Pharm. Chukwuemeka Obi, chief operating officer, PharmacyPlus Limited, was recently treated to a surprise birthday party.
The colourful party, put together by his wife, Mrs Eunice Obi, professional colleagues and company staff, was held at the company’s conference hall in Oregun, Lagos.
Obi who had sauntered into the conference room in response to a request for an emergency meeting with the staff, was astounded when he discovered that he had entered into his own birthday venue, with sumptuous cakes and excited well-wishers awaiting him.
While confessing that he never thought such a prank could be played on him, Obi said he kept wondering how an “emergency meeting” could metamorphose into a surprise birthday party in his honour.
Addressing the audience, Mr Olumide Elutade, one of PharmacyPlus executives (Lagos region) explained that the event was put together to celebrate a man whose life had impacted on them positively.
“This afternoon, we gathered for the testimony of a man who has impacted so many lives. In churches, worshippers call their overseers ‘Daddy G.O.’ but here in this company we call our boss ‘Daddy COO’.I want to use this special occasion to appreciate his resilience,” he enthused.
On her part, Mrs Eunice Obi, wife of the celebrant showered encomium on her hubby, saying that she is blessed to have him as a partner.
“Right from the time I married him to date, he has brought love and joy into my life. I am not only proud of his achievements, I am also bold to call him my husband,” she remarked.
Her last statement gave way to a rousing ovation from the audience who kept on applauding her as she hugged her spouse.
When earlier informed about the surprise birthday party, Pharm. Ogheneochuko Omaruaye, managing director of New Heights Pharmaceuticals noted that he was amazed.
“I kept wondering what exactly they meant to celebrate. It later dawned on me that we are always waiting for one special occasion to celebrate one another in this part of the world. Emeka is a great guy and we are proud to equally celebrate with the staff,” he emphasised.
Henry Okorafor, managing partner, Henri Consulting Limited urged the company staff to learn from the celebrant’s exemplary lifestyle, adding that he knows God still has greater plans for him to accomplish.
Emamoke Gbobodo, managing director, Baked Treats Confectionery seemed to be in agreement with Okoroafor when he described the PharmacyPlus boss as great friend whom anybody would be willing to hear talk because of his profound wisdom.
The high points of the event were the vibrant prayer session, the cutting of the birthday cake and the lighthearted talks as the guests continued to congratulate Obi on his achievements.
In attendance were Mrs Olubunmi Omaruaye, director, New Heights Pharmaceuticals; Pharm. Felix Anyanwu, key accounts business manager, New Heights Pharma; Pharm. Paul Ibeanuka, celebrant’s business associate; Mr Peter Inekwe, managing director, GreenMeans Healthcare and Pharm. Nimi Okorafor, chief operating officer, Niche Pharma Limited.
Others were Mr. Emeka Enemuoh, chief operating officer, Alpha Zeros Nigeria Limited; Mr. Fola Sogbesan, chief executive officer, Optix Limited; Sayo Odunsi, chief executive officer, 360 Degrees; Jude Elue, chief executive officer, Rockforth Pharma; Pharm. Agnes Elue, superintendent pharmacist, Rockforth Pharma; Mr Akonte Ekine, lead strategist, Absolute PR Limited; Pharm. Olayemi Ilori, regional manager, PharmacyPlus; Mr Chinedu Ohaegbulem, logistics officer, New Heights Pharma and Pharm. Olumide Elutade, PharmacyPlus representative for Lagos region.