Gist From YES! International 2nd Annual Lecture/Cocktail Party.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT 2ND ANNUAL YES INTERNATONAL! LECTURE/COCKTAIL PARTY

The 2nd Annual YES International! Lecture/Cocktail Party was a winner on all fronts. Attracting guests from the East, West, North and South, not even those outside our shores were left out.

Having confirmed and re-confirmed that they would spend that Wednesday, June 19, 2013 with the YES! Family, some of our special guests blew our minds with their acts of kindness and love. The Guest Speaker, Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, flew into the country from the United States of America hours before the event – just so that he doesn’t disappoint us; Apostle Anselm Madubuko rushed in from Kenya just to say the opening prayer and fly back again; Lady Apostle Helen Ukpabio had to defer her appearing before the panel investigating the gruesome murder of her three brothers just to show us love; Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya had to cancel a previous appointment just to accommodate ours; Bashorun Dele Momodu arrived from Ghana that morning to let us know that he truly cares; Oba Dokun Abolarin had to depart Osun State and his kingdom on time so as to give us his royal blessing.....

THE COLISEUM EVENTS CENTRE TRANSFORMED

The Coliseum Events Centre, situated on 34, Salvation Road, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos and owned by the godfather of entertainment in Nigeria, Mr. Ken Calebs Olumese, was magically transformed on that day by the able and capable team from Open Hands. Led by the kind-hearted Mr. Akin Ariyo, The Arena of The Coliseum simply looked heavenly and paradise-like after their magic touch. Handsome Munachim Nnadi, of course, supervised everything.

ABELINIS, TRULY ‘THE PROJECT INTELLIGENT COMPANY’

For years now, YES International! has been enjoying a blissful matrimony with Abelinis, The Project Intelligent Company. And at our 2nd anniversary, they stood by us like the rock of Gibraltar. With a series of meetings held in their office and ours, we knew they would deliver. Always on time and very, very serious with what they do, the Abiodun Oshinibosi-managed company lifted too many things off our shoulders. Forever planting smiles on our faces with the professional way they usually go about their job, they even had a mini golf course at the entrance for all those who were interested. And all through the event also, his men and women, moved here and there, ensuring that nothing went wrong. The green golf course fascinated many to no end.

OBA DOKUN ABOLARIN, THE EARLIEST ARRIVAL

Kabiyesi, Oba Dokun Abolarin, The Orangun of Oke Ila in Osun State, taught all of us a virtue that we can never, never forget. In spite of residing in Osun State, the lawyer turned monarch was the first to get to the venue. Arriving at exactly 10.47am, many were astounded by his humility and respect for time. And guess what? He sat all through the event – praying for YES! and wishing us more successful and fruitful years ahead.

THE SERVANTS OF GOD IN OUR MIDST

Of course, we couldn’t have successfully executed an event of that magnitude without spiritual clearance and guidance from the Almighty God. To give God what rightly and truly belongs to Him, we got two of his leading servants to assist us with the opening and closing prayers. The former was handled by Apostle Anselm Madubuko, the General Overseer of The Revival Assembly Church in Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos and the latter, Lady Apostle Helen Ukpabio of The Liberty Gospel Church, Calabar, Cross River State. Both of them flew in that morning for the event. There were equally other servants of God in the house like Reverend Fathers Anthony Bassey, Samuel Ben and Emmanuel Oriyomi; Rev. James Akinadewo and Pastors Ken Ikeokwu, with Louis and Precious Oku.

EBELE THE FLAUTIST WAS AWESOME

Ever heard the National Anthem sung with a flute? Well, that was what Ebele Ezeamakam, aka Ebele The Flautist, did on that day. Very well executed, a roaring applause escorted her to her seat immediately she finished. Leaving the stage for our Publisher/Editor-in-Chief.

WHAT OUR PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SAID

The Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of YES International! Magazine, Azuh Arinze, Esq., began by appreciating everybody for coming. He, however, singled out the likes of Ukpabio, Madubuko, Momodu, Ufot, Badejo-Okusanya, Ikoku, Oba Abolarin, Olatilo, etc, for always going the extra mile for YES! But before then, he had urged everyone to be on their feet and join him in singing a popular gospel song.  Finally, he stated that all glory should go to God, and not to any man, for what He has done in the life of YES! in the  last 2 years.

THE MAN WITH A UNIQUE VOICE

Oh, that’s Mr. Chidoo Obidiegwu, the elongated shadow of Giving Back Media. The gentleman with a unique voice and silver hair had the duty of reading Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh’s citation. And no sooner did he begin than everybody fell in love with his voice. And so enraptured were they that in unison they nicknamed him ‘The Man With The Voice’. He was also later to confess that he felt honoured being invited to read the citation of an icon like Dr. Ekeh.

