On 17th February, 2023 Lagos businessman and freight forwarder, Otunba Wahab Atanda Jimoh clocked 70. His family, friends and associates stormed Radisson Blu Hotel in GRA, Ikeja to celebrate the iconic celebrant for reaching a milestone age.
Otunba Wahab is a socialite of high repute. He is a top freight forwarder in Lagos and the CEO of Empire Freight. He went into business after he retired as a top officer in Nigerian Custom Service having reached the Comptroller cadre of the prestigious profession. The philanthropic Otunba Wahab has great respect for traditional institutions and culture. He holds a double Otunba title. He is the Otunba Olupo of Ajase Ipo in Igbomina land, Kwara State and Otunba of Egeda. Attending the 70th birthday party of a man of his calibre was always fun as guests were given a befitting reception.
The birthday party was a classy one as it was held at the Ijakadi events hall of the popular hotel. Lots of complimentary tributes were paid to the celebrant as many of them extolled him as a many of esteemable character worthy of emulation in all ramifications. When it was time for the celebrant to give his remarks, he can out and was standing beside his loving wife, Yeye Charity while took time to tell the guests how he has been anticipating for the day, what being 70 means to him and the many things he is doing to look good as he aged.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen. I should be thanking you for coming, for the wonderful gifts, for honouring us. My wife is a party person but I’m not. But once in a while when I’m drafted like this, I don’t have a choice. My wife has said many things about me. I will also say so many good things about her. She has been very supportive. She has been very lovely. She is a very good wife. Like she said, if I were to reincarnate, I would still love her. It’s not quite easy relating to me. I’m a very unconventional person. I dislike what everybody likes. I get pissed off in a short while. A lot of people get annoyed with my attitude but they have come to terms that this is my style. And I am happy that people have come to accept my ways of life. But beyond that I want to concentrate on my 70th birthday.
Throughout yesterday, I was sick. Sick of becoming 70. When I ate one infected ‘wara’ cheese and it started sending me to the loo. I used that opportunity to feel sick and my wife started running around to ensure I was alright. I didn’t sleep until 12 midnight when I received the first call from one of my children congratulating me. So, I said, oh thank God I’m 70.
For those of us in the civil service, you don’t get to see a 60 years old man because once you are 60, it means you are retired. And to those of us who are wharf people, you hardly see a 6o or 65-year-old wharf freight, custom officer or clearing agent or transporter or airline staff. They are always young people. So, these days when I go there, I try as much as possible to emulate them; to look very good and make sure that I don’t lack. I cut my nails, I make sure that I do my pedicure, I cut my hair so that I will look like a young man. You can see that my hair is still black.
I thank you all. I’m so happy that you are all here. When the problem started this morning about the problem in Ojota and so on. A lot of people called me saying that they had turned back. When we got here, I saw just a handful of people, I said maybe that’s the way God wants it. but look at it now the hall is full and we are all and we are flowing. Thank you for your efforts. At this dangerous time, you have taken the risk to come and felicitate with us. And to those of you who are not yet 70, I know that you will cruise quietly enjoying yourself here.
I’m very happy. I feel very strong. I don’t feel 70. I can still do all the things I usually do even though it would be in a slower manner. You can see that I am very happy. So, all of your friends, my colleagues, my wife, my children; those of them that are here. You have done me proud. God will make you proud. Your children will also make you proud.
My wife wanted to do a surprise. Then I said; if you want to surprise me, you would end up being surprised. So, you better let me in to some of your inner recesses and secrets so that I can help you. She said; No. I asked her do you know the people I want to invite? What if I have some people you don’t know? But you see as she was trying to defend herself today, I now find out that she has been snooping into my phone. She said we would collect all the necessary contacts on it. I said what if I save somebody’s name as Mechanic or Gateman (laughing). She said she would invite them. You know; it’s all because of the understanding between us. We have been together for 36 years and we are very happy being together. I wish you all good luck. I wish you a safe trip back to your different destinations. And for those who are 70 years and above, I thank God for you as I thank God for myself. And I know that by the grace of God, we will all grow older, steadily, happily and much better. Thank you all for coming. God bless you.
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