By Eric Elezuo
From a distance, the aroma of grace, fulfillment, achievement and full-fledged candour could be felt as it radiates the entire atmosphere of the locations the man of means chose to celebrate his golden jubilee anniversary.
With his investments in people clearly visible by the way friends, family members, colleagues and associates throng the locations, it was obvious that debonair business man and entrepreneur par excellence, Mr. Emmanuel Bashiru, was cut out for the best of celebrations.
The atmosphere was filled with gratitude, both from the cut-to-size-sewn celebrant to the crowd of witnesses, dressed in spotlessly gratified attires, who had come from far and wide, to join in giving God thanks for 50 years of splendor, opulence and health. So it was not a surprise that the birthday boy pulled all the available stop to host a fun-filled and superb party to celebrate his milestone age.
Fondly called Bash, the accomplished businessman selected three special locations, spanning three special days to give friends and well wishers a treat they would not forget in a hurry, and of course, the events were programmed to linger in the hearts of guests, who joined on the 3-day Accra, Ghana birthday fiesta.
Kickstarting the avalanche of celebrations, a no holds barred pre-birthday gig was held at the Mad House Club in the heart of Accra, with a host of merry friends and the public in attendance. Sporting a classic but simple white shirt on white trousers with white shoes to match, a highly elated Bash as he is fondly called, was everywhere, exchanging pleasantries with guests as sounds drifted in both fast and slow motions from the turntable of the experience disc jockey in house, giving all and sundry a clear atmosphere to swing their bodies in ecstasy even as the waiters made unending visits to tables with continental dishes and choice beverages.
It was a night filled with undiluted fun in honour of a man, whose hands of philanthrophy stretches across borders. But that was just the beginning of the fun train.
The day following, the party continued. This time at the palatial home of the business mogul, in an exclusive area of the Accra metropolis, where exclusive friends including renowned publishers, entertainment buffs, business men, industrialists and more, were treated to lavish entertainment, juxtaposed with intermittent narratives of the golden boy’s trajectory in the business world as well as growing up.
The night, as the previous, was spiced with dances and music in addition to unceasing flow of champagne and other luxurious drinks and dishes.
And like the night at the club, Bash again appeared in another of his expensive, but relatable white attire that gave the guests a reason to cheer. Just as love and fun were in the air all through the night, the music and the food bore a typical gab of adlib to fade.
The events of the previous days were practically a preamble as the third day, which proved to be the mother of all events, showcasing guests in spotless white attires of different classic designs. The venue was the popular and prestigious UnderBridge Event Centre, in the heart of Accra.
Stupendously decorated, the venue was fit only for royalty. With flashes and play of lights and discotheques, the venue gave everyone therein a feeling of paradise on earth even as the attire was exclusively white.
It was the arrival and appearance of the birthday boy with his loving family of five that set the evening of class into motion. Dressed in brown motivational native attires sewn to taste, the family of three women and two men strolled gingerly into the hall to the loud and welcoming applause of a crowd of guests. With smiles and humble acknowledgement of the honours, the family occupied their seats, obeying every single instruction as dished out by the anchor, Kenny Black, who doubled as a professional hype man.
Kenny Black didn’t disappoint, as he kept the hall roaring in laughter with his melodious jokes as cocktails, canapes and other serve-chilled drinks make the rounds to the satisfaction of the all ‘white’ guests.
The party that addressed more of a networking session did packaged the fun of a turbocharged golden anniversary with dances, singing, choreography and mime, making the evening one to remember.
Shortly after, the first family retired to their inner chambers, and reappeared after a while in another attire, which made a distinct fashion sense. The traditional was gone; they appeared in complete corporate wear, still showcasing the white theme of the 50th Birthday events.
One of the many highpoints of the event was the cutting of the birthday cake by the birthday boy, surrounded by his immediate family members and very close friends, who took turns in posing for the photo ops. This was followed by a legendary dance by the celebrant, with support from his wife, and children, comprising two girls and one boy as the likes of Young John, Wendy Shay and Arike Fuji gave the best of their performances.
It was not a night of speech though, but a few who were privileged to handle the microphone on the night, heaped encomiums on the birthday boy, describing him as a guiding light, a living testimony, a selfless man whose love for humanity is an inspiration to many and a reference point.
Among the topnotch dignitaries that graced the event were Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Aare Dele Momodu, Nii Benjamin Yemah, Nii Amang Amanyankwa Obasaa, Chief (Dr.) Tony Ameachi, Tunji Oguntayo & family, Eugene Eremokale, Lucky Ighoyota, Kingsley O. Bike and Mr Idowu Bashiru.
Mr. Bashiru is a well known international business man, whose chain of businesses has impacted on individuals and communities.
From all of us in Ovation, we wish the birthday boy a splendid and healthy fifth floor experience!
