- Details Of Her Star-Studded Party In IKOYI
Queens drive in Ikoyi, Lagos where late Alhaji Wahab Iyanda Folawiyo, the Baba Adinni of Nigeria’s magnificent mansion is situated, was replete with exotic automobiles on Saturday 22nd of July, 2017, when popular Lagos society matriarch, Sisi Abbah Folawiyo celebrated her 75th birthday in grand style. The event, despite being on Local Government elections day, paraded those who matter to the celebrator and the popular Folawiyo dynasty. The crème de la crème of the society were in attendance. The white and gold themed birthday also had City People’s Assistant Society Editor, ABIOLA ORISILE in attendance to serve you hot gist. Enjoy it
IT WAS SHOWERS OF BLESSING ALL THROUGH
It was showers of blessing throughout for the celebrator, Hajia Abbah Folawiyo on her 75th birthday. This is because as early as 7a.m. in the morning, to know rain started falling in Lagos and it didn’t stop until dawn. It may amaze you that the heavy downpour did not disrupt the birthday programme as many guests were already seated in Baba Adinni’s Country home mosque where the prayers took place, before 5pm. People were not surprised that guests defied the rain to attend. This is because Sisi Abah has not just been rocking the social scene for over 50 years, she is known for her kind hearted nature and always looking out for the well being of others. This was why many decided to honour the invitation no matter how hard it rained.
CHIEF IMAM OF BABA ADDINI’S MOSQUE LED MUSLIM PRAYER
Chief Imam of Baba Adinni’s home mosque, Alhaji Bashir Buhari, was the one who led the Thanksgiving prayer at 5p.m. He was not alone as he was joined by other top Muslim clerics who came to pray for Sisi Abbah. The celebrator was the focus of attention, adorned in a white flowing lace with his white rosary fondly called “Tesbiu“ while she kept saying “Alliamdulilai“ (Thank You Allah). The Imam prayed for her to have along life and good health. Imam Bashir has been the Imam of the Mosque for over 40 years even when Baba Adinni, Late Alhaji Iyanda Folawiyo was alive. He prayed for long life for the celebrator and also prayed for BABA Adinni’s soul too.
SISI ABBAH STILL LOOKS GLAM @ 75
Watching Sisi Abbah Folawiyo on her birthday with her slim, sexy figure and full of life, you may still be forced to ask if she was actually 75 years old. She commanded attention when she stepped in at few minutes to 5pm. Her prayer attire was all white chattily chord lace gown matched with a white turban. Guests couldn’t help but notice the white Islamic veil which flowed from her head wrap down to her gown. Her make-up was solid and well applied to fit her good look. Yes, Sisi Abbah doesn’t joke with her well pedicured nails, polished with nice paint which made her diamond ring shine all through. Sisi Abah dazzled many when she stepped out in another white lace during the reception at her spacious sitting room. She was full of life as she danced her way to 75. While guests were thinking that they are done for the night, Sisi Abbah Folawiyo turned out again looking all glam in a black-multicoloured pearl studded gown. She was the cynosure of all eyes as she moved from table to table to greet her guests.
HER LOVE FOR PRECIOUS STONES REVEALED
Talk about one Lagos society matriarch who loves to look good at all time and Sisi Abbah Folawiyo‘s name will come to mind. She is a fashion exponent, no doubt. Her fashion Label, “LABANELA“ is one of the pioneers of the Nigeria fashion industry as her designs are strictly hers and very unique too. You can’t wear Labanela and people will not notice you. This is because she is known for sourcing for best fabrics while she takes her time to get the designs done by her tailors. Perhaps one thing that you haven’t noticed much about Sisi Abbah is her love for unique precious stones. She loves her diamonds which are always unique. On her birthday, guests couldn’t help but notice the 3 collections she decided to rock with her 3 birthday attires. Her first diamond during the prayer session was a silver diamond combined with blue black precious stones set. Her second diamond was just a simple earring which flowed a bit to her neck. She also made sure her 3rd diamond complimented her black dress.
