THE NIGERIAN VOICE NEWSPAPER AUGUST 2013 | Page 7

EVENTS THE NIGERIAN VOICE 7 August 2013 RAFIU (RALPH) OLUWASEGUN ODUYOYE “TURNS 15”—Wife. It was celebration and merry galore on June 28, 2013 Friday as Mr. Oduyoye celebrates his birthday at Montana, Pretoria in grand style. With the support of friends and family in a unique display of “wearing jerseys” which shows a strong bond of unity among Nigerians living in South Africa, the Nigerian born celebrant expressed, “actually it's something new I discovered. I just find a way of celebrating my birthday with friends… let's just do something unique and different…I think everybody likes it”. In a brief 'one on one' with the Nigerian Voice Newspaper, the young compassionate husband and father of two children Boluwatife and Oluwanifemi, stated that he is proud of Nigeria. “I'm proud to be a Nigerian, green white green. I'm proud of it. I like my country”. Also he added, “South Africa has been a home. For the period of time I have spent here, I enjoyed myself…I like it, I like South Africa”. The creativity and intelligence of Mr Rafiu , shows in a unique way in the design of his birthday cake looking like a bottle of champagne, presented by his wife. Relating to this, he noted “that's my favourite drink anyway, that's what I like to drink. I discovered the design”. As the cake design and jerseys worn by him, his wife and friends reveals so much about his personality, he explained, “I like to create things in my own mind. I don't follow what people do. I do my own thing the way I want it to be”. Claiming it runs in the family, “we usually get what we want”. Conclusively, he thanked all his friends for coming “I thank all my friends for coming today” and advice all Nigerians in South Africa to keep up the good works “keep up the struggle and keep up the hustle. Keep it up men, keep going”. In support, his wife Mrs Abimbola Oduyoye expressed “the celebrant is my husband, Rafiu Oduyoye. He is a wonderful man, the best man any woman would ever wish for. He is a good father, a good husband. He is my best friend”. She said “He has passion for people. He helps others. He is just a good man”. Stating about the celebration, she said “well, it's his birthday party and he just turned 15.” “I don't expect it to be like this …I taught it was going to be a low key but we obviously blew it out of proportion and it's nice, it came out nice. I'm happy with it”. In her final words she joyfully discussed about their family as,''a small family”, thanking everyone who attended the party “I really appreciate everyone that came because they have been so helpful. They helped with a lot of the organization you know…they have been wonderful”.