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| Mama, Grace Orisafele with daughters, Nneka, Obiagheli and son, Mr. Chucks Orisafele |
The Holy Bible says “The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength
they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon
cut off and we fly away”…’So, teach us to number our days, that we may gain a
heart of wisdom”…”Oh, satisfy us early with your mercy, that we may rejoice and
be glad all our days! (Psalm 90: 9,
10, 12 & 14)
they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon
cut off and we fly away”…’So, teach us to number our days, that we may gain a
heart of wisdom”…”Oh, satisfy us early with your mercy, that we may rejoice and
be glad all our days! (Psalm 90: 9,
10, 12 & 14)
The
aforementioned Biblical supplication must have been granted to Umunede, Delta State (Southern Nigeria) born Madam Grace Orisafele as
she clocked the divine age of 70 on Saturday August 12, 2017. Her children led by the eldest daughter, Madam
Nneka Christy Orisafele (Formerly Ijaola), CEO, La Base International Fashion
Store, Lagos rolled the drum
out as they invited dignitaries from far and near to celebrate their mother’s
landmark age with much glitter, grandeur and glamour.
aforementioned Biblical supplication must have been granted to Umunede, Delta State (Southern Nigeria) born Madam Grace Orisafele as
she clocked the divine age of 70 on Saturday August 12, 2017. Her children led by the eldest daughter, Madam
Nneka Christy Orisafele (Formerly Ijaola), CEO, La Base International Fashion
Store, Lagos rolled the drum
out as they invited dignitaries from far and near to celebrate their mother’s
landmark age with much glitter, grandeur and glamour.
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| Mama with her daughter and others |
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| The MC with Madam Nneka Orisafele |
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| The Celebrant with her daughter and her friends |
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| Chief Mike Umeh, Mama Grace Orisafele and Madam Nneka Orisafele |
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| Princess Ada Aman with Mrs. Annie Achiekwelu |
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| Mama Grace Orisafele with first daughter, Madam Nneka Christy Orisafele |
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| The Mabifas with Mama & her daughter, Madam Nneka Orisafele |
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| Mr. Sunday Obisesan on stage |
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| Lovely Ladies |
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| The Ladies and Mr. Awala Obateru |
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| Party Time |
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| Some big Madams |
The event which
took place at M.A.N Center events place
inside Wemabod Estate, Ikeja—Lagos had the attendance of top-notch
celebrities on Lagos and Abuja social scene with former Nigerian Football Federation Vice
President, Chief Mike Umeh leading the train of high profile guests to the event.
took place at M.A.N Center events place
inside Wemabod Estate, Ikeja—Lagos had the attendance of top-notch
celebrities on Lagos and Abuja social scene with former Nigerian Football Federation Vice
President, Chief Mike Umeh leading the train of high profile guests to the event.
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| Mama and her daughters… |
The reason
for the thanksgiving tending birthday celebration is not far fetched; 5 years
ago, Mama was ill and the illness
nearly took her life but God’s mercy prevailed as both the prayers of her
children, great men of God and loving well-wishers saved mama’s life from the
snare of death. She came back to life prettier, graceful and happy. And for
this reason, her children decided to give a ‘thankful celebration’ as they
count it a blessing from God for Mama
to have survived her most challenging moments through uncanny will to reach the
Biblical pegged age 70 thereby earning herself a medal into the club of
septuagenarians.
for the thanksgiving tending birthday celebration is not far fetched; 5 years
ago, Mama was ill and the illness
nearly took her life but God’s mercy prevailed as both the prayers of her
children, great men of God and loving well-wishers saved mama’s life from the
snare of death. She came back to life prettier, graceful and happy. And for
this reason, her children decided to give a ‘thankful celebration’ as they
count it a blessing from God for Mama
to have survived her most challenging moments through uncanny will to reach the
Biblical pegged age 70 thereby earning herself a medal into the club of
septuagenarians.
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| Mr. Timi Kayode (L), Mr. Chucks Orisafele with Mr Timi Jnr |
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| Lovely ladies with Madam Nneka Orisafele with Princess Ada Aman |
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| Madam Nneka Orisafele with Princess Ada Aman |
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| Madam Orisafele in a jolly mood with friends |
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| A Guest |
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| A Lagos celebrity on stage… |
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| Madam Nneka Orisafele with friends |
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| Madam Nneka Orisafele on the dance stage |
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| Madam Nneka Orisafele with friends |
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| The Mabifa boys and girls |
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| Madam Nneka Orisafele welcomes guests |
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| Mama in a social mood |
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| Mama in traditional dance step |
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| Mama and one of her daughters on the dance stage |
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| Mr. Awala Obateru with Madam Nneka Orisafele |
Her children
organized the shindig to celebrate her life as noted in the book of Ecclesiastes 3 verse 1 ‘To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven….a time
to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to
mourn and a time dance’ (Verse 4) for Mama’s children, God’s mercy in her
life cannot be reversed. So, dance, dance, dance; click, click, click and
merry, merry, merry.
organized the shindig to celebrate her life as noted in the book of Ecclesiastes 3 verse 1 ‘To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven….a time
to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to
mourn and a time dance’ (Verse 4) for Mama’s children, God’s mercy in her
life cannot be reversed. So, dance, dance, dance; click, click, click and
merry, merry, merry.