SISI ABAH’S ONLY CHILD, SEGUN AWOLOWO AND WIFE, BOLA WERE CHIEF HOSTS
Hajia Abbah Folawiyo’s only child, Segun Awolowo, was the Chief Host at his mother’s 75th birthday. He was not alone as his beautiful wife of over 26 years, Bola, was all out to make sure her Mother-in-law had the best birthday in town. Bola who has known Segun Awolowo for over 32 years came with one of their daughters, Olayimika. Mrs Bola Awolowo had many of her guests in attendance as she was seen giving directives on what has to be done to make things flow seamlessly at the part. Guests couldn’t help but notice Bola Awolowo, not just because she is Sisi Abbah‘s only daughter- in- law but because of her humility. Despite being rich and from a good pedigree, she was never seen sitting as she moved from table to table to make sure all the guests were all taken care of.
ON TUNDE FOLAWIYO’S SIMPLICITY
The scion of Folawiyo‘s dynasty, Tunde Folawiyo and his beautiful wife, Reni, were one of those who came to show love to Sisi Abbah Folawiyo. The chairman of Folawiyo Group of companies was one of the early callers who observed the special prayer held in honour of the celebrator, he was also around for the cutting of the cake. He joined Segun Awolowo during the cutting of the cake at few minutes past 7 p.m. This Lagos billionaire who is the Director of several Nigeria blue chip companies looked so simple in grey colour ‘galila guinea babaringa‘ which he matched with a black simple pair of slippers. There is no doubt that he loves looking simple all the time.
AMBASSADOR OGUNTADE AND BEST FRIEND, OKOYA, PLAYED SIGNIFICANT ROLES
The New Ambassador to United Kingdom, Ambassador Olusola Oguntade (Retired Supreme Court Judge) was the chairman of the event. Justice Oguntade and his friend of over 40 years, Chief Rasak Akanni Okoya, the Aare of Lagos, were among those who witnessed the prayer and the grand reception. The Chairman of the event, Justice Oguntade prayed for the celebrator, Sisi Abbah, before he beckoned upon the family of the celebrant and other well wishers to join her at the cake stand. Chief Rasak’s younger brother, Dr Tajudeen Okoya and Otunba Gbenga Obasa were also in attendance. Also at their table was respected Lagos socialite, Chief S.O Babalola.
FLORENCE ITA GIWA’S LOVE FOR SISI ABABH
Though, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa didn’t meet up for the mosque prayer but it was certain that she won’t miss the event. It therefore didn’t come to many as a surprise when she stepped in at few minutes past 6p.m. to witness the grand reception. Florence Ita-Giwa and Sisi Abbah have been close friends for over 40 years and still counting. Ita –Giwa once granted an interview where she spoke so glowingly of how much she appreciates Sisi Abbah. She was also quoted to have said that her daughter, Kokoeka Maeyen Ita sees Sisi Abbah like her Mother too. She enjoyed the reception with her daughter, Koko Ita Giwa and her husband, Chimaobi Shawcross Obioha Jnr before she left.
DANGOTE & FEMI OTEDOLA GRACED THE EVENT
There is no doubt that the relationship between two of the richest men in Nigeria, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Oil Magnate, Femi Otedola is going to be for life. It is no longer news that they enjoy each other’s company and are always attending parties together. They were one of those who came to honour Segun Awolowo‘s Mum as she celebrated her 75th birthday. Looking suave yet simple in African traditional attire, they spent many hours with Segun Awolowo, chatting before they left pretty late in the night.
MRS. FOLORUNSHO ALAKIJA, HONOURS SISI ABAH
Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija was like a gold fish without a hiding place when she walked in at few minutes past 8 p.m. in a well beaded skirt and blouse of African print. This Africa’s richest woman was one of those who sat at the table where the celebrant and other top dignitaries sat.