EKEH IS THE MAN

Our Guest Speaker, Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, was simply in his element, and all through, his audience was thoroughly charged. Dissecting how to succeed in business as well as the landmines to avoid, many nodded and many more brought out their biros and writing pads to jot down all the necessary points, as he treated them one after the other. This was the case for the well over 30 minutes that he spoke. Proving that indeed he’s a IT expert, he had a small tablet from which he extracted his illuminating and inspiring lecture. A thunderous applause greeted him afterwards, with many encircling his seat, either for his call card or to book an appointment with him, as soon as he was done.

THE UNVEILING OF YES CLASSICS! (2)

It was the lot of Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, the MD of CMC Connect, to do this. And he executed it without scruples. The former chairman, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Lagos State Chapter and one of Nigeria’s best dressed men, started by revealing what YES Classics! is all about. Thereafter, he delved into why everybody present should have a copy. As soon as he was done with that, he invited some of the renowned personalities present to join him for the unveiling proper and it was so, so beautiful.

THE MARRIAGE OF MUSIC AND COMEDY

Comedy, the very best of it, was doled out in good measures by one of Nigeria’s best; the one we all call the genius – Julius Agwu. Trust the Choba, Rivers State born rib cracker, there was no dull moment throughout. Professionally marrying his being the compere with quality jokes, like Oliver Twist, many of our guests kept asking for more and more.  Music? Okay, we settled for the hottest act right now – Kcee. The handsome crooner who used to constitute KC Presh with Precious John, his partner in the days of Star Quest, brought down the roof immediately the microphone was handed to him. In fact, there was no resisting dancing to his hit number, Limpopo, immediately he started.

HEAVYWEIGHTS TAKE OVER COLISEUM

Dozens and dozens of business heavyweights took over the whole of The Coliseum Events Centre – all because of YES International! We had Mr. Udeme Ufot of SO & U Saatch and Saatchi, our maiden guest speaker; Mr. Kunle Onime of MPC International; Deaconness Victoria Oginni of Blessed Water Limited; Mr. Mudi Enajemo of Mudi Africa; Mr. Jude Oditah of Megawash Drycleaners; Evang. Myke Ikoku of All Seasons Hotel; Chief Charles Ahize of Atlantic Automobiles; Dr. Ausbeth Ajagu of Oxford Hotels; Mr. Charles Igbinidu of TPT International; Yemi Odusote oPF & C; Ayeni Adekunle of Black House Media; Dr. Julius Nwokoro of Ultra Moda; Mr. Toni Kan of Radio 8; Mr. Augustine Inegbenehi of Great Nigeria Insurance; Mr. Charles Aigbe of UBA; Mr. Emma Esinnah of Fidelity Bank; Dr. Quincy Ayodele of Quincy The Herbal Slimmers; Alhaja Tai Elemosho-Okesanjo of Montai; Mr. Femi Faturoti of Zebra Insurance; Mr. Tunde Shofowora of Red Ribbon; Mr. Ade Victor of Advic Autos Limited; Mr. Tony Obot of Kandaval Communications Limited; Mr. Raymond Nwachukwu of Digital Logistics Limited; Mr. Charles Udoh of Adam and Agnes Limited; Mr. Desmond Ekeh of Synthesis Communications Limited; Mr. Chuddy Oduenyi of CCL; Mr. Cally Ikpe of Cally Vision; Mr. Malachy Agbo of The Citizen; Mrs. Maureen Odefa of Real Stars TV, Mr. Lanre Alabi of Prospers Strategy & Marketing Communications; Ms. Amara Blessing Nwosu, Mr. Uju Onyechere, Mr. Mike Osagie, Mr. Cornel Udofia…

NOLLYWOOD WELL REPRESENTED

The movie sector was ably represented. And leading the pack was the sheikh of Nollywood as well as the man who created the longest-running soap opera (Ripples) ever on NTA network, Zeb Ejiro. Supported by his younger brother, the one we all call Mr. Prolific, Chico Ejiro; there were also other respected members of the Nollywood family like Teco Benson, Saint Obi, Chidi Mokeme, Segun Arinze, Faith Eboigbe, Taryy West, Vivian Metchie, Arinze Mcjoel, Porttia Yamahan, Ifeanyi Dike, Chinwe Egwuagu, Okey Ezugwu, Arinze Okonkwo, Jennifer Eliogu, Olisaemeka Ugwunze, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Sonny MC Don, Chika Ihezie-Okafor, Emeka Ossai, Francis Onwochei…

COMEDIANS SHOW LOVE

Julius Agwu wasn’t the only comedian in the house. We also had other leading lights of comedy like Gbenga Adeyinka 1st and Tee A. And not forgetting the next generation of comedians. People like Koffi, MC Dannie B, The Senator, Acapella, Baba De Baba, D’Lectura, Ambassador, Head Master…

 MUSICIANS EVERYWHERE

Music creators whose songs we sometimes can’t do without were also there. We had Lagbaja, Alariwo, Kenny Saint Best, Essence, Rightousman, Yeni Kuti, Queen Ure, Mr. Solek, Harrysong, Carol Franklyn, Dude Tetsola, Zaaki Adzee, Jaywon and many more.

