (FOREX) was also at the event with his beautiful wife.
What about Dr Dele Momodu, an old-time friend and colleague of Mr Awoyinfa at the Weekend Concord? He also marked attendance at the event. He left his busy Saturday to felicitate with Mr Awoyinfa.
The Vendors Also Did Well
Let’s also quickly tell you that the vendors at the event did a great job. They were not just professionals; they also comported themselves and represented their brands in a good light.
Amala Toh Sure served amala, gbegiri, ewedu and assorted meats, Tash Bistro was in charge of local and continental dishes while Grandma’s Hut dished Garri and sea foods.
Solomon Falana of Swift Events was the planner while Royal Event Hostesses did their ushering job with pride.
Roll Call
Also present at the event was Hon. Tunji Bello, Obioma Dimgba-Igwe, Mrs Bola Sokunbi, Mr and Mrs Ayotayo, Mr and Mrs Lawson, Mr and Mrs Kayode Ojo, Mrs Sanyaolu, Dr and Mrs Awotayo, Clem Braimah from Adna Hotel and Ehi Braimah of the Naija Times.
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