By all standards, Sir Olu Okeowo is one of the most successful businessmen today. The property merchant who sits atop a flourishing real estate company turned 57 a few days back and celebrated it in a classy way.
Sir Olu Okeowo is known to always celebrate his birthdays, be it small or in a big way. So it was a double celebration for the Okeowo household when he marked his 57th birthday and also officially dedicated the magnificent Solomon’s Chapel of Faith on Sunday, 8th of May at PALACIO DE OKEOWO, Park View Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The event began with the knocking on the door procession ceremony led by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, his grace, the Most Rev. Dr Henry Ndukuba with his staff. Thereafter, the Methodist Bishop of Ikeja, Rt. Rev. Dr Stephen Adegbite gave the opening prayer. Our Saviours Church choir led the congregation through a lineup of hymns to praise God just before the most Rev. Dr Henry Ndukuba led the exchange of extempore prayers and dedication. The Bishop, Lagos West Diocese, Rt. Rev. Olusola Adedeji also prayed for the Solomon Chapel of Faith.
The second uplifting sermon was given by Prelate Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr Samuel Chukwuemeka Kalu Uche. He specially thanked Sir Okeowo and his family for their unrelenting support for the church of God which is worthy of emulation. He ended his sermon by encouraging everyone to be generous and Christ-centred in order to live a peaceful and blissful life. Next was a rendition of a special anthem by Our Saviours Church choir. Most Rev. Dr Adebola Ademowo, Retired Anglican ArchBishop of the province of Lagos handled the offering segment as he encouraged the audience to give generously to the things of God.
Thereafter, the handful of bishops present led the church to a communion service as Our Saviour’s Church choir sang melodiously to the heavenly tunes of the steadfast orchestra. The celebrant and immediate family members were invited to the stage for a special thanksgiving prayer session led by the Methodist Bishop of Ikeja, Rt. Rev. Steven Adegbite.
The prelate, Dr Samuel Kalu and Most Rev. Dr Henry Ndukuba gave the benediction. Thereafter, the celebrant, Sir Olu Okeowo gave the vote of thanks. He began by thanking the Bishops who honoured his invite and made the dedication a success. He thanked his family for standing by him in every situation. He highlighted that the Chapel was named after his first son, Solomon who is a lover of God. He ended by thanking all his friends, dignitaries and well-wishers who were all present. The Most Rev. Dr Henry Ndukuba gave the closing prayer. The thanksgiving and dedication ended on a high note while guests moved to the spacious garden in Sir Olu Okeowo’s residence, PALACIO DE OKEOWO.
At the reception, Veentage Band was on the bandstand and they welcomed guests with a thrilling performance.
Amongst the celebrities at the party were Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitain Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) former Ogun Gov, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Evangelist Esther Ajayi, Ayangburen of Ikoroduland, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, Biscon TV Chairman, Prince Bisi Olatilo, Prince Samuel Adedoyin, Rtd General Nwachukwu and wife, (Mrs.) Bola Obasanjo, Eleganza group MD, Dr. (Mrs.) Shade Okoya, Chief (Mrs.) Kofo Adebutu, Justice Olushola Oguntade, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Chief Mike Inegbese and wife, Mary, Channels TV Chairman, John Momoh, Mr Paul Danjuma and many others.
The compere of the event was popular stand-up comedian, Tee A. There was a tribute session where family and friends and well-wishers showered gratitude on Sir Olu Okeowo. Dr Maya Okeowo, sister-in-law to the celebrant talked on how real Sir Olu Okeowo is and his enviable ability to keep good relationships. Celebrant’s friend, Oba Rotimi also highlighted his amiable character and prayed for him. Methodist Bishop of Ikeja, Rev. Stephen Adegbite talked about the way he and the celebrant bonded naturally from their first meeting because of sir Olu Okeowo’s love for God.
Other friends who showered tributes on him were Mr Kunle Makinde, Mr Stan Adeyemi, and Elder Ekeoma. Founder and Managing Director of Petrobridge, Bosun Oredola, who fondly calls Sir Olu Okeowo his twin brother, described him as a very God-fearing, deeply emotional and caring person. Lastly, the Chairman of Channels TV, John Momoh praised the billionaire for his tenacity and for being a good friend of his. He ended his tribute by leading the congregation song in honour of the celebrant and later, guests took to the dance floor.
Sir Olu Okeowo was born on the 15th of May, 1965 to the family of Pa Taiwo Victor Okeowo, a millionaire businessman and choirmaster at Methodist Church of Nigeria, while his wife was a full-time housewife. Sir Olu Okeowo is an illustrious personality and one of the quiet billionaires in the country. He is the founder of Gibraltar Construction Company and the Knight of John Wesley. He is happily married to Lady Adejoke Okeowo and blessed with 3 sons, Solomon, Abraham and Ibukun.
Interestingly, one thing about the celebrant is his uncommon acts of philanthropy and conscious dedication to God’s work whenever he finds himself and wherever the opportunity arises without creating unnecessary attention around it.
It is on the record that he has contributed and built churches more than any individual. For this and more, he has bagged several awards and earned great recognition at home and abroad.
The epitaph read “In furtherance of his absolute commitment to the growth of the church, thus building another great edifice for the glory of God.
The 500-capacity architectural masterpiece that is dedicated to the service of God is named ‘Solomon Chapel of Faith”.
Though the chapel was built 5 months back, it was dedicated alongside his birthday. The chapel witnessed guests on January 1, 2022, for the New Year thanksgiving organised by Okeowo.
Some of the guests at the event include former Ogun State governor, Olusegun Osoba; Lagos State ex-Deputy Governor, Femi Pedro: Billionaire businessmen, Razak Okoya and Chief Samuel Adedoyin, among others.
Top music stars such as Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, Yinka Ayefele, Veentage and Sugar Band serenaded the gaily dressed guests. Trust Okeowo, he showcased his sense of hospitality as there was more than enough to eat and drink.
-TAYO OYEDIJI
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