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By AbuSatar Hamed
LAGOS: The Chairman Eleganza Group and Nigeria’s foremost industrialist; Aare Rasak Akanni Okoya will clock 80 years on Sunday, January 12, 2020.
The indefatigable businessman who started trading at a very tender age before venturing into manufacturing will be serenaded by top business moguls, politicians, high powered celebrities and dignitaries that cut across all sectors of the Nigerian and international economy.
The fact remains that Aare Rasaq Akanni Okoya has paid his dues in helping many out of poverty through the establishment of his group of companies that is into diverse economical sectors, most popular of which is the Eleganza Industries now rebranded as the Eleganza Industrial City, where thousands of Nigerians and expatriates earn their daily living.
According to research conducted by the Squard Media Group led by Quadri Olowolagba, Aare Rasaq Okoya will celebrate the 80th birthday at his massive and expansive Oluwanisola Estate, Lekki, Lagos.
It was gathered that the beautiful and hardworking wife of the business guru, Dr. (Mrs.) Shade Okoya is preparing vividly for the grand event while thanking Almighty God for granting her lovely and caring husband the opportunity to join the league of octogenarians.
Shade Okoya who is regarded as the soul of the Eleganza Group of Companies will also be supported by top society ladies and internationally renowned business women who are all close friends of the Okoyas.
It scooped that, the Okoyas would be making history as they have contracted the trio of Nigeria’s Juju music legends, King Sunny Ade; Chief Ebenezer Obey and Sir Shina Peters, to entertain their privileged guests.
Meanwhile, Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Okoya on his 80th birthday.
According to a statement by Mallam Garba Shehu, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, President Buhari said Okoya’s resourcefulness in building a national brand has long gone beyond the borders.
In a letter dated January 7th, 2020, the President said: “On the auspicious occasion of your 80th birthday, please accept my warm felicitations for an inspiring life journey, and a vision of greatness that keeps producing outstanding results in almost all facets of our economy. I am delighted to see your footprints in our daily lives, and national growth indicators, which have been diligently interpreted in large scale industrial investments, creation of many jobs and promotion of entrepreneurial spirit.
“Dear Chief Okoya, as you celebrate this milestone, turning an octogenarian on January 12, 2020, I rejoice with you on the recognition and awards, both home and abroad, for your purposeful lifestyle of bringing comfort and joy to the lives of many through the Eleganza Group. You set out early to create a national brand, but by inspiration, perspiration and sheer doggedness, you have launched global products that have enriched daily lives and enhanced our nation’s image. We are proud of you.
“As a nation, we remain grateful for your philanthropy and huge investments in enabling the underprivileged to have a better life. May the almighty God remember and reward your large-heartedness with longer life, good health and prosperity. Happy Birthday!’’
Okoya, the latest Octogenarian and socialite, is married to two dutiful wives— Alhaja Kuburat, the mother of Okoya’s older children, and then Folasade, his younger wife. He is the Aare, traditional Prime Minister of Lagos, a prestigious title among the numerous high-powered ones he carries.
Born on 12 January 1940, Okoya is a real ‘Lagos boy’ as he was born, bred and buttered at the popularly area called Isale Eko, in the heart of Lagos,
