Encomium
MRS. Folake Abiodun Oyemade, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sam and Sara and Omoluabi Garments Factory celebrated 50 at their new residence on Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos. Though she was born on December 24, she chose to celebrate on Saturday, January 10, 2015. The event started with a cocktail at exactly 4.00 p.m with guests given a red carpet treatment at the front of their house before moving to the venue which was at the back of the building.
THE OPENING PRAYER AND SERMON
Guests were welcome into the venue by Yemi Sax and a live band before Pastor J. T. Kalejaiye of The Redeemed Christian Church of God gave the opening prayer and sermon.
THE RENEWAL OF MARITAL VOW
Not a few were surprised to discover that they did not only come to jollificate with the birthday ‘girl’ but also to witness the vow renewal between her and her husband, Hon. Niyi Oyemade. They took the guests by surprise when they came into the venue through the lagoon in a speed boat. Guests were watching them on two live screens at the venue as they approached through the lagoon.
They were ushered into the venue with music specifically ordered by the ‘newest bride’ to which she joyfully danced while moving to the front table.
The vow renewal ceremony was performed by Pastor J. T. Kalejaiye before the couple exchanged rings. They then cut the cake. This was followed by the renewed couple’s dance.
BASKETMOUTH, JIMMY JATT AND DARE ART-ALADE THRILLED
Guests were thrilled by three of the best performing artistes in the country. Basketmouth cracked ribs with his jokes, Jimmy Jatt with his old tunes and Dare Art-Alade with an exhilarating performance.
MORE THAN ENOUGH TO EAT AND DRINK
Guests were not really many, just about 250 and they were all decked in black and white with ties for the men. Certainly, all the guests had their fill from the available food and drinks.
Foods were provided by EF Shaw Executive Food owned by Mrs. Banigo, Pisces Catering Services owned by Mrs. Alex Oni. There was also Chunks Cocktail and Desserts owned by Mrs. Olayinka Williams, Sizzling Fingers owned by Mrs. Precious Olili, Churco from Lagoon Restaurant was also at hand to provide variety of sumptuous foods.
THE DANCING QUEENS
In the invite, there was an instruction that you should put on your dancing shoes. Most of the female guests followed the instruction to the letter. The birthday ‘girl’ and most of her friends were on the dance floor for hours wriggling their bodies to the old tunes dished out by Jimmy Jatt.
-Interview and story by TOLANI ABATTI – Pix by DAPO ADESEKO
