A Zoom Party that Rocked the World
I had planned to celebrate my 60th birthday with my family and a few friends at home in London. Thereafter, the grand finale would shift to Lagos for a mother of all parties on May 31, 2020. But man can only propose while God would dispose. COVID-19 sneaked in, like a thief in the night, and all my plans froze ramrod! By the middle of April, reality had dawned on me and I was already dismantling my ambitious plans.
Meanwhile, friends kept asking me about what to do. Most of them truly wanted to party hard. March/April, I was supposed to traverse London, Portugal, Brazil and Turkey, attending events, as usual, but everything changed at the speed of light. And I have been stranded in Lagos ever since!
About a week to D-Day, I got a call from Ayo Animashaun, Chairman of Hip Tv and he told me he and a few of protégés had decided we must have a zoom party. He laid bare their elaborate plans and I was wowed!
Last Saturday, dreams turned to reality as we hosted what’s probably the biggest virtual party yet out of Africa. In total, over 1,400 guests cumulatively attended the extraordinary celebration that trended in several continents. The event was broadcast live in over 40 African countries by Hip Tv as well as on social media platforms to a global audience.
I’m eternally grateful to too many people to mention here. But I must single out President Muhammadu Buhari for his powerful congratulatory message. The video message from the Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo trended endlessly. The Vice President of Liberia, Mrs Jewel Howard-Taylor, sent a beautiful video. Former President Ibrahim Babangida surprised everyone when he appeared on the zoom party and spoke so eloquently. Former President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana spoke from the heart. The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu wowed the celebrant and his guests with a beautiful speech live from his office. Governor Benedict Ayade of Cross River State called in during the event. The Minister of Transport, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, spoke about his friend from way back. Reverend Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi and her husband, Dr Ademuyiwa Ajayi, poured Encomium son a man who has become more of a member of family. Thisday Publisher, Prince Nduka Obaigbena officiated the cutting of the cake. UBA Chairman, Dr Tony Elumelu, proposed the toast. A special service was organized by Trinity House led by Pastor Ituah Ighodalo. Prayers were offered by Pastor Sola Fola-Alade from London, Pastor Afolabi Ghandi OLAOYE from USA. Goodwill messages poured in from different parts of the world. Pastor Tunde Bakare was full of appreciation for the healthy relationship between him and his younger friend and Brother. Chief Oyekunle ALEXDuduyemi, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey were elder statesmen at the party.