Colleagues stand by Saidi Balogun @ 50

The third leg of famous entertainer, Saidi Balogun’s 50th birthday celebration tagged, ‘An Evening With Stars’, held on Wednesday, July 5, 2017, at The Executives Sport, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The evening shindig which started around 8 o’ clock paraded notable entertainers, including Kola Olaiya, Mercy Aigbe, Iyabo Ojo, Doris Simeon, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Larry Owojori, Patrick Doyle, Tunji Bamisigbin, Chief Kanran, Sunkanmi Omobolanle, Sound Sultan, Jawon, Kofi Nuel, Adeniyi of Artquake, Fred Amata, Gloria Young, Desmond Elliot, Kayode Sodiq, Kemi Ogunbiyi, Salawa Abeni, Sir Shina Peters and more.

Other dignitaries who graced the classy ceremony were Fisolak boss, Princess (Dr) Toyin Kolade, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi’s elders sisters – Adesola and Folashade Ogunwusi, Dr Joe Okei Odumakin, Zone 2 Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Dolapo Badmos and others.

The event initially planned for few guests almost turned out to be a   carnival as many guests from far and near, revellers within the vicinity and teeming fans of the likeable actor cum film maker thronged the venue to identify with the birthday boy.

The black tie event featured lectures on security and other vital societal issues. Among those that delivered the key lectures at the occasion were CSP Badmos, Dr Odumakin and few other dignitaries, while some of Balogun’s friends and colleagues akso eulogised him.

Among the artistes who enlivened the venue with their various performances were Queen Salawa Abeni, Sir Shina Peters, Jawon, Dele Gold, Sound Sultan and Artquakes’ Adeniyi who also performed alongside the celebrant himself.

However, to the disappointment of many, the ex-wife of Saidi Balogun, Fathia Williams, was conspicuously absent despite her rumoured pledge to attend the party. A colleague of the famous actress who spoke to encomium.ng anonymously after the event assured us that all is well with Fathia and Saidi despite the former’s absence at the Ikoyi, Lagos episode of the birthday celebration, saying, “I know a lot of people have been looking forward to seeing Fathia here today, but I can assure you there’s no problem between the two of them. It’s going to surprise you all when she surfaces at the grand finale of the 50th birthday celebration holding at Grandeur Event Centre, Oregun on Friday, July 7, 2017. I can assure you, Fathia will be there to celebrate witn Saidi.It’s even my wish they’re back as husband and colleague.”