By Funsho Arogundade
When you think the crème of high society and billionaires should be resting after attending dozens of 2024 Christmas and New Year’s parties, they seem to have shaken off the hangovers and started ticking their 2025 social calendar. On Sunday January 12, the party of the year seemed to come early as it was a carnival at the 85th birthday of the billionaire industrialist, Chief Rasaq Akanni Okoya, held inside his Oluwanishola Estate, Ajah, Lagos. At the party, it was a glittering assembly of Nigeria’s wealthiest and best-known socialites in Lagos and beyond who had gathered to honour the Chairman of Eleganza Group, celebrating a remarkable 85 years of life, love, accomplishments and legacy.
If there’s one thing people know about Okoya, it’s that he loves to celebrate. From living in blowout mansions to owning fleets of luxury supercars and private jets, the only way to live life is by going all out. For the billionaire socialite, lavish parties are his Shangri-La. It’s unsurprising then that he celebrates his birthday like it’s a national holiday. Okoya’s annual birthday soiree has become a must-attend event for Nigeria’s famous and wealthy. His 85th birthday soiree was graced by an array of distinguished guests, including business leaders, political leaders, traditional rulers, and other notable personalities, all gathered to honour such a remarkable figure. Okoya’s party is where the heavyweights and luminaries meet, mingle, wheel and deal, and relax. The night, once again, validated the extent of the Okoyas’ influence and social acceptance.
At the over-the-top party, there were rows of banquet tables draped with gold cover and white napkins and slim vases filled with flowers that were the colours of the sunset. Keeping with the modern vibe, the chairs were acrylic. Every guest was treated to lavish meals, drinks and good music. During the birthday cake cutting session, Okoya was supported by his two dutiful wives —Kuburat Olayinka, the mother of Okoya’s older children, and then Noimat Folasade, his younger wife. An extraordinary man of means, Okoya, the Aare of Lagos has contributed significantly to the economy and livelihoods of many Nigerians, especially in Lagos State, where his companies thrive. He has impacted the community and inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams. His generosity and philanthropic efforts including scholarships for young people and financial support for small businesses, are a testament to his commitment to uplifting others. On his birthday, the billionaire was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude as everyone rallied round him to make the occasion an unforgettable experience. And it was indeed a memorable soiree that showcased the goodwill and love enjoyed by the billionaire Okoya from family members, friends and business associates.