Message from Ayo

50 years. Wow. 50 used to seem so far out there, but now it is here. I have nothing but gratitude in my heart as I celebrate this milestone. Life is a series of choices you make and you can never truly know where those choices will take you but somehow the sum total of all my choices have led me here … to a place of love, joy, peace, fulfillment and contentment.

The bible says the steps of a good man are ordered by the lord. I strongly believe that my steps have been ordered by God. As to whether I’m a good man … I’ll leave that to you to decide.

So why this big celebration? In the last few months, three people have talked to me about a book called “die with zero”. If you can get past the morbid title, you’ll find a good book with some solid principles. Two of which are 1. Maximize life experiences, not net worth (growing wealth you can’t spend is wasting life energy) AND 2. invest in memory dividends (emphasize special moments with loved ones). In all honesty I haven’t read the book as I couldn't get past the morbid title, but the principles that my friends shared with me have resonated strongly and so I'm trying to focus more on maximizing life experiences and creating special memories. With this party (my first in 30 years) I want to create this amazing shared memory with all of you, one that will last long after the party is over. This is truly the best gift you can give me.

So why Lagos? Simple. Lagos is home and always will be. Lagos is where my family is. Lagos is where my people are. I want to celebrate with each and everyone of you and in the city that I call home. I want to bring friends from all around the world to experience our culture and hospitality. 

This celebration is as much about you as it is about me. Because my story is a story of all of us. From LUTH to Fountain School to AFMS to OAU to 3a Ikoya to Phillips Consulting, to HOTR, to TPH, to PwC, to UMD to Deloitte, to Marriage, to Kids, to the Golf life and to so much more. This is a celebration of the past, present, and future! I’m so thankful for what has been, joyful that i’m turning 50 and celebrating with you, and hopeful for all the great times that are yet to come .

Can’t wait to see you all on January 9th.