It was a night filled with love, laughter and beautiful tributes as family, friends, colleagues and well-wishers gathered to celebrate a remarkable media professional, Alhaji Hakeem Bello, on his 61st birthday. The evening was a special celebration of a man whose life and career have touched many people.
The surprise birthday dinner took place at the prestigious TILAPIA & TINZ African Signature in GRA, Ikeja, Lagos. His loving wife, Engr. (Mrs.) Habeebat Bello, and daughter, Barakat Bello, alongside her siblings, organised the memorable evening for the former Special Adviser on Media and Communications to Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, during his tenure as Lagos State Governor from 2007 to 2015 and later as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 2015 to 2023.
The celebration began with a special prayer by Imam Hakeem Kosoko, a close friend of the celebrant. Soon after, guests took turns to praise and celebrate the birthday boy, who looked youthful and elegant in a white Agbada, complemented by a gold-accented cap. At 61, Alhaji Bello carried the grace and charm of a much younger man.
A former Editor of the Daily Times, Alhaji Bello has built a respected career in journalism, public relations and communications. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. His professional achievements and personal relationships formed a major part of the tributes at the gathering.
In his response, the celebrant said he had no idea that his family had planned such a grand surprise. He explained that he only expected his usual birthday cake in the morning. According to him, he was told that the family was going to a wedding dinner for the daughter of a colleague of his wife, Engineer Bello.
He was therefore shocked and delighted when he arrived at the venue and found respected family members, professional colleagues and friends waiting to celebrate him.
Alhaji Bello thanked the guests for taking time out of their busy schedules to honour him and his family. His words reflected his appreciation for the love and goodwill shown to him on the special occasion.
In her vote of thanks, his wife, Alhaja Habeebat Bello, expressed joy at the success of the surprise party. She disclosed that the family had planned the celebration the previous year but postponed it because they were on vacation outside the country.
She described her husband as a hardworking and dedicated media professional whose commitment to his work often kept him away from home for long periods.
However, she praised him as a loving family man who cares for both his immediate and extended families. She also commended his commitment to the education, career development and progress of their children.
The evening ended on a joyful note as guests enjoyed classical jazz music, delicious meals and different gift items. Beyond the food, music and laughter, the celebration was a beautiful reminder of the value of family, friendship and a life well spent.
For Alhaji Hakeem Bello, turning 61 was not just another birthday; it was a memorable celebration of love, service, achievement and the many lives he has touched.
Guests List:
1. Mrs. Bolanle Adetunji
2. Mrs. Biola Otitoloju
3. Mr Samuel & Mrs Tokunbo Olaiya
4. Engr. Ibrahim & Mrs Nimah Bello
5. Dr John & Dr (Mrs) Modupe Okoh
6. Mr Lukman & Mrs Remilekun Olaonipekun (Lukesh)
7. Dr Tosin & Engr. (Mrs.) Binta Balogun
8. Prof. Tunde & Mrs. Bukola Akanni
9. Imam AbdulHakeem Kosoko
10. Chief Babatunde & Chief (Mrs) Victoria Kafaru
11. Alhaji Kabiru & Alhaja Taiwo Dauda
12. Alhaji Taiwo Olapade
13. Mrs. Abimbola Ero
14. Mr Dotun & Mrs Oluwakemi Iyaomiye
15. Mrs. Omolara Oyewole
16. Alhaja Nimah Omosanya
17. Mr. & Mrs. Akeem Ayinde
18. Mrs. Babaranti Abike
Hakeem Bello at 61: A Night of Love, Laughter and Tributes