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| Mama with a female admirer |
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| Mama’s first daughter, Madam Nneka Orisafele on stage |
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| Mr. Timi Kayode & Mama |
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| Mama & her kin from Umunede |
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| Zeenat Mabifa and her brother Marizeek |
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| Mama’s Children & Grand Children & In-laws |
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| Mama Grace Orisafele |
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| Mama Grace Orisafele |
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| Mama shares a dance step with an admirer |
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| Mama…A mother to all… |
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| Mama, Grace Orisafele |
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| Lovely Abuja big madams at the event |
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| Mr. Timi Kayode, son with Mama & her second son, Mr. Chucks Orisafele |
Surrounded
by the sumptuousness of her children, grand children, great grand children,
close knit friends and well-wishers, Mama Grace Orisafele arrived for her
birthday celebration at 1pm in company of her first daughter, Mrs. Nneka Christy
Orisafele, one hour away
into the event. She spent the earlier part of the day in the house with some
selected men of God who came to offer prayers of thanksgiving for the day. Mama being a prayer vessel herself
cherishes such moments than all the merriment in the world.
by the sumptuousness of her children, grand children, great grand children,
close knit friends and well-wishers, Mama Grace Orisafele arrived for her
birthday celebration at 1pm in company of her first daughter, Mrs. Nneka Christy
Orisafele, one hour away
into the event. She spent the earlier part of the day in the house with some
selected men of God who came to offer prayers of thanksgiving for the day. Mama being a prayer vessel herself
cherishes such moments than all the merriment in the world.
 |
| Mama Grace Orisafele arrives for her birthday celebration |
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| Mama checking her steps… |
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| Mama |
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| Mama |
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| Mama |
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| Mama and her grand daughter, Caroline Eze |
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| Mama |
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| The Musical band |
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| Mama, her son, daughter & daughter-in-law |
Mama was welcomed into the hall by legion
of cheery faces dressed in elegant dresses specially sewn for the occasion. She
immediately ignited a cherry look on sighting those faces and increased her
optimism when she sighted her grand kids and great grand kids who were equally
present to receive her. It was indeed her day of joy as drums rang up and
voices raised in praise by a musical band engaged for the occasion, to welcome
her to her seat at the podium. Mama majestically took her seat with one of her
great-grand daughters, Miss Caroline Eze.
of cheery faces dressed in elegant dresses specially sewn for the occasion. She
immediately ignited a cherry look on sighting those faces and increased her
optimism when she sighted her grand kids and great grand kids who were equally
present to receive her. It was indeed her day of joy as drums rang up and
voices raised in praise by a musical band engaged for the occasion, to welcome
her to her seat at the podium. Mama majestically took her seat with one of her
great-grand daughters, Miss Caroline Eze.
 |
| Chief Ugo meets Mama in company of her first daughter |
Mrs. Liza Odiri of The Conquerors Assembly Church opened the event with a soulful
prayer session at 1:20pm.
prayer session at 1:20pm.
The family
had cream color lace and mixed colored Ankara
as the official colors and the cream colored lace shorn like a million star on
the bodies of guests who graced the event.
had cream color lace and mixed colored Ankara
as the official colors and the cream colored lace shorn like a million star on
the bodies of guests who graced the event.
Some of the
guests who attended the event are; Chief
Mike Umeh, a former Vice President of the Nigerian Football Federation
(NFF), City lawyer, Barrister Mike Okorie, Princess
Ada Aman, founder of Adorable Women
Foundation, Abuja, Mrs. Tani Said from Abuja, Mrs. Pelena Madaki from Abuja and Mrs. Jamila Makka
from Kaduna.
guests who attended the event are; Chief
Mike Umeh, a former Vice President of the Nigerian Football Federation
(NFF), City lawyer, Barrister Mike Okorie, Princess
Ada Aman, founder of Adorable Women
Foundation, Abuja, Mrs. Tani Said from Abuja, Mrs. Pelena Madaki from Abuja and Mrs. Jamila Makka
from Kaduna.
Others are Mrs. Rosemary Osemwagie, a Housing
manager who works with Tower Hamlet Council, London who attended with her daughter. We also have Chief Awala Obateru, the General
Manager, Independent Television—Benin City (Edo Estate), Mrs. Belly Greg, Mrs.
Victoria Uhanka and Awele Obienaba
who led her group the Dynamic Ladies of
Delta State to the event.
manager who works with Tower Hamlet Council, London who attended with her daughter. We also have Chief Awala Obateru, the General
Manager, Independent Television—Benin City (Edo Estate), Mrs. Belly Greg, Mrs.