FASHIONISTAS AT THEIR BEST

Dressers and dazzlers were not in short supply at the event. And flying the flag of the fashionistas were renowned and respected members of the club like the delectable Eunice Efole; elegant Uju Murphy; sexy Tiwa Savage; admirable Joy Chico-Ejiro; sumptuous Kenny Saint Brown; constantly evolving Azuka Ogujiuba and many, many others.

POLITICOS IN THE HOUSE

A couple of politicians mingled with us on that day. But topping the list was our Guest of Honour and former Commissioner for The Environment, Lagos State, Dr. Muiz Adeyemi Banire. The grounded politico who is currently the National Legal Adviser, Action Congress of Nigeria, arrived slightly late though. Nonetheless, he had a good company in Chief Tunde Braimoh, former Chairman, Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos and Barrister James Okpara, Special Adviser, Media to Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji.

BLESSED WATER, LA BASH AND IDL LESSEN OUR BURDEN

The trio of Blessed Water (owned by Deaconness Victoria Bolanle Oginni), La Bash (Bashiru Olanrewaju Tanimowo) and Intercontinental Distillers Limited didn’t disappoint us one bit. Oginni’s company supplied all the customized YES! water that our guests drank that day; Tanimowo’s company – the cocktail and IDL – Veleta wines, Chelsea and Squadron dry gins. In all, none of their reservoirs went dry till the event draw to a halt. Our angels of mercy at IDL were Mr. Innocent Oboh and Mrs. Chioma Alonge.

ADEDAAS, 12 BASKETS FETE ALL

Finger-licking foods comprising samosa, chicken kebab, puff puff, etc were judiciously mixed and supplied by the duo of Adedaas and 12 Baskets. The two gentlemen who are the leading lights of their sector titillated and tantalized all with their expertise and experience in the business. Pipping hot and mouth-watering, many just couldn’t resist having a bite.

THE INSEPARABLE DUOS

They hardly move without each other – and our event was not an exception. We are talking about the Executive Chairman of Oxford Hotels, Dr. Ausbeth Ajagu and his lovely wife, Rev. Anuli. The ideal couple arrived in a black G-Wagon Benz looking happy and contented. Also in that league were Megawash boss, Jude Oditah and his pretty wife, Ifeoma. They walked in hand in hand at the peak of the event and savoured everything on offer till they left.

KSM, IKEJA SUB-CONCIL SHOW SOLIDARITY

Members of the Order of the Knights of Saint Mulumba, Ikeja, Lagos Sub Council, were around to show solidarity and love to one of their own. The beautiful order in the Catholic Church was led by their Grand Knight, Brother Daniel Egwu and his deputy, Brother Emmanuel Onyenankeya. The other Brothers present were Elvis Okah, Lesley Ikhajiaghe, Patrick Esekody, Austin Omorhirhi, Omatsola Igbene and David Ehikhuemen.

MEDIA LORDS LEND SUPPORT

Support, massive support, also came our way, courtesy, some of the media lords. Besides assisting us with enormous spaces for our adverts and press releases, some of them were also around to celebrate with us. Among them were Prince Bisi Olatilo of Biscon Communications, Mr. Yemi Olowolabi of Red Carpet TV, Bashorun Dele Momodu of Ovation, Mr. Kunle Bakare of Encomium, Otunba Mayor Akinpelu of Global Excellence, Charles Nwagbara of High Society, Dada Eriye of Bravo Weekly, Tunde Moshood of Famous Enquirer, Ejiro Roman Adigbo of Top Celebrities, Jide Ige of National Infinity, Dave Agwazim of Classique and Joshua Uloko of City Pride.

Not forgetting Micheal Effiong of Ovation, Azuh Amatus of Entertainment Express, Kunle Rasheed of Global Excellence, Tade Asifat and Uche Olehi of Encomium, Lanre Alfred of ThisDay, Abiola Aloba of Maestro Media, Sam Umukoro of Samumukoro.com and...

THANK YOU AND THANK YOU AND THANK YOU

That’s all we can say. First, to the Almighty God. Second, to all our readers and advertisers. And third, to all those that attended our 2nd anniversary lecture/cocktail. The event would have also fallen flat on its face without the support of these giants on whose shoulders we perched in order to see better and farther – Adeedas, Intercontinental Distillers Limited, Revival Assembly, Mudi Africa, Mimi’s Place, 911 Drinks, Neimeth Pharmaceuticals, Cellulant, Jumrash Aso Oke, Ati Anang, Lagos Chapter, DMT Evacuation Services, First Impressions, Dame Comfort Obi, Mr. Raphael Sanni, Mix & Bake, Lady Apostle Helen Ukpabio, Chief Charles Ahize, Prince Bisi Olatilo, Quincy The Herbal Slimmers, Radek Fashion & Accessories, Global Spiritual Congregation of Light and Liberation, Promasidor, First Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, Mr. Matthew Ngadi, Deaconess Victoria Oginni, Needlekraft, Mr. Kehinde Ehijiator, Mr. Ganne Adewuyi…

 Culled From YES! Magazine.