The famous Elumelu family of Delta State rolled out the drums in a most grandiose manner to honour their matriarch, Chief (Mrs.) Suzanne Elumelu who had just hit the ripe age of 90.
The celebration began with a “Thanksgiving Mass” at the Church of Assumption, Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos, and was attended by a large turn-out of the crème de la crème of Nigerian society. With soul-stirring songs, praises to the Almighty and fervent prayers, the service was very lively.
After the church service, all roads led to Harbour Point, Victoria Island, for a glamorous reception, where guests were treated to good food and drinks of various kinds and lively performances by BeeJay Sax, Elegant Stallion, Onyeka Onwenu and pop star, Phyno, while DJ Sousse was on the wheels of steel.
There was also a very energetic Anioma Dance troupe that was so good that the ever cheerful celebrant could not help but sway to the beat.
The high-point of the celebration was the cutting of the 90th birthday cake by Mama Suzanne, flanked by her children, grand-children and some of the dignitaries.
The celebrant, who is the Adadionchanma of Onicha Kingdom, Aniocha North Local Government, Delta State, is the mother of Pastor Peter Elumelu , Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu, former member of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu and their sisters Agatha and Loretta.
Dignitaries at the colourful event included: Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, The Otunba Adekunle Ojora & Erelu Ojuolape Ojora, Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Chukwumalieze 1 of Onicha-Ugbo, HRM Obi Victor, Former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Prince Bolu Akin-Olugbade, Chairman Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman Forte Oil, Mr. Femi Otedola, Founder of Love of Christ Generation C & S Church, Rev. Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi, Founder/President of Wellbeing Foundation Africa, HE (Mrs) Toyin Ojora Saraki Chairman/CEO of Skymit Limited, Mr. Tayo Ayeni, GMD/CEO, UBA, Mr Kennedy Uzoka, Former Chairman Skye Bank, Mr. Tunde Ayeni, Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Segun Awolowo, Founder and Pioneer Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Jim Ovia and Chairman Nova Merchant Bank, Mr. Phillips Oduoza.