Victoria Uhanka and Awele Obienaba
who led her group the Dynamic Ladies of
Delta State to the event.
 |
| An elderly guest at the event |
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| The celebrant and her 70th birthday cake |
Princess Adaeze Obi of Princess fashion House, Mrs.
Annie Achiekwelu of Chelsea Saloon, Mrs. Rachael Adu, CEO, Anchor
Cakes, Mrs. Susanne Cowan, CEO, Unique Ventures, Mr. Eugene Eze,
CEO, Spec Industries limited and Mr. Sunday Obisesan, CEO, Sotob Global Integrated Nigeria Ltd and Mrs.
Glady Okponu.
Annie Achiekwelu of Chelsea Saloon, Mrs. Rachael Adu, CEO, Anchor
Cakes, Mrs. Susanne Cowan, CEO, Unique Ventures, Mr. Eugene Eze,
CEO, Spec Industries limited and Mr. Sunday Obisesan, CEO, Sotob Global Integrated Nigeria Ltd and Mrs.
Glady Okponu.
Lagos
Property merchant, Alhaji Tajudeen Mabifa,
CEO Dean Homes & Properties came
with his lovely children—Elias Mabifa,
Zeenat Mabifa, Suliat Mabifa, Marthi Mabifa,
Shade Oshileye, Qudus Hamzat, Akram Mabifa
and Marizeek Mabifa.
Property merchant, Alhaji Tajudeen Mabifa,
CEO Dean Homes & Properties came
with his lovely children—Elias Mabifa,
Zeenat Mabifa, Suliat Mabifa, Marthi Mabifa,
Shade Oshileye, Qudus Hamzat, Akram Mabifa
and Marizeek Mabifa.
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| Mama with her Grand & Great Grand children |
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| A female singer raising Praise & Worship song for Mama |
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| A singer on stage |
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| Mama & her admirers |
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| Mama & a Lady Admirer |
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| Mama & the GDA |
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| Mr. Awala Obateru of ITV with other celebrities |
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| Mama in a show of happiness with admirers |
Before the
arrival of the first set of guests, the birthday cake crafted by the 18, Bode
Thomas—Surulere Lagos based Cake Company, Yellow Velvet arrived. The only sad
story from Yellow Velvet was the fact the CEO; Etowa Uzzi allegedly died
six days to Mama’s birthday at age 36—she died August 6. She was allegedly ill
and drove herself to the hospital to complain to the doctor of a heart
challenge. But she was dead six hours later and nobody believed. But her good work
lived after her as shown through the well crafted, jolly soft cake which had
the insignia of 70 on it.
arrival of the first set of guests, the birthday cake crafted by the 18, Bode
Thomas—Surulere Lagos based Cake Company, Yellow Velvet arrived. The only sad
story from Yellow Velvet was the fact the CEO; Etowa Uzzi allegedly died
six days to Mama’s birthday at age 36—she died August 6. She was allegedly ill
and drove herself to the hospital to complain to the doctor of a heart
challenge. But she was dead six hours later and nobody believed. But her good work
lived after her as shown through the well crafted, jolly soft cake which had
the insignia of 70 on it.
 |
| Mama & her first daughter, Madam Nneka Christy Orisafele, MD/CEO La Base International |
The drinks
list was carefully selected by Mama’s first daughter, Mrs. Nneka Christy Orisafele
as she instructed Mrs. Dayaki Williams
of Richbeth Drinks to make a line of
fine vintage wines, champagne and upscale beverages for her over 1000 guests. Cocktail
was served by Divine Cocktails.
list was carefully selected by Mama’s first daughter, Mrs. Nneka Christy Orisafele
as she instructed Mrs. Dayaki Williams
of Richbeth Drinks to make a line of
fine vintage wines, champagne and upscale beverages for her over 1000 guests. Cocktail
was served by Divine Cocktails.
The hall
went abuzzed with activities as the event compere MC Maro (Adeoba Paul) kick started the event amidst music rendition
from a Lagos music band. Choice Nigerian and Chinese meals were supplied by
Shelet Catering Services and De Almighty Catering Services. Chicken Barque and
Fish barbecue were in surplus supply as well.
went abuzzed with activities as the event compere MC Maro (Adeoba Paul) kick started the event amidst music rendition
from a Lagos music band. Choice Nigerian and Chinese meals were supplied by
Shelet Catering Services and De Almighty Catering Services. Chicken Barque and
Fish barbecue were in surplus supply as well.
Other side
attraction like comedy, music, traditional dances etc spiced the event. As the music
was playing and guests were enjoying the excellent 3-course meal and choice
drinks, Mama’s children and grand
children treated her to several exciting moments of photo-ops and other side
attractions which drew attention from guests and well-wishers. It was indeed, a
day to celebrate and merry.
attraction like comedy, music, traditional dances etc spiced the event. As the music
was playing and guests were enjoying the excellent 3-course meal and choice
drinks, Mama’s children and grand
children treated her to several exciting moments of photo-ops and other side
attractions which drew attention from guests and well-wishers. It was indeed, a
day to celebrate and merry.
