By MADUABUCHI KALU
Renowned musician Sunny Nneji turned 59 last Sunday and he was hosted to a surprised birthday bash by the chairman and managing director of the O’Jez Entertainment Group, Joseph Anayo Odobeatu.
The event, which was held at the O’Jez Sports Lounge at the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos was graced by great musical acts like Alariwo of Africa, Alexander Okoroigwe a.k.a Alex O, actors like Segun Arinze, Paul Obazele, National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abubakar Yakubu and many other well-wishers.
Nneji had arrived at the Sports Lounge with a number of his friends with zero idea about what Chief Odobeatu planned for him; and when it was time for the ‘cat to be let out of the bag,’ Nneji was simply blown away, pleasantly overwhelmed with emotions as he came out with his friends.
The highlight of the event was the cutting of the birthday cake by Nneji, he was swarmed by well-wishers and then after it was speech after speech showering encomium on the celebrated artist and his truthfulness, his integrity, sincerity and trustworthiness. Alariwo of Africa described Nneji as his best friend because of his trustworthiness and sincerity of purpose.
In his words: “Sunny is a good man I must tell you. Our relationship has spanned several decades. He is reliable, trustworthy, sincere and humble.
“With all due respect to all my friends here and beyond, I made bold to say that Sunny Nneji is my best friend,” Alariwo declared.”
Responding, Nneji said he was overwhelmed by what Chief Odobeatu has done for him as he never had any idea that such a thing was on the table.
According to Nneji, “I am overwhelmed with this show of love by the O’Jez MD,” Nneji began.
“When I was living my house to this place, I never had any idea that Chief has this surprise package for me. I am very so grateful.
“What am I to say than thank very you much sir for this surprise package.
“I know that you can come up with a surprise any time but sincerely speaking, I never envisage this one. Thank you and may God bless you and reward you a million times,” Nneji prayed.
Birthday songs were sung for him even as prayers were said on him. Nneji later entertained the audience with some of his hit songs including ‘Ikebe’.
