A High-octane Party for Aliko Dangote at 60

As the rays of dawn streaked through the Ikoyi skyline, it was evident to all and sundry that that day was going to be a total departure from the drudgery of everyday life in Lagos.  Yes, Femi Otedola, the billionaire oil mogul, hosted his bosom friend, Aliko Dangote, the President of Dangote Group, who clocked 60, in his mansion in Ikoyi, Lagos, last Sunday. It was a great party and an undeniable testament to the celebrant’s worth as a true man of the people.  At the high-octane event, politicians shook hands with corporate players, top bankers embraced top celebrities, former governors and incumbent governors back slapped, and everyone wore a happy smile as they ate and drank. The four-hour soiree extended far more than five hours, and in spite of the fact that the next day was a Monday, many were willing to go on forever

The Venue

On that day, Otedola’s mansion transformed to a residence of fun and jollity. Otedola’s all-white mansion is a testament of class. Outside, it is garlanded with carven imageries of archs and flowers, and bunches of knot-grass. It’s ambience of splendid dyes and luxury titivate like the damasked wings of the tiger-moth.

Such taste for luxury as displayed by Femi, it is often said, has ruined more poets and caused them to lose their wit, than ever did a taste for the gutters. Yet no poet or grand proponent of the high art could visit Otedola’s mansion and totally lose it. Rather he or she would simply descend into the hallowed chambers of eternal muse. Femi’s manor no doubt, inspires the best of lyricism in the established poet and apathetic to art. The mansion got practically all the guests spellbound.

Security within and around Otedola’s mansion had been beefed up, and nobody was allowed in 10 metres from the gate without a verifiable Access Code.

By 11.00pm, the spacious compound was filled to capacity and Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, chairman of THISDAY, promptly set the ball rolling for yet, another momentous occasion. The champagne cocktail proceeded smoothly and very calmly as it was proficiently convened with commendable civility and grace. Adorned in the most exquisite finery, the carefully selected guests strolled into the venue and the waiting arms of very pretty ushers who led them in smilingly.

Every guest was given the royalty treatment; they were all treated to the choicest brands of champagne; from Ace of spade, Don-Perignon, Crystal and Cognac to Moet & Chandon.

Asides the assorted liquor, beer and fruit juices, the guests were also treated to delicious finger foods and dessert that sufficiently wet their palates and sated them.

At the background, a soulful medley of very old and contemporary music wafted from well-appointed woofers causing the guests to sway, shuffle and waltz as much as the music moved them and transported them to euphoric cusps.

Buoyed by the ecstatic response of the guests to his music, the DJ upped his tempo, leaving everyone swooning for the greater part of the night.

 However, the centre of attraction that night was no other person than Aliko Dangote who bowled everyone over at the event with his infectious candor and charisma. People who know him well never got tired of purring odes about him on account of his humility. Femi, the Chief host too, ensured that there was a seamless flow of gaiety.

The powerful guest list

Aliko is indeed a true man of his people. The top businessman occupies a soft spot in the hearts of his most trusted business and political associates. Thus his 60th birthday manifested as a worthy testament to his enduring popularity and acclaim.

As the party kicked off, Femi’s residence shook from the base to the rafters as the deluge of encomiums and applause caused its hallowed chambers to tilt in his honour. Guests and dignitaries trooped to Femi’s abode the way snowflakes trickle down from heaven above. They kept it casual and simple with élan, just the way the host wanted them to appear. The event was indeed a memorable one; business associates, friends and family members of the oil magnate deserted the humdrum of their daily lives to celebrate with one of their own.

 The elaborate event paraded top businessmen, politicians, society big wigs and captains of industry. Among them were Senate President Bukola Saraki, Ike Eweremadu, Babatunde Fashola, Rotimi Amaechi, Adams Oshiomole, Governor Godwin Obaseki, Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Nduka Obaigbena, Herbert Wigwe, Aig Imoukhuede, Jim Ovia, Fola Adeola, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Femi Gbajabiamila,Nuhu Ribadu, Dapo Abiodun, Willie Anumudu, Bayo Abdul, Francis Ogboro, Muyiwa Bakare and Tunde Ayeni.