Mama’s kit
and kindred—the Osondu family from Umunede
equally graced the occasion while a special traditional dancing group, Enuani Professional Dance Group led by Eziashi
Azuka took mama back to memory lane as the band made her to dance the dance
of her youth with their special rendition which elicited a radiance look on
Mama’s face.
and kindred—the Osondu family from Umunede
equally graced the occasion while a special traditional dancing group, Enuani Professional Dance Group led by Eziashi
Azuka took mama back to memory lane as the band made her to dance the dance
of her youth with their special rendition which elicited a radiance look on
Mama’s face.
Why we
celebrated our Mum @ 70…
celebrated our Mum @ 70…
Mama’s
children spoke with your Africa’s number 1 Celebrity Encounter blog, Asabeafrika.
Mr.
Chucks Orisafele, her second son, a business man was first to speak “We are here to thank God for my mother’s
life because if not for God, I don’t think she would be alive today. With His
grace, God has given her the strength to remain for us and we will continue to
thank and praise God so that God will extend her stay on earth”.
children spoke with your Africa’s number 1 Celebrity Encounter blog, Asabeafrika.
Mr.
Chucks Orisafele, her second son, a business man was first to speak “We are here to thank God for my mother’s
life because if not for God, I don’t think she would be alive today. With His
grace, God has given her the strength to remain for us and we will continue to
thank and praise God so that God will extend her stay on earth”.
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| Some pretty Lagos Ladies at the party |
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| A kiddies drama group entertaining Mama |
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| Mr. Eliashi Azuka of Enuani Dance Group performing |
Mr. Chucks, married to Ngozi with 4 grand children and three great grand children for the
celebrant, described Mama further “She is
a wonderful woman, caring woman, a loving woman and she is a mother of all in
the sense that she accommodate both the ordinary and high profile people, Mama accommodates
those who has and those who doesn’t have— I mean the have-alls and the have-nots,
she believe we all are one. At times, when you look at Mama, you ask ‘who is
this again, who is that again?’ but she will always have reasons to have
everyone around her. So, I want to thank God for her wonderful life, you could
see how healthy she is today, it is just the grace of God and by that grace is
what we are celebrating today”
celebrant, described Mama further “She is
a wonderful woman, caring woman, a loving woman and she is a mother of all in
the sense that she accommodate both the ordinary and high profile people, Mama accommodates
those who has and those who doesn’t have— I mean the have-alls and the have-nots,
she believe we all are one. At times, when you look at Mama, you ask ‘who is
this again, who is that again?’ but she will always have reasons to have
everyone around her. So, I want to thank God for her wonderful life, you could
see how healthy she is today, it is just the grace of God and by that grace is
what we are celebrating today”
On how mama raised them as kids, Mr. Chucks revealed further “Yeah, when we were kids, Mama ensured we
had Godliness as our behavioral trademark. We are just four, two boys, two
girls. My father is late, he died in 1997 and since then she has been making
sure she unites all of us together. That is why we are thanking God for her
life; the humility God gave her is what she has been using to guide her children.
I keep saying ‘you don’t celebrate people when they are down; you celebrate people
when they are still living. That is my philosophy, you see a lot of people when
their mothers are alive, they don’t take care of them but the funniest thing is
that when they are dead, they buy cows and all that to celebrate their burial.
For us, that is not it. We are appreciating her for who she is and for what she
has done for this family. We lost our father in the last twenty years and today
we are still one united family and that is one thing we are thanking her for”.
had Godliness as our behavioral trademark. We are just four, two boys, two
girls. My father is late, he died in 1997 and since then she has been making
sure she unites all of us together. That is why we are thanking God for her
life; the humility God gave her is what she has been using to guide her children.
I keep saying ‘you don’t celebrate people when they are down; you celebrate people
when they are still living. That is my philosophy, you see a lot of people when
their mothers are alive, they don’t take care of them but the funniest thing is
that when they are dead, they buy cows and all that to celebrate their burial.
For us, that is not it. We are appreciating her for who she is and for what she
has done for this family. We lost our father in the last twenty years and today
we are still one united family and that is one thing we are thanking her for”.
 |
| Guests enjoying their meal |
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| Richbet Drink boss, Mrs. Williams (R) with friend |
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| Another celebrity lady |
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| Mrs. Rosemary Osemwagie with daughter, Chelsea |
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| The musician |
When Asabeafrika
asked him to narrate the most challenging moment of his mother’s life, Mr. Orisafele breathed down before his
reply “That was when she fell sick couple
of years ago; and just of a sudden I was called and I decided to rush down and
I found out that she was in the hospital, very close by here. But I won’t say
it was the doctor’s effort that saved her. It was God, it was with God and I
will keep saying ‘with God’ and she said one thing after the healing, that she
will keep serving God till she passes away, because it is God that has strengthened
her life till today, not a man or any doctor. Because if it was with the
doctor’s dialysis and all that, today, we won’t be celebrating anything. But
the grace of God has kept her alive and that is one thing I want to thank God
for. There was a lot of challenges when she was down, she was hit by whatever
name, I don’t want to call it but we want to thank God for her life and that is
why we are celebrating her today”.
