At the superlative birthday party of billionaire business titan, Hajia Bola Shagaya held over the weekend at the prestigious Eko Convention Centre to
At the superlative birthday party of billionaire business titan, Hajia Bola Shagaya held over the weekend at the prestigious Eko Convention Centre to usher her into the Diamond club, quite a number of dignitaries from the various sectors of the economy were on hand to join the oil mogul in celebrating her new age. From her in-law, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and his wife, Dolapo to Alhaji Aliko Dangote, to the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi to Sen. Bukola Saraki and his wife, Toyin to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari etc.
However, one person many thought would be present at the party but was conspicuously missing from the array of A list guests was none other than the immediate past first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, more popularly referred to as Mama Peace. For many who don’t know, Bola Shagaya has a knack for getting endeared to the first families of any government in power, particularly the first ladies and Dame Patience Jonathan was not left out. In fact no sooner had President Goodluck Jonathan assumed power, than Bola Shagaya found her way into the inner circle of the first family and became best friends with the first lady.
So close did the two became that Patience hardly attended any event without the company of Bola. They took their friendship to another level when they both began to appear at events dressed alike. But all that chummy relationship came to an abrupt halt when the Jonathan-led government got ousted. No more were Bola and Patience seen together at events and coordinated dressing between them, ended. It is pertinent to note that one of Bola Shagaya’s sons is married to one of the daughters of the vice president.
Despite the absence of Patience Jonathan, the birthday event went on with fanfare. Compered by comedian and MC, Tee A, Dayo Benjamin-Laniyi and Andy Gabriel, the party kicked off with Islamic prayers led by Shiekh Farouq Onikijipa while guests were thrilled by Bee Jay Sax. Shortly after, a short film was aired which was a tribute by her close friends and family which includes Mohammed Babangida – all of who praised how hardworking, kind and accommodating she is. Thereafter, DJ Cuppy thrilled the guests and then Vintage Band took over, till well past 2am.
Other guests who made it to the party were Sir Kesington Adebutu, Rev. Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Musa Rabiu Kwakwanso, Tayo Amusan, Ekiti Gov., Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Kwara Gov. Mr Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, Imo Gov., Rt. Hon.Emeka Ihedioha, Mr Peter Obi, Alhaji Rasak Okoya & wives: Shade & Alhaja Kuburat, Prince Samuel Adedoyin,Chief Mike Inegbese & wife, Mary, AIG Tunji Alapini(Rtd), Sam Iwuajoku, Bella Adenuga-Disu & husband, Jameel Disu, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa, Hajia Abah Folawiyo, Mrs Regina Nyantekyi-Owusu, Ms Vivienne Ogde, Musa Danjuma,, Greg Uanseru & wife, Ema, Bashorun Dele Momodu, Sen. Daisy Danjuma, Donald Duke & wife, Onari, Princess Toyin Kolade, Lady Maiden Ibru, Ayo Subair, Iranola Ayodeji, Adesola Adeduntan & wife, Nnamdi Okonkwo & wife, Dr Dakuku Peterside & wife, Atedo Peterside, Eyimofe Atake, SAN & wife, Udeme Ufot & wife, Dorothy Ufot,SAN, Princess Omotade, Otunba Funsho Lawal, Sen. Mamora, Mayor Akinpelu, Allhaji Rasaq Lamex, Joke Sogunro, Prince Bisi Olatilo and so many others.
A formidable businesswoman Bola Shagaya has her tentacles spreads across oil and gas, photography, banking and real estate. A leading importer of base oil into the country, she is the Managing Director of Practoil Nigeria Limited a lubricating plant in Lagos, which is expected to produce multi-grade oils and lubricants. She is also one of the few women who own a private jet.
