24 August, 2011

Folorunso Alakija rocks Lagos'

Prominent society woman and businesswoman, Mrs. Folorunso Alakija and her better-half, Modupe, proved their class once again penultimate Saturday, when they serenaded Nigeria's A-list celebrities with a 3-in-1 party that practically left guests almost wishing it never ended, report Olusegun Rapheal

Who is Mrs. Folorunso Alakija?
Does she really need any introduction? Very doubtful, many would dare say. A style icon, businesswoman, fashion designer and philanthropist per excellence, Alakija is a former President of the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN), founder of Rose of Sharon, a leading fashion house and the Executive Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil $ Gas Limited. Happily married with four grown-up young men, Alakija is also grand mother and a forebearer in upper echelon of Nigeria's social establishment.


A multi-million naira 3-in-1 bash
It was a mind blowing event that lived up to its billing. And of course money, we mean good money, was deployed to make that happen. No expense was spared,
as full attention to details from the organisation to execution was strictly adhered to. Take the INVITE for instance, that was a study in creative imagination. And the venue? The prestigious Convention Centre, Eko Hotel $ Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, and the adjoining halls was the place to be. Foremost events company, Elizabeth R owned by Ibidun Ighodalo handled the beautiful decoration from the lobby of the hotel right into the hall. Wave m,aking comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka took charge of the proceedings. Why a 3-in-1 party? First, Mrs. Folorunso Alakija marked her 60th birthday, then her 35th wedding anniversary to her husband, Modupe, while her grand-daughter, Femi, also marked her 3rd birthday.

What a party
For sceptics, who had doubted how rich and influential Mrs. Folorunso Alakija is, the class and magnitude of the party finally shut them up for good. For a woman, who is known not to do things in half measures, the party was another opportunity for the 'birthday girl' to drive home that point more succintly. The success of the party was, no doubt, a just reward for months of nerve wrecking preparations that preceded the D-day. Sources disclosed that Mrs. Alakija had confided in a few of her close friends that her birthday gig would set a benchmark that would be difficult to surpass on the social scene for a long time to come. It was not an empty boast, because days after the party held, celebrities who were privileged to attend can't stop talking about it.

Thanksgiving Service
What better way to begin the day than giving thanks to God. And trust the highly religious celebrator, her first point of call to kick off the celebration was the Catheral
Church of Christ, Marina. The church was filled to the brim, with the Alakijas' friends, family members and business associates making their presence visibly felt.

A befitting birthday presents
At the party,Mrs Folorunso Alakija and her loving beau displayed their class for all to see. While the 'birthday girl' arrived in a brand new black Mercedes Benz S-Class 600 Limosine, her husband prefered a wine colour of same brand and make. That the two automobiles left many onlookers breathless was like stating the obvious.