asked him to narrate the most challenging moment of his mother’s life, Mr. Orisafele breathed down before his
reply “That was when she fell sick couple
of years ago; and just of a sudden I was called and I decided to rush down and
I found out that she was in the hospital, very close by here. But I won’t say
it was the doctor’s effort that saved her. It was God, it was with God and I
will keep saying ‘with God’ and she said one thing after the healing, that she
will keep serving God till she passes away, because it is God that has strengthened
her life till today, not a man or any doctor. Because if it was with the
doctor’s dialysis and all that, today, we won’t be celebrating anything. But
the grace of God has kept her alive and that is one thing I want to thank God
for. There was a lot of challenges when she was down, she was hit by whatever
name, I don’t want to call it but we want to thank God for her life and that is
why we are celebrating her today”.
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| Mrs. Nneka Orisafele welcomes Mr. Timi Kayode to mum’s birthday |
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| Mr. Timi Kayode and Madam Nneka Orisafele |
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| Mrs. Williams of Richbet Drinks with her staff |
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| Mama”s first daughter, Madam Nneka Orisafele welcomes Alhaji Tajudeen Mabifa and his children |
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| Mrs. Obiagheli Eze, Mama’s second daughter |
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| Madam Nneka Orisafele brings culture and lifestyle to mum’s birthday with old wine gourd and Umunede dance steps |
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| Princess Ada Aman (M), Madam Nneka Orisafele and another big girl |
Does Mr. Chucks sees 70 as the ultimate age
for his mother and what next after 70 since the psalmist says 70 is the appointed
phase for man “That’s true but we human
being give some age grade and all that but we have people in the Bible who have
lived more than 70, 100 years and all that”. He continued “Even in contemporary times, Nelson Mandela died at 95. Today, we still
have Prince Charles in UK and the father is still alive at a hundred years
plus. So, these are gifts of genes given by God not by man. The existence of
man on earth is not by man but by God. So, I want to thank God for my mum’s
life, despite the challenges, in life there must be challenges but the most
important factor is God, with God, all things are possible. We are celebrating
her because God has kept her alive and we are still hoping that God will give
her many more years to live”.
for his mother and what next after 70 since the psalmist says 70 is the appointed
phase for man “That’s true but we human
being give some age grade and all that but we have people in the Bible who have
lived more than 70, 100 years and all that”. He continued “Even in contemporary times, Nelson Mandela died at 95. Today, we still
have Prince Charles in UK and the father is still alive at a hundred years
plus. So, these are gifts of genes given by God not by man. The existence of
man on earth is not by man but by God. So, I want to thank God for my mum’s
life, despite the challenges, in life there must be challenges but the most
important factor is God, with God, all things are possible. We are celebrating
her because God has kept her alive and we are still hoping that God will give
her many more years to live”.
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| Mama & her children |
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| Madam Nneka Orisafele welcomes Alhaji Tajudeen Mabifa to her mum’s 70th birthday |
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| Mama arrives with her second daughter, Mrs. Obiagheli Eze |
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| And Mama danced |
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| Madam Nneka Orisafele (R) with a friend |
Mama’s last
daughter Mrs. Joy Onyebuchi Eze was the next person who spoke with Asabeafrika
“I am the last born of the family. Mama
has been a great mother; we thank God that she is 70 today. She has always been
there for me; you know I am the last child, so she has always been there for me
right from the scratch. She is a mother to everybody; she is a mother to both
male and female. She is an icon, ever since my father died; she has always been
there for us and we are grateful to God that she is 70”
daughter Mrs. Joy Onyebuchi Eze was the next person who spoke with Asabeafrika
“I am the last born of the family. Mama
has been a great mother; we thank God that she is 70 today. She has always been
there for me; you know I am the last child, so she has always been there for me
right from the scratch. She is a mother to everybody; she is a mother to both
male and female. She is an icon, ever since my father died; she has always been
there for us and we are grateful to God that she is 70”
Mrs. Eze also shared Mama’s near death
experience with Asabeafrika “Yes, this is
about 5 years ago. It was so painful, Mama fell sick, she had stroke and we
thought we were going to lose her but with God, all things are possible. That
Mama is alive today is not by her power but by the spirit of the living God. We
thank God for mama’s life that we are celebrating her today. There are lots of
challenges because during the time she fell sick, we nearly lost her. But even we
the children lost hope but Mama did not. She kept fighting and fighting and
fighting for her life but by God’s grace, she is still alive today, I have seen
a lot of people that had that kind of sickness for less than one or two years
and they are gone. But today, we are celebrating her, we give God all the
glory, we thank God for her life”.
