Issue 176 B4_Layout 1 02/03/2018 17:49 Page 3
INDUSTRIALIST EXTRAORDINAIRE
ALHAJI RASAK OKOYA’S TH ALL WHITE 78 BIRTHDAY PARTY Story: Bamidele Salako Photo: Adekoya Adegbite & Funmilayo Adeyemi
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Otunba Subomi Balogun & wife, Alh. Kuburat Okoya, Chief Rasaq Okoya, H.E. Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya & Chief Samuel Adedoyin
hen a man has shown incredible resourcefulness over time, worked assiduously to achieve his dreams and aspirations, distinguished himself among his peers and recorded enviable successes in life and enterprise, you reckon that every day and every new year of his life will be marked with an immeasurable sense of gratitude. This is perhaps why the Chairman of the Eleganza Group of Companies fame, Aare Abdulrazak Okoya-a respected billionaire industrialist-never hesitates to roll out the drums of delight on his birthday every year. The business tycoon celebrated his 78th birthday with aplomb at his sprawling Oluwannisola Estate, located at Eti Osa, Lekki, Lagos, with an allwhite party that was graced by Nigeria’s crème de la crème. In commemoration of the special occasion, the celebrant received a special birthday message from President Muhammadu Buhari. The message, which was released in a statement by Mr. Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, read:
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“PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES CHIEF RAZAQ OKOYA ON 78TH BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY”
The Celebrant: Aare Rasak Akanni Okoya
“President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates top industrialist and Chairman of the Eleganza Group of companies, Chief Rasaq Akanni Okoya on his 78th birthday. “President Buhari felicitates with all business associates, family and friends of the astute businessman, who through vision, hardwork and entrepreneurship completely altered the business landscape of Nigeria, and West Africa, by starting a cottage industry in the early 70’s that blossomed into a multi-billion naira empire, with a strong household name. The President commends the Aare of Lagos for his generosity in providing for the less privileged, especially scholarships for people to further their education, and funds to jumpstart small businesses, which he personally provides mentorship. President Buhari believes the Chairman of the Eleganza Group of companies, and his likes in the