Glitz, Glamour of Michael Afolaranmi’s Golden Soirée

FUNSHO AROGUNDADE

At just 22, fresh out of school and full of fire, Michael Owolabi Afolaranmi chose a path many thought ridiculous.

Frying puff-puff! Afolaranmi saw opportunity in something as small as puff-puff, seized it with courage and faith, and rode it to greatness. Today, his extraordinary journey has given birth to 12 Baskets, Nigeria’s most iconic finger foods brand and Afolaranmi, himself, deservingly earned the title of ‘King of Small Chop’.

From delivering finger foods at high-profile events, the business has expanded into grills, lunchboxes and more. With branches in Lagos and Abuja, 12 Baskets indeed has turned into a global enterprise as it’s already registered in the United States, with operations set to commence soon.

For over 23 years, Afolaranmi —pastor, philanthropist, and visionary entrepreneur— has sold ‘puff puff’ for a living and succeeded. The story has been from puff puff to purpose, and from street corners to international corridors. He now sits on the board of blue chip companies and has even diversified into other businesses such as real estate.

All before age 50. Thus, he has every reason to celebrate.

Afolaranmi actually swayed into the Golden Club on Tuesday March 25, without the extravagance that expectedly heralds such a landmark celebration. However, for a highly successful dude who ironically never threw a party in his life, except when he buried his beloved mother, he only delayed the fiesta till a perfect date —and that day was Sunday June 22.

On this day, all roads led to the Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheraton Ikeja, where Afolaranmi treated over 1,000 guests to a spectacular soiree to mark his 50th birthday and the launch of his new fashion brand, Style by 12.

Themed ‘The 50th Affair,’ the celebration —with a black and gold colour code— was an epic moment with the atmosphere electric, bursting with colour, laughter, and irresistible vibes. The soiree was a beautiful gathering, filled with joy, positive energy, and non-stop fun!