experience with Asabeafrika “Yes, this is
about 5 years ago. It was so painful, Mama fell sick, she had stroke and we
thought we were going to lose her but with God, all things are possible. That
Mama is alive today is not by her power but by the spirit of the living God. We
thank God for mama’s life that we are celebrating her today. There are lots of
challenges because during the time she fell sick, we nearly lost her. But even we
the children lost hope but Mama did not. She kept fighting and fighting and
fighting for her life but by God’s grace, she is still alive today, I have seen
a lot of people that had that kind of sickness for less than one or two years
and they are gone. But today, we are celebrating her, we give God all the
glory, we thank God for her life”.
 |
| Mama on the dancing floor |
 |
| Mama enjoying herself |
 |
| Mama dances with one of her ‘sons’ |
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| Some Lagos & Abuja big Gals |
On how Mama raised her, she said “Mama is a very hardworking woman, I could
remember then, when she gave birth to me my mother was doing a lot of trades at
the same time. Before then, she had been into several businesses. She sold fire
wood to train us before she went into food stuff. When you get to Iponri
shopping complex in Lagos and you ask of Mama
Oris (her first son based in the United Kingdom) she used to operate a
restaurant there, about three or four restaurants in those days. She trained us
so very well, in a Godly way. Mama went through a lot after my father died but
she strived hard to bring us up. Like me, today, I can tell you that I am a virtuous
woman, because of the kind of training Mama gave me, she taught me how to manage
my home and how to become a self confident woman. I thank God for mama, I am
short of words. I don’t know what to say because a lot of people do come to
her. She counsels people, everybody wants to be like my mum, and everybody wants
to be mama’s child. But I thank God today that we are celebrating her; I give
God all the glory”.
remember then, when she gave birth to me my mother was doing a lot of trades at
the same time. Before then, she had been into several businesses. She sold fire
wood to train us before she went into food stuff. When you get to Iponri
shopping complex in Lagos and you ask of Mama
Oris (her first son based in the United Kingdom) she used to operate a
restaurant there, about three or four restaurants in those days. She trained us
so very well, in a Godly way. Mama went through a lot after my father died but
she strived hard to bring us up. Like me, today, I can tell you that I am a virtuous
woman, because of the kind of training Mama gave me, she taught me how to manage
my home and how to become a self confident woman. I thank God for mama, I am
short of words. I don’t know what to say because a lot of people do come to
her. She counsels people, everybody wants to be like my mum, and everybody wants
to be mama’s child. But I thank God today that we are celebrating her; I give
God all the glory”.
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| The Celebrant with young admirers |
What does 70
means to Mrs. Eze? “Yes, I won’t lie to you because Mama has
really dedicated her life to God. Being 70, I don’t know. Mama is 70 years
today by the grace of God and she has so much faith in God. She has so much
faith in God that she preaches, even if she is counseling you, she will give
you some quotes in the Bible; she will preach a lot of things to you. She will
go any mile to make sure that every marriage works out. She doesn’t believe in
divorce; that she is 70 today, I know that God will add more years for her
because she is a very good woman”.
means to Mrs. Eze? “Yes, I won’t lie to you because Mama has
really dedicated her life to God. Being 70, I don’t know. Mama is 70 years
today by the grace of God and she has so much faith in God. She has so much
faith in God that she preaches, even if she is counseling you, she will give
you some quotes in the Bible; she will preach a lot of things to you. She will
go any mile to make sure that every marriage works out. She doesn’t believe in
divorce; that she is 70 today, I know that God will add more years for her
because she is a very good woman”.
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| Chief Mike Umeh sharing a dance with a fan |
Obiagheli Rachael
Chinasa is mama’s
first granddaughter and this is what the mother of three told Asabeafrika
“My name is Obiagheli Rachael Chinasa, I am married and I am the first grandchild
of my grand ma, I am a mother of three. I will say my grand mum is a loving
woman, she is nice, and she is hardworking. I learnt being hardworking from her
because she doesn’t sit around doing nothing, she is always doing something. So
that’s one good thing about her. She gets angry easily but maybe that’s what we
like about her. That is all I know I can say about my grand ma, she is a loving
woman, and she loves her grand children”.
“I wish her long live, more prosperity, God’s protection, peace of mind
and happiness”.
Chinasa is mama’s
first granddaughter and this is what the mother of three told Asabeafrika
“My name is Obiagheli Rachael Chinasa, I am married and I am the first grandchild
of my grand ma, I am a mother of three. I will say my grand mum is a loving
woman, she is nice, and she is hardworking. I learnt being hardworking from her
because she doesn’t sit around doing nothing, she is always doing something. So
that’s one good thing about her. She gets angry easily but maybe that’s what we
like about her. That is all I know I can say about my grand ma, she is a loving
woman, and she loves her grand children”.
“I wish her long live, more prosperity, God’s protection, peace of mind
and happiness”.
