•Details Of How He Marked The Day
A famous British author in the 19th Century, Aldous Huxley once said: “The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old age, which means never losing your enthusiasm”. This truly defined the situation on Sunday, September 29th, 2019 when one of Nigeria’s youthful and impactful elder statesman, Deacon Engineer Adewale Olufunso Oyemade joined the class of the octogenarians in a classy manner. It was such a fun-filled that got every guest talking. It was an evening of absolute fun, relaxation, joy and celebration with the Oyemades as families, friends and well-wishers came from far and to praise God the birthday boy and his loved ones. City People’s DAMILARE SALAMI and Photojournalist MATTHEW IDOWU were at the event to bring you the gist and pictures of all that transpired there, enjoy.
CHOICE VENUE FOR A CHOICE EVENT
The Haven Event Centre beside Arch Bishop Vinning Memorial Church in Ikeja GRA, Lagos was rebranded with wine and gold on this day. Virtually everyone alighting from his/her was well adorned in the colour of the day which made the occasion not just colorful but also unique.
FAITH BAND HANDLES MUSIC
The Faith Band is a popular celebrity and multiple award-winning musical brand in Lagos. They have handled several superb events and are masters at the craft. Of course, they didn’t disappoint their customers and the entire audience. The sound of their cool jazz music welcomed everyone into the auditorium and when it was time for the real gig, they were on the top of their game. One could tell from the sing-along and responses from the audience that it was another night of pure entertainment spearheaded by this group of talented musicians.
GBAJUMO OSERE PRESENTER, DOYI NKUKOYI ANCHORS EVENT
Adedoyin Kukoyi is famous in many Nigerian homes simply because she is a screen diva. She anchors the popular movie programme, Gbajumo Osere. She was the anchor of this momentous event and she didn’t disappoint from the word go till the very last segment. Her time management skills were top-notch and her ability to carry along the different categories of people among her audience confirms her as a compere of high reputation that she truly is.
MRS SUSAN OYEMADE FLAUNTS TRADITIONAL HEADGEAR
Mrs Susan Oyemade is the wife of the celebrant. She is a famous life and health coach with Forever Living Products. She is a 75-year-old who looks 50. The style of her headgear has been one of her trademarks for a very long time and on a day she was celebrating the love of her life, she was super-stunning with her entire outfits. Not that alone, she made sure all her guests were well catered to in terms of foods, drinks and gift items. She was spotted every time dishing out orders to the different service providers so as to ensure the maximum satisfaction of her guests.
PASTOR IDRIS TAKES OPENING PRAYER
Many have attested to the fact that Deacon Oyemade is a very spiritual man. He would not start his big day without putting God first. On this special day, Pastor Idris handled the mic and he led the celebrant, his loved ones and the entire guests to the presence of the almighty to signify the official commencement of the event.
CHAIRMAN’S OPENING DANCE & REMARKS
Deacon Engr. Olawale Ige, a close friend of the celebrant was the chairman of the day. His first assignment as instructed by the anchor was to dance as a way of celebrating his good friend and he did enjoyably well. His second assignment was to deliver a conventional chairman’s opening remarks but what he did was more of a revelation about the person of Deacon Oyemade other than just a regular opening speech. Speaking further about the celebrant, he said Deacon Oyemade does philanthropy with his time, talent and treasure.
LESSONS FROM DEACON OYEMADE’S LIFE
While delivering his speech, Engr. Ige said so many things about his friend of over 40 years. But one of the most captivating things he said about Deacon Oyemade was the three-in-one person he described him as. Firstly, he described him as a family man. “Deacon Oyemade is a man with a large heart and a large family. He doesn’t discriminate, he attends to the need of every member of his family. I am not talking about his immediate family alone but about his extended family.” Secondly, he described him as a man of faith. “He is always regular at prayer meetings and very active too. He always airs his view in whatever situation and he is never economical with the truth.” And thirdly, he is a man that works hard. “Everywhere he finds himself, he always ends up succeeding and doing great things.” And to crown it all, he said about his wife, “anywhere you hear about Engr. Oyemade taking a giant step, Mrs Susan Oyemade is always behind him.”
MRS SUSAN OYEMADE EULOGISES HER HUSBAND
It was time for the proud wife, mother and grandmother to talk about her lover and sweetheart and she didn’t mince words at all. Mrs Oyemade described how her husband has made her enjoyed marriage, how he has not stopped pampering her since the day they got married and how he has been a strong pillar of support for her and the children. She also noted that anyone who has encountered Engr. Oyemade always has a positive to hold on to.
ROMANTIC BLUES BY SAXOFIX
Another moment of fun was when Daddy and Mummy Oyemade were asked to have a romantic blues dance. This session was led by an ace saxophonist who goes by the name ‘Saxofix’. It was another beautiful moment as the grandparents looked young couples in their well-fitted attires. The cool and calm songs sent them down the memory lanes, making them remember how they used to have fun in the ’60s.
THE CAKE WAS GIGANTIC!
Talking about a cake that befits a new octogenarian, then you will be absolutely correct. The made for Engr. Oyemade was very huge and intimidating. It was a three-step cake with a simple but very classy decoration. The Celebrant first had a pose with his sweetheart before siblings joined. Deacon Oyemade’s children were next in line for the paparazzi. The Haastrups, Forever Living Products, Obiwanka Family, JOGS Family 1960, Moji Aluko and family, the Oladele family, etc. all took part in the photoshoot.
OTUNBA OSUNYEMI PROPOSES TOAST
Otunba Osunyemi is another intimate and childhood friend of the celebrant that was present at the event. He said he had known Deacon Oyemade for about 70 years and that his friend had possessed many leadership qualities right from their childhood. He proposed the toast and everyone drank in celebration of a living legend.
BADEJOAFOLAKE SINGS DADDY’S PRAISE
Badejo Afolake, a native of Ijebu-Ife who speaks impeccable English mounted the stage and all of a sudden changed her language to Ijebu. She eulogised the celebrant in his native dialect and everyone was impressed. The smile on Pa Oyemade’s face cleared any doubt that he enjoyed the eulogy.
THE OYEMADES GET A NEW TITLE
Doyin Kukoyi has been repeating the Oyemade Dynasty from the beginning of the event and that definitely registered into everyone’s mind. While taking his remarks, Engr. Oyemade admitted that the Oyemades are such a large family and have indeed become a dynasty. He simply agreed with the anchor and adopted the new name for his family.
BIRTHDAY BOY SAYS THANK YOU
Deacon Engr. AdewaleOlufunso Oyemade mounted the stage again to appreciate God and everyone that made the night very memorable for him. He said “I am excited and give praise to God for the journey. I appreciate my families, the Oyemades and the Haastrups, friends and families from London, America, Dubai, the First Baptist Church (FBC) family, all friends and well-wishers.”
“I want to specially thank Mummy for her love always. This reception was planned without my knowledge. I knew we were going to have the church service but Mummy and the children kept me from knowing about this. I love you all.”
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