ON DAISY DANJUMA’S UNIQUE KAFTAN AND PEARL DIAMOND
Fair and pretty Senator Daisy Danjuma surely knows how to make heads turn whenever she storms any party. This was what happened as usual at Sisi Abbah Folawiyo’s birthday last week Saturday when Senator Daisy came in dressed in a blue black fully embellished Kaftan with her hair rolled into a bump. She kept shinning like a star as she sat very close to Majority Leader of House of Rep, Femi Gbajabilamila and his wife, Salamotu. Though her attire was simple but you can’t help but notice the unique real pearl simple diamond which she adorned with her kaftan.
Mrs. FASHOLA AND SARAH SOSAN PARTIED TOGETHER
The wife of Minister for Works, housing, and power, Dame Emmanuela Abimbola Fashola was one of the celebrities who graced the grand reception. She was not alone at the party as she was sighted with Mrs Sarah Sosan, former Lagos Deputy Governor, Mrs Bola Ayeni, Barrister Bola Ayeni, and Mrs Azzeezat Tijani. They spent many hours at the event together enjoying the beautiful music supplied by faith band.
WHERE Was HAJIA BOLA SHAGAYA?
That was the question on the lips of many guests who know how much Sisi Abbah and Hajia Bola Shagaya hold each other in high esteem. She was unable to make the event but City People gathered that the only reason why she could not make the party must’ve been because she could be out of the country. Nevertheless, she sent her well wishes and prayers to her friend of many years.
AT LAGOS SOCIETY MATRIACH’S TABLE
It was an array of many Lagos society Matriarchs who all stood by one of their own as she celebrates 75 years. Many of them witnessed the prayers at the mosque and still spent over 6 hours at the grand reception. Among those sighted were Mrs Tinuke Abioro, Jaiye Edga, Biosun Aisien, Iyabo Teidi, Atinuke Onibudo, Halima Babalola, Iyalode Bintu Tinubu, Hajia Sheri Balogun, Mrs Nta Lijadu and her best friend, Mrs Adeyinka.
FAITH BAND SERENADES GUESTS
Give it to one of the leading bands in Nigeria, Faith band, as they made sure the celebrant danced so well to their good music. The guests couldn’t have enough of the band as they all joined the celebrant on the dance floor and remained there for hours. No wonder why they have emerged one of the most sought after music bands right now in Lagos.
JIDE AND KEMI ONALAJA SHARED IJEBU GARI AS SOUVENIRS TO ALL GUESTS
Over 300 packs of 1.5kg of Ijebu Gari were shared as souvenirs to the large guests. The Unique souvenirs were brought by Jide and Kemi Onalaja and the unique Ijebu Gari which has the picture of the celebrator on it was the product of ORYX Foods.
ROLL CALL
Senator Lanre Tejuoso, S.O.Babalola, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Tunde Ayeni, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila and wife, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, Lady Ngozi Nkoloenyi, Hon Abike Dabiri, Basorun J.k Randle, Mrs Ndidi Obioha, Omawunmi Magbele, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and wife, Angela, Mr. Bimbo Ashiru and wife, Kemi, Mrs Bose Clarke, Aminat Shasanya, Lady Assien, Mrs Duoe Siego( Mummy Siego, the fabric merchant), Ranti Johnson, Gafar Abolore, Mr. and Mrs Emmanuel Ijewere, Alhaji Daranijo, Mrs Sophia Onifade, Yetunde Braithwaite, Yemi Braithwaite, Funke Awolowo, Akin Braithwaite, Alhaja Kuburat Akube, Kafayah Idowu, Labake Lawal, Fatimah Abdulsalam, Olaitan, Adebimpe Oduyiga, Ebun Bademosi, Mrs Bola Abiola, Mrs Bola Adegbenro, Tosin Akeem Alobo-Bakare (Lagos big boy Akeem Alobo-Bakare‘s wife, Yinka Taiwo, Theresa Goka, Regina Nyanlekyi-Owusu, Mrs Angela Roth, Mrs Ranidolph, Mr Ronidolph, Mrs JUmoke Adegbero, Col Amosu, Demola Shabi and wife, Morufat Kalejaiye, Alhaja Sekinat Akinsanya, Olori Victoria Sule Ule, Sena Anthony, Risikat Folawiyo and a host of many others.
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