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| Ex-NFA Chief, Mike Umeh storm the event |
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| Ex-NFA Scribe Chief Mike Umeh serenade the celebrant with wads of Naira notes |
Lidia Eze another granddaughter gave her words
for the celebrant “My grand mum is
someone special, she is good natured, one can’t express how wonderful she is—I will
say she is great. I really don’t know what to say about her because on this
special day, I don’t have words for her. All I can say is ‘God bless her’.
for the celebrant “My grand mum is
someone special, she is good natured, one can’t express how wonderful she is—I will
say she is great. I really don’t know what to say about her because on this
special day, I don’t have words for her. All I can say is ‘God bless her’.
On weather
her grand ma used to spank or pamper her, she reacted thus “A lot of time, sure, she spanks us a lot but everything she does
is for our good. So, we love the discipline she gives to us”.
her grand ma used to spank or pamper her, she reacted thus “A lot of time, sure, she spanks us a lot but everything she does
is for our good. So, we love the discipline she gives to us”.
On funny
things Mama says to them, she opened
up with a laughter before saying “be sure, I am, you
do check up’ that’s what she
says, that is how she is, she is jovial, she is nice, she is fun”.
things Mama says to them, she opened
up with a laughter before saying “be sure, I am, you
do check up’ that’s what she
says, that is how she is, she is jovial, she is nice, she is fun”.
Another granddaughter,
Andria has this to say “My name is Andria
Orisafele, I love my grandma because she is a very amazing personality. I don’t
really have much to say, she is jovial, she cracks us up every time. She says
things that we always laugh off. So she is very, very amazing. She is great, I
am very, very happy to be present here to make her 70th birthday. I
am hoping she sees many more years, even pressing down to 100 if possible, I am
hoping to be here by the grace of God. Yeah, if possible, who doesn’t want
that, she is amazing”.
Andria has this to say “My name is Andria
Orisafele, I love my grandma because she is a very amazing personality. I don’t
really have much to say, she is jovial, she cracks us up every time. She says
things that we always laugh off. So she is very, very amazing. She is great, I
am very, very happy to be present here to make her 70th birthday. I
am hoping she sees many more years, even pressing down to 100 if possible, I am
hoping to be here by the grace of God. Yeah, if possible, who doesn’t want
that, she is amazing”.
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| Chief Mike Umeh (M) with Madam Nneka Orisafele (R) and a friend |
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| Madam Nneka Orisafele & friends |
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| The Mabifas with Madam Nneka Orisafele |
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| The GDA, Alhaji Mabifa with Madam Nneka Orisafele |
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| Madam Nneka Christy Orisafele with Alhaji Tajudeen Mabifa of Dean Homes & Properties |
On fond
memory, Andria like Lidia has many but can’t remember
any “I really cannot remember (Laughing)
but she has said a lot that if I think about it, I just laugh but now, I cannot
remember any one”.
memory, Andria like Lidia has many but can’t remember
any “I really cannot remember (Laughing)
but she has said a lot that if I think about it, I just laugh but now, I cannot
remember any one”.
Andria gave her wish “I wish her many more years, good life, prosperity. She can’t even ask
for more because she has everything, we are here, she has grand children, great
grand children and by the grace of God, if God permits, she will see her great
grand, no problem. I am grateful and I am thankful, that is all I can say”.
for more because she has everything, we are here, she has grand children, great
grand children and by the grace of God, if God permits, she will see her great
grand, no problem. I am grateful and I am thankful, that is all I can say”.
Mr. Timi Kayode is a family friend of over 4 decades
told Asabeafrika
more about the Orisafeles “My name is Timi Kayode, Mama has been a wonderful mother to us. In fact she is
my mother; maybe I should call her a mother from another source. The son is a
very good confidant, Peter Azuka
Orisafele but he is not in town. About three weeks ago when he told me I
said ‘well, I am going to represent him here. It is very, very unfortunate, I traveled and came back yesterday, I should have been in the same uniform”.
told Asabeafrika
more about the Orisafeles “My name is Timi Kayode, Mama has been a wonderful mother to us. In fact she is
my mother; maybe I should call her a mother from another source. The son is a
very good confidant, Peter Azuka
Orisafele but he is not in town. About three weeks ago when he told me I
said ‘well, I am going to represent him here. It is very, very unfortunate, I traveled and came back yesterday, I should have been in the same uniform”.
 |
| Mr. Timi Kayode speaks with the GDA |
So who is
mama to Timi Kayode? “Mama has
been a very nice woman. I remember far back then when she had a canteen at
Iponri, we will walk in there, eat and we just move on. And Daddy too (Justin
Orisafele), may his gentle soul rest in peace old as he is, he never passes
through my street without coming into my house, he will say ‘Timi, have you
seen Azuka today?’ and I will say ‘No sir’. And he will go ‘It is like he has
fever o’ and I will have to rush down. So, they have been a wonderful family. I
wish Mama many, many prosperous years and she will see her children’s children
in the mighty name of Jesus. I mean, it is nice knowing her”. “We have been
family friend for about 40 straight years of friendship—uninterrupted”
mama to Timi Kayode? “Mama has
been a very nice woman. I remember far back then when she had a canteen at
Iponri, we will walk in there, eat and we just move on. And Daddy too (Justin
Orisafele), may his gentle soul rest in peace old as he is, he never passes
through my street without coming into my house, he will say ‘Timi, have you
seen Azuka today?’ and I will say ‘No sir’. And he will go ‘It is like he has
fever o’ and I will have to rush down. So, they have been a wonderful family. I
wish Mama many, many prosperous years and she will see her children’s children
in the mighty name of Jesus. I mean, it is nice knowing her”. “We have been
family friend for about 40 straight years of friendship—uninterrupted”
 |
| A service boy at Mama’s party |
Mama’s first
daughter, Madam Nneka Christy Orisafele spoke last and she told Asabeafrika
more about her mum “Yes I am so very
happy, I am overwhelmed. I don’t even
know how to explain it. I am so happy, I thank God that God made it possible that everybody is here and they
enjoyed themselves so well. I am so happy”.
