By MADUABUCHI KALU
It was a carnival atmosphere Sunday, October 27 when Joseph Anayo Odobeatu the managing director of the O’jez Entertainment Group hosted the outgoing Consular General of the Ghana consulate, Her Excellency, Mrs. Samantha Gift Bukhari.
It was a day to remember for Mrs Gift Bukhari as she was showered with affection and high praises during her tour of duty in Nigeria. The occasion was held at the popular O’jez sports lounge at the heart of the ever busy National Stadium, Surulere- Lagos.
Some of the dignitaries and entertainers who graced the occasion include the Cameroonian Consulate General, Elisabeth Manga Bessem, Segun Arinze, Sunny Nneji, Alariwo of Africa, Alex O, Paul Obazele, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Secretary General, Abubakar Yakubu, Comedian Mr O, and other in-house entertainers amongst other celebrities.
Members of the Ghanaian community in Lagos friends and well-wishers were on ground to celebrate a woman that speaker after speaker, described as mother of all mothers. A listening leader, a diplomat per excellence. A woman who impacted not only Ghanaians but all who came across her.
In his goodwill message, spokesperson for the O’Jez entertainment group Mr. Effiong Nyong commended Mrs. Samantha Gift Bukari for her humility, dedication and service to Ghana and humanity. Mr. Nyong explained that for the period he has known Mrs. Bukhari, she has left an enduring impression of a good mother and a selfless and dedicated diplomat who would go to any length to ensure that things are done properly for the good of Ghanaians and all mankind.
“On behalf of the MD, management and staff O’Jez Entertainment Limited, I wish to welcome you to this epoch making event.
“For us at O’Jez, we this gathering as a means to recognize and appreciate you, your Excellency, Mrs. Samantha Gift Bukhari for what you have done for Ghana all mankind,” Nyong began.
“There’s no one that will come across you that will not notice your humility and dedication to serving Ghana and humanity
“This party is the MD’s way of appreciating and saying thank you for all the good things you have done in course of your duties.
“On behalf of the MD staff and management of O’Jez, I wish you well in your future endeavours,” Mr. Nyong said.
“We’ll ever cherish the relationship we shared,” Mr Nyong declared
In their various goodwill messages, the president of Ghanaian community in Nigeria praised Mrs Samantha Gift Bukari for impacting the lives of Ghanaians resident in Nigeria. The Ghanaian community lauded the outgoing diplomat particularly for making sure that Ghanaian children resident in Nigeria are not made to pay school fees as foreign students unlike in the past, when Ghanaian children who reside in Nigeria, when they return to Ghana to study in the higher institutions were made pay as international students.
They wished her well in her future endeavours even as they requested her to always keep her doors open as they always beckon on her for her motherly advice and support when the need arises.
Responding, Mrs Samantha Gift Bukhari expressed gratitude to Mr. Joseph Odobeatu, management and staff of O’Jez Entertainment Limited for the honour done to her.
She thanked Mr. Odobeatu for his support and magnanimity. She told of how Mr. Odobeatu has always bankrolled some of the consulate’s activities particularly as it relates to hosting of parties for Ghanaian children even at the shortest time.
“I don’t even know where to start in talking about the O’Jez MD who planned and organized this gathering,” the diplomat started.
“I must say that I am overwhelmed because I never envisage this.
“Chief Odobeatu has been a big supporter to us at the consulate ever since I came in contact with him.
“Whenever we knock on his door for assistance for our children’s end of the year party either here at O’Jez or elsewhere, he always listens to us, I say thank you.
“As a matter of fact, I lack words to express how grateful I am. I want to say again, thank you and your management and staff as well.
“You have always been there for us. You have been a pillar of support for us at the consulate.
“We can’t repay you for all that you for us but I know God will continue to enlarge your coast. I could remember when we had no money to organize a Christmas party for our children and we came to you for assist and you did not hesitate to grant our request despite the limited time and that put smiles on the faces of our children. It did not end there, any time we run into difficulties you have always come to our rescue, I want to once again, thank you. I will always cherish this memorable occasion.
“You helped in no small way in making my stay in Nigeria very memorable. Like I said earlier, we may not be able to pay you for all the good things you have done for me and Ghana, but I tell you that we appreciate everything and we are grateful. Once again, thank you so very much sir,” Her Excellency, Mrs Samantha Gift Bukhari said.
The highlight of the occasion was the cutting of the event cake and awards presentation to Her Excellency, Mrs. Samantha Gift Bukhari and two other staff of the Ghana consulate who equally bowed out of service in Nigeria. The awards were from the Ghana community resident in Lagos.
Sunny Nneji, Alariwo of Africa and Alex O, took turn to entertain the audience with their hit songs