By Eric Elezuo and Dayo Adewole

According to a 1971 blockbuster movie in the James Bond (007) series, Diamonds Are Forever, and so is the ebullient and energetic investor in the power and energy sector, Chief Kola Adesina, who clocked 60 on August 12, 2024.

The businessman, whose entrepreneurial prowess has raised champions in trade and commerce, left nothing to chance as he pulled all stops to give himself, family members, colleagues and well wishers the best of treats.

The birthday events, which were celebrated in two days, and at two different locations, kicked off on Sunday August 11, 2024 with a well attended Thanksgiving service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), The New House Parish, in Victoria Island, Lagos, with the creme de la creme of the society in attendance.

THE ALL ENCOMPASSING THANKSGIVING SERVICE AT RCCG

The celebrant against common practice, chose to give God thanks first before holding a mother of all party at the Harbour Point Event Centre in Victoria Island.

Adesina, who is recognised by the honours MFR and FNSE, had dignitaries by his wife, Mosunmola, children, extended family members and well wishers from various parts of the world drawn to Victoria Island in Lagos State to join him in giving thanks to God for job well done in his life over a 60 years duration.

Also the board Chairman of Ikeja Electric, and Chairman AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Adesina’s thanksgiving was a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the Almighty God, a celebration that encompassed the significant milestones that he has been able to achieve over a long period of time.

Reveling in the same mood of accomplishments, The New House Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Victoria Island, which played host to a diverse range of events and dignitaries, who supported the celebrant in expressing gratitude to God, left nothing to chance in the organisation of one of the best thanksgivings as the Pastor in charge of the Parish, Pastor Gbenga Tapere, popularly known as PGT, did everything possible to add spiritual and physical life to the event.

The birthday took place on Monday August 12, 2024 but the celebrant chose to honor God first, above anything else; a move that has been praise by all and sundry.

In his sermon at the service, the presiding preacher, who is awell known Evangelist of RCCG, Pastor J.T Kalejaiye, dwelt on how to adhere to the principles that can make life worthwhile and acceptable before God, while also stressing that ‘life is like a loan’, which one day the ‘giver will take it back’.

Pastor Kalejaiye’s sermon proved to be an eye opener to the various use of candid eulogies to every one who did well in the society, singling our Dr. Adesina as an achiever of distinct status.

Among th prestigious presence that graced the thanksgiving ceremony were Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Ogun State counterpart, His Excellency Dapo Abiodun, former President of Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, former President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, former Governor of Ekiti State Dr Kayode Fayemi, as well as representative of the President of Congo.

Other dignitaries present were, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Sahara Group, Pastor Tonye Cole, Olusegun Awolowo Secretary, National Action Committee on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), former Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs; Chairman/ CEO, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Timi Alaibe, Chief Executive Officer of Geregu Power Plc, Akin Akinfemiwa, Senior Pastor and founder of Covenant Christian Centre, Pastor Poju Oyemade.

Also on the roll call were famous gospel and secular artists including Timi Dakolo, Moses Bliss and Tosin Bee.

In his goodwill message, the celebrant, Adesina expressed heartfelt his appreciation at the caliber of dignitaries that grave the event with their presence, thanking them for their collective commitment towards the growth of the nation and his success story.

Also in his appreciation speech, the sexagenarian specially recognised his wife, children, members of his family, including his octogenarian mother, and asked for a standing ovation for her. He further expressed his appreciation to friends, business associates, well-wishers, protégés and all who contributed to the success of the event.

THE UNFORGETTABLE ALL STARS PARTY AT HARBOUR POINT

The next day, Monday, was new, crisp and beckoning at the prestigious Harbour Point in Victoria Island, Lagos, where the who’s who in every sector of the economy trooped out in their numbers with excitement to celebrate with a practical man of the people, who has given his all to get to where he is presently as well as affect the generality of Nigerians in philanthropism.

The cream of society, business leaders, and dignitaries had gathered to celebrate a milestone – the 60th birthday of Sir Kola Adeshina, affectionately known as Sir Kay, Managing Director of Sahara Group.

As guests arrived, they were greeted by a sea of elegant decorations, with Sahara Group’s signature colours and the celebrant’s portrait prominently displayed across the length and breadth of the venue. The atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation and warmth.

The evening’s festivities began with a red-carpet reception, where the celebrant and his wife, Lady Adesina, graciously received well-wishers.

As the programme commenced, Sahara Group’s Executive Director, Tonye Cole, took the stage to welcome everyone. He praised Kola Adesina’s visionary leadership, emphasizing his impact on the energy sector and commitment to philanthropy.

The highlight of the evening was a heartfelt tribute video showcasing the ebullient Chief Executive’s journey through his early days to his remarkable achievements 60 years after. The audience was visibly moved, applauding as every word of his biography was presented, coupled with a customized photo album and a commemorative plaque.

The celebration continued with a sumptuous dinner, followed by the cake-cutting ceremony.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo led the ceremony, with warm praises for Adesina’s contributions to Nigeria’s growth and development. President Obasanjo also led a heartfelt prayer, blessing thr celebrant, his family, and the Sahara Group family, and invoking divine guidance, wisdom, and continued success upon every one of them.

With the cake-cutting and prayer concluded, the event dovetailed into a free for all entertainment including a surprise appearance of King Sunny Adé, who serenaded the audience with his hit songs.

Afterwards, the stage was set for an unforgettable entertainment lineup that featured renowned juju musicians and hip-hop artists ageless Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, Adewale Ayuba, Timi Dakolo, Patoranking, Teni Makanaki, Davido and Fireboy. In fact, it was a night of electrifying performances that kept the guests permanently on their feet, digging to the enthralling sounds of years ago, and those of the the present. It was a pure admixture of the past and the present juxtaposed with the future.

In his remarks, the elated celebrant, expressed gratitude to God, his family, colleagues and friends, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and giving back to society. He dedicated his milestone birthday to the Sahara Group family and pledged continued commitment to excellence.

As the night drew to a close, guests departed leaving behind heartfelt wishes, eulogies, jaw dropping gifts, and unforgettable memories.

Adesina’s 60th birthday party would be etched in their minds as a testament to his remarkable legacy and the power of celebration.

The Sahara Group MD had truly earned his place in the hearts of many, and this milestone birthday marked the beginning of another chapter in his illustrious journey.

The all-important get-together drew together the be all and end all personalities in Nigeria including governors, senators, billionaire industrialists and many others. Some of them were Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman, Ovation Media, Chief Dele Momodu; former governor of Ogun State, Aare Segun Osoba, governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke; former governor of Ondo, Mr. Segun Mimiko; Otunba Bimbo Ashiru;

The high point of the occasion was the presentation of over $500,000 Rolls Royce Cullinan car to the birthday boy by a group of friends, who one way or another, has benefitted from his generous gestures over the years.

Adesina is a philanthropist of no mean repute, and testimonies abound to his boumdless milk of human kindness.

Congratulations sir!