The Managing Director of