Nigeria’s Gliterati Gathers As Billionaire Rasaq Okoya Hosts 80th Birthday Fiesta

FUNSHO AROGUNDADE

For the industrialist, Chief Rasak Akanni Okoya, lavish parties are his Shangri-La. His wife, Folasade Noimat, knows this and will be throwing a lavish party to celebrate her sweetheart’s 80th birthday. Though, the man of means will be 80 on Sunday, January 12, 2020, the party will hold in the evening of today, Saturday, January 11, at the billionaire’s sprawling Oluwa Ni Shola Estate in Ajah, Lagos.

It’s obvious growing old with Folasade takes the sting out of old age for the billionaire Chairman of Eleganza Group. More than two decades and still counting, their union couldn’t have been by chance. Undoubtedly, Okoya has changed Folasade’s life in more ways than any can count and the woman never shies away from celebrating her husband whenever the opportunity arises. And the Lagos titled Chief joining the Octogenarian Club couldn’t be more auspicious.

Sade, the elegant mother of four beautiful children, has sent out three assorted invitation cards currently in circulation among the high and mighty notifying them of the on-coming party to usher her hubby into the landmark age.

The beautiful invitation contains an access card, meal card and another for the collection of mementoes.

From all indications, and given the scale of Okoya family’s previous parties, today’s ceremony would be epic.

The gliterati are set to come in droves to celebrate a landmark in the social calendar of 2020.

Already, the Okoyas would be making history as they have contracted the trio of Nigeria’s Juju music legends —King Sunny Ade; Chief Ebenezer Obey and Sir Shina Peters— to entertain their privileged guests. Already, travel warnings have been sent out to motorists on that Chevron/VGC/Lekki/Ajah axis of the expressway over an expected heavy traffic delays.

Those residing in that corridor have been advised to plan their outings very well.

Meanwhile, Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Okoya on his 80th birthday.

According to a statement by Mallam Garba Shehu, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, President Buhari said Okoya’s resourcefulness in building a national brand has long gone beyond the borders.

In a letter dated January 7th, 2020, the President said: “On the auspicious occasion of your 80th birthday, please accept my warm felicitations for an inspiring life journey, and a vision of greatness that keeps producing outstanding results in almost all facets of our economy. I am delighted to see your footprints in our daily lives, and national growth indicators, which have been diligently interpreted in large scale industrial investments, creation of many jobs and promotion of entrepreneurial spirit.

“Dear Chief Okoya, as you celebrate this milestone, turning an octogenarian on January 12, 2020, I rejoice with you on the recognition and awards, both home and abroad, for your purposeful lifestyle of bringing comfort and joy to the lives of many through the Eleganza Group. You set out early to create a national brand, but by inspiration, perspiration and sheer doggedness, you have launched global products that have enriched daily lives and enhanced our nation’s image. We are proud of you.

“As a nation, we remain grateful for your philanthropy and huge investments in enabling the underprivileged to have a better life. May the almighty God remember and reward your large-heartedness with longer life, good health and prosperity. Happy Birthday!’’

Okoya, the latest Octogenarian and socialite, is married to two dutiful wives— Alhaja Kuburat, the mother of Okoya’s older children, and then Folasade, his younger wife. He is the Aare —traditional Prime Minister—of Lagos, a prestigious title among the numerous high-powered ones he carries.

Born on 12 January 1940, Okoya is a real ‘Lagos boy’ as he was born, bred and buttered in the heart of Lagos, popularly called Isale Eko.

His Eleganza Group is certainly one of the biggest home-grown conglomerates in Nigeria today.