Also in attendance were Niyi Adebayo, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Tayo Ayeni, Kola Adeshina, Ladi Balogun, Tunde Folawiyo, Lanre Tejuoso,  Yemi Onabowale, Deji Adeleke, Kola Abiola, Dapo Balogun, Sanni Dangote, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Timi Alaibe, Timi Frank, Olusegun Osoba, Chief Demola Seriki, Feyi Bali, Oscar Onyema, Chikeluba, Akin Osuntokun, Tunde Fowler, Anslem Tanbasi, Tonye Cole, Wale Tinubu, Segun Fagboyegun Tonye Princewill, Segun Oniru and Hakeem Muri Okunola. There were also other powerbrokers, oil magnates, bank chiefs, and industry titans with stakes across the country’s business sectors at the party.

That Jim Ovia’s oratorical prowess

His oratorical prowess and his well groomed intelligence was overwhelming enough to elicit never-ending admiration from everyone. He talked so well about Aliko Dangote; to him, Aliko is the best thing  to have happened to Nigeria nay Africa. He cheered rapturously in victory.

However, narrating the goings-on at the event would never be possible without acknowledging Sani Dangote, Aliko’s younger brother, who was obviously well groomed for the event. His demeanor was dashing. He is truly a brother indeed.

Otedola treats his guests to good and delightful music

As the woofers belted out familiar, evergreen tunes, their hair stood on end and they tipped over in merriment – their  joy spilling from their souls into the air and sky high. Enthralled, the guests moved in gaiety, tap dancing and swaying to the beat as if they meant to enact a madhouse jamboree with the tenacity and agility of veteran dance and music buffs. Aliko’s birthday was no doubt a convergence zone for the high and mighty from different parts of the country.  Guests at the party were treated to the choicest liquor and sumptuous meals made by the finest caterers. It no doubt warmed the cockles of the celebrant’s heart to see dignitaries at the event smack their lips in pleasure as they devoured the sumptuous meals and drinks offered to them at his anniversary. Otedola was at home as chief host, keeping the guests and enthusiasm aglow. He ensured that there was a seamless flow of gaiety. The glamour boy of the oil sector, who embraces risk unabashedly, pioneering and leading the way, he made new friends that day and converted new disciples with the successful hosting of his friend.

Friends like no other

The people we get along with, trust and feel simpatico with are the strongest links in our networks. Ask Otedola, he knows. There is no union of hearts that does not meet its end; friends after friends leave each other, but comrades in true spirit stay. With them, the deep, tightly woven fabric of affection glistens even with wear and the inescapable vicissitudes of companionship and emotional life. This much is exemplified in the enviable friendship between Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola.

Dangote basks in the love of friends

In appreciation, Dangote beamed with smiles and heartily hobnobbed with dignitaries and friends at his star-studded birthday. He effortlessly surpasses the shimmer and allure of overstated praise. Dangote epitomises merit and affluence with indescribable allure. He’s got a heart of gold too. Many attest to the fact that Dangote is astoundingly generous too. He lives to improve the lot of others, the underprivileged in particular hence the contents of his pockets are often emptied to better the lives of impoverished, ragged families of the boondocks. Even fellow billionaires and millionaires at the bottom of the ladder of Nigeria’s filthy rich have benefited one way or the other from him.

And despite being loved and treasured by anyone, Dangote won’t be deified by anyone simply because he succeeded in turning generosity, excellence and humaneness into an art form. But he is feted and idolized all the same. This is understandable for a man who challenged resolve with steely grit and exploited the arduous planes of ambition and toil, till he encountered grandeur at the crossroads where wild contemplation and hard work morphs into triumph.  More pleasant memories of the celebrant’s guests and well-wishers resonate in the aftermath of his birthday.