Ife Agog As Ooni, Shina Peters, Obanla Light Up Olapeju Oke 50th Birthday
Bolaji Israel
Canada-based Nigerian businesswoman, philanthropist, and diplomat, Olapeju Naomi Sigismund Oke, concluded her week-long birthday festivities with a luxurious party at the Ife Grand Resort on Saturday, October 5th.
The event drew an impressive array of dignitaries and elite guests from Nigeria and around the globe, including attendees from the USA, UK, Canada, and beyond. Notable figures included the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II; legendary musician Sir Shina Peters; and US-based Prophetess Bola Obanla, founder of the Devoted Beloved Christ Ambassadors Store House (DEBASH).
As the Republic of Vanuatu’s Trade Commissioner to Ontario, Canada, and founder of the HopeForSure Foundation, Olapeju Oke expressed her fulfillment at reaching the milestone of 50 years. She emphasized her renewed energy to continue serving humanity through her various initiatives in education, health, skill acquisition, and widow empowerment.
PJ as fondly called reiterated her commitment to fostering trade and enterprise connections between Nigerian and Canadian entrepreneurs through her Africa-Canada Investment and Expo Summit (AFRICIES) outreach programmes.
“I feel incredibly happy seeing my loved ones celebrate with me from all over the world, including Canada, USA, and the UK.I’m especially delighted to have my son join me from Canada,” she said.
Reflecting on her journey over the past 50 years, she shared, “It has had its ups and downs. I have been an orphan for about 30 years, but God has been faithful. I am a goal getter, and everything I desired, God has granted. I am grateful for my life, the people around me, and the spirit of humanity that God has bestowed upon me.”
She continued, “I believe in one guiding principle: we come into this life with nothing and will leave with nothing. Life is vanity, and our time here is short. We should help others as much as we can. Serving and supporting people is what completes me, and I believe we should be our brother’s keeper.”
The ambassador expressed her optimism for life after 50, stating, “This is a new chapter, and I look forward to a greater journey of serving and doing good to the best of my abilities.”
The festivities began with a feeding programme for the less privileged, followed by medical outreach initiatives aimed at combating cancer and addressing eye health, named the “Cancel Cancer/Jigi Abebi Olapeju” programme. These included activities at the Palace of His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
An embodiment of grace and charm, the celebrant also launched her book titled “The World Betrayed,” sharing the occasion with secondary school students in attendance. She hosted a diverse group of dignitaries and notable personalities, including traditional rulers, government officials, industry leaders, and icons from the entertainment, fashion, and cultural sectors.
The lavish celebration was marked by luxury, glamour, and an unforgettable ambiance. Renowned Nigerian music maestro Sir Shina Peters provided entertainment, ensuring that the celebrant and her guests were thoroughly entertained.
Naomi Olapeju Oke is the founder of the Hope For Sure Foundation, convener of the Glam African Fashion Festival (GAFF), and project director of African Canada Investment, which organizes AFRICIES—a prestigious business gathering that connects African businesses with Canadian investors, promoting robust trade relations and offering valuable networking and investment opportunities.
Known for her impactful philanthropic efforts, Olapeju has made significant contributions to the lives of the less privileged in critical areas such as education, health, trade, and skills acquisition through her foundation. She is deeply dedicated to enhancing trade between Vanuatu and Canadian enterprises, as well as African businesses, through various enabling platforms, including AFRICIES and more.