daughter, Madam Nneka Christy Orisafele spoke last and she told Asabeafrika
more about her mum “Yes I am so very
happy, I am overwhelmed. I don’t even
know how to explain it. I am so happy, I thank God that God made it possible that everybody is here and they
enjoyed themselves so well. I am so happy”.
What does
she thinks of her mother @ 70? “I thank
God for her life, four years ago we were challenged, it was something else. But
I thank God for her life and that’s why we are celebrating her today. She was
ill and we nearly lost hope but God gave us a reason for praise. We thank God
for that rare grace and mercy. That is why we are celebrating her today”.
she thinks of her mother @ 70? “I thank
God for her life, four years ago we were challenged, it was something else. But
I thank God for her life and that’s why we are celebrating her today. She was
ill and we nearly lost hope but God gave us a reason for praise. We thank God
for that rare grace and mercy. That is why we are celebrating her today”.
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| Enough meal for all guests |
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| Ice cream & cake served for all |
On how Mama
raised her, Madam Nneka Orisafele said her mum always inspired her as a
child “She will always tell me ‘my
daughter, you are a great girl and you will continue to be a great girl’.
raised her, Madam Nneka Orisafele said her mum always inspired her as a
child “She will always tell me ‘my
daughter, you are a great girl and you will continue to be a great girl’.
Does Madam Nneka want more after 70, and what
exactly? “Yes, I wish her more years to
come but I don’t want her to die now; more healthy years that is what I am
wishing her. 80, 90, from 90, I think err….(laughs) because she will trouble me
more” 100? We asked and she replied “Maybe 95”.
exactly? “Yes, I wish her more years to
come but I don’t want her to die now; more healthy years that is what I am
wishing her. 80, 90, from 90, I think err….(laughs) because she will trouble me
more” 100? We asked and she replied “Maybe 95”.
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| Mama speaking with the GDA |
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| Chicken barbecue for all |
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| Smoked fish for guests |
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| The beverage bar |
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| A section of the hall before the arrival of guests |
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| Mama’s State before her arrival |
The
celebrant spoke to Asabeafrika on how
she feels at 70 “I feel very good, I feel
well because He who makes me 70 will make me 80. So, God will continue to strengthen
me in the name of Jesus because as I am seeing my children gather people around
me, my children, my grandchildren gather people around me for my birthday, I
feel excited” Mama showered prayers on her children “God will bless them in
the mighty name of Jesus. As they move out to go home, now, Almighty God will
guide them on the road in the name of Jesus, nothing will happen to anyone of
them and their guests; the blessing will be upon them in Jesus name”.
celebrant spoke to Asabeafrika on how
she feels at 70 “I feel very good, I feel
well because He who makes me 70 will make me 80. So, God will continue to strengthen
me in the name of Jesus because as I am seeing my children gather people around
me, my children, my grandchildren gather people around me for my birthday, I
feel excited” Mama showered prayers on her children “God will bless them in
the mighty name of Jesus. As they move out to go home, now, Almighty God will
guide them on the road in the name of Jesus, nothing will happen to anyone of
them and their guests; the blessing will be upon them in Jesus name”.
 |
| Enough Food for all to eat |
Mama
remembered her late husband, a police chief, Justin Orisafele and
prayed for him, “Orokobi is the real name they gave to him that anywhere he goes;
God Almighty will place him in a better place. He was a great man and the
father of my children. Till we meet again, in Jesus name.
remembered her late husband, a police chief, Justin Orisafele and
prayed for him, “Orokobi is the real name they gave to him that anywhere he goes;
God Almighty will place him in a better place. He was a great man and the
father of my children. Till we meet again, in Jesus name.
Mama thanked all the guests for showing
up and equally wished them a save trip home “I wish them good luck and blessing
of God will go with them in the name of Jesus. They will never see any go down
in life. The blessing of God will be upon them; as they return to their
respective homes, Almighty God will be with them in JESUS name”.
up and equally wished them a save trip home “I wish them good luck and blessing
of God will go with them in the name of Jesus. They will never see any go down
in life. The blessing of God will be upon them; as they return to their
respective homes, Almighty God will be with them in JESUS name”.
