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PALPABLE JOY AS ALHAJI ABIBU OKI BECOMES AN OCTOGENARIAN

The ecstasy of being celebrated for an accomplished life was evidently glaring as the prodigy of the famous and esteemed Oki Family, Alhaji Abibu Olad Oki marked his 80th birthday with fanfare.

All roads led to Eko Club, Surulere, Lagos on 3rdzbb November, 2024 as children, grand-children, great grand-children  friends, associates and well-wishers rolled out the drum to celebrate the Babaoja General 1 of Ladipo International Auto Market, Lagos as he became an Octogenarian.

The journey into Octogenarian hood was tough and tedious but quite exemplary as the Lagos-born businessman has remarkably risen above all odds to become a proud loving father, a caring husband and an adorable grandfather.

Alhaji Abibu Oladotun Oki was born 3rd November, 1944 into the famous Oki Family of Lagos Island. He had his primary education at Bethel Primary School, Broad Street and St. Patrick Primary School, Oko-Awo, Lagos.

He attended Egbado College, Ilaro and Iganmode High School, Ota for his secondary school education. His professional journey began with his employment at Timson & Timson, where he worked as Cargo Supretendent Inspector (Tally Clerk) for the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). He later moved to City Hall, where he served as Sanitary Inspector.

The lure of greener pasture saw Alhaji Abibu Oki travelled to Canada in 1970 to sharpen his business acumen. The invaluable experience garnered in Canada enabled him to venture into the path of entrepreneurship upon his return to the country several years later as he founded De-Doort Nigeria Limited, marking the beginning of a successful venture into various industries, including construction, real estate, transportation and international trade.

From humble beginnings, his business blossomed into sprawling conglomerates, reflecting his sharp business prowess and leadership. As a result of his leadership role and immense contribution to the growth of commerce and market administration, he was crowned the Babaoja of the popular Ladipo Internation Auto Market by the late Iyaloja General, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji.

In a solemn gratitude for Allah's unquantified mercies, the event marking his 80th birthday celebration opened with prayer and recitation of the Holy Quran anchored by the Chief Imam of Lagos Mainland Central Mosque

Indeed, the joy was palpable and contagious as the celebrant surrounded by his children, Yetunde Akinfenea, Olawale Oki, Gabi Oki, Niyi Oki, Oluwatoyin Ogunbanwo, Eniola Afolabi, Funmi Oki and Olakunle Oki as well as grand-children  was beaming with smiles as he cut his birthday cake.

With sumptuous meals and assorted drinks, the colourful event was made perfect with the Kolobakoloba crooner,, Adewale Ayuba dishing out Yoruba crossover music to the delight of many inside Blessings Hall of Eko Club .

In her tribute, the celebrant's first child, Mrs Yetunde Akinfenwa expressed her overwhelming love, gratitude and admiration for the celebrant whom she described as her 'guiding angel.'

"From my earliest memories, you have been a father like no other. You were always there, not just as a provider but as a protector, a teacher and a friend. Your patience and strength have shaped the woman I am today. You 've  taught me the values of hard work, integrity and humility. But most importantly,you 've shown me what it means to live a life of purpose and compassion." She remarked.

On his part, her husband, Akinwunmi Akinfenwa reflected on the immense privilege of being part of the Oki Family even as he thanked almighty Allah for 'granting us the gift of this amazing man.' 

He prayed God in His infinite mercy should continue to grant the celebrant good health, strength, and more years filled with happiness and fulfilment.