The delectable Mrs. Adenike Fofah, a respiratory therapist, and her self-effacing hubby, Professor Onajovwe Fofah’s joy was sky-bound about two months to the woman’s Diamond Jubilee.
In August, the husband was appointed as Chair of Pediatrics at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBIMC) and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey (CHoNJ). In September, another first course to the woman’s three scores age was an award of merit which was deservingly bestowed on her husband by the New Jersey Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas.
As soon as the moon of September eclipsed then emerged October, the 10th month of the year, the month of Nigeria’s independence anniversary and the special month on the back of which Mrs. Fofah rode to the world six years after independence.
Preparation for her 60th birthday was intensified; the pace increased, all hands on deck, no room for error because she was determined to host a grand Diamond Jubilee celebration which would set a new standard for the society.
It was a five-day celebration comprising a variety of activities aimed at reuniting family members, friends and associates from home and abroad. They were exclusively selected in line with Fofah’s desire to host an occasion devoid of chaos wherein gatecrashers would invade the venue and even outnumber distinguished personalities.
The first day, Monday October 5, saw the celebrant leading her team of well-wishers to the Femi Gbajabiamila Hospital at Surulere, Lagos where she did what is lately called giving back to the community. She demonstrated her kind heart to patients and management and left with words of fulfilment.
“Whenever we are doing a thanksgiving in the family, we love to give back to the society in order to appreciate God’s mercy on all of us,” she explained the underlying reason behind her visit to the medical facility.
That done; in the evening, attention shifted to her residence behind the Stadium Hotel, Surulere where guests were treated to an exclusive reception, featuring, of course, eating, drinking, drumming, dancing and cutting of cake.
Away from Surulere, Ikeja hosted Day 2 tagged “NIKKIF of Praise Gratitude”, while Day 3 was set aside for exploration of Lagos, the acclaimed Centre of Excellence, whereby Fofah led her friends to the Palace of the Oniru, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, who personally received them with royal warmth, after which he unleashed on them a band of cultural troupe who generously entertained the visitors.
Rather than sitting on his throne and watching the performances, the monarch himself was on his feet, joining the chorus and dancing to the drums in a show of his status as the custodian of culture and tradition of his domain.
Fofah’s friends, in her company to the Palace, departed with screaming remarks which underscored their excitement. The royal reception, which was accorded them by the traditional ruler, enthralled and made them look forward to another visit to history and heritage which the palace symbolises.
The following day, on Thursday, it was time to catch more vibes in an all-white apparel at Lagos Yacht Club, Onikan on Lagos Island. Hosted by the duo of Wole and Fali Shitta-Bey, the get-together tagged “Ocean View Dinner” recorded yet another success which set the stage for the grand finale coming up in less than 24 hours later at the Isaac John, Ikeja GRA. That was on October 9.
In terms of aesthetics, the Mercillino Hall was both loud and classy. The ambience was perfect; the air was cool, filled with the gentle notes of a live band engaged from the Lagos State Police Command playing old classics. A gospel band, into praise and worship lyrics, was also on the stand.
At the entrance of the roomy hall stood vigilant corporate security guards who were specifically assigned to ensure only invited guests, armed with proof, stepped into the hall.
It was not a crowd. It was an exquisite A-class assemblage. At about 2 pm, the celebrant walked in and was submerged by a galaxy of friends, all of whom resplendent in yellow lace fabric.
Elegant in a yellow and black lace, which bore a semblance to her friends, the celebrant was calm, smiling gently and evidentially relishing the moment spiced by vibrating sound from the band.
For a woman, who is reputed for celebrating functions with her friends and associates regardless of distance and time, she appeared younger; far from 60 years. She looked refined, like fine wine that gets better with age. There was light but genuine applause as she danced to a sofa specially placed in front of the audience.
Seated beside her was her proud, graceful husband who had equally looked forward to the day. He was receiving guests and enthusiastically exchanging pleasantries.
Talking of food and drinks, there was so much and so many on each table regularly visited by catering service attendants who politely took more orders.
The event witnessed exchange of banters among old schoolmates who laughed over memories of their formative years before they dispersed to different parts of the world.
In particular, the husband nostalgized his first contact with the celebrant in 1982, the year that redefined his future. He recounted that their meeting looked accidental though it marked the beginning of his journey to walk her down the aisle. Happily, according to him, the union is blessed with three children, all of whom, he noted, have turned out true fruits of his wife’s womb in attainment of excellence in their respective callings.
“My only dream was to have you by my side, and with a heart overflowing with gratitude, I thank you for standing right there with me every step of the way.
“Your sweetness exudes everything you do, and I am proudly blessed to be your husband. We have walked this journey on our terms and by our own standards,” he enthused.
Barrytide, the singing daughter of the late fuji music icon, Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, was on top of her performance when it was time to cut the cake. Supported by her hubby, the celebrant admirably cut the cake before different sizes of cameras recording not for show but for memory.
Mrs. Fofah’s birthday was both a glamorous party and a social statement which declared that a life well-lived does not need noise to be noticed. That 60 is not the evening of life, but the beginning of heritage.
As guests, one after the other, left the hall with smiles and souvenirs, they understood what the party was truly about. Alhaja Monsurat Lawal, who flew in from her US base 24 hours earlier, congratulated her host for the occasion which she described as cool and decent.
Lawal revealed she could not have justified her absence going by her relationship with the celebrant, recalling her own 60th birthday three years ago which she hosted in New Jersey, US.
“With her husband, she came and spent quality time with me throughout my birthday. In fact, the husband shocked me when he stepped forward and sprayed money on me during the boat cruise. This gesture means a lot to me; it means I must also be present at her own.
“So, I am satisfied. I have satisfied my heat and soul, more so, she is a good woman who showed love when we had not even formally entered into a relationship. That is an important attribute of good, loving souls,” Lawal told our correspondent while the party was wrapping up.
AIG Yetunde Longe (rtd), a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, is an elder sister to the celebrant whom she described as God’s blessing from childhood.
Thus, she played her big sister role near perfectly at the party which was attended by former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni and the current Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olatunji Fatai, among other important figures, including the Oniru who incidentally is also a former police officer.
Pouring out her heart, Longe said: “I bless God everyday for your love, your big heart of generosity, for your strength and I love you beyond words can express.”
Finally, she prayed: “God will continue to bless you bountifully in life with good health and mind. Long life and prosperity. May all your beautiful dreams come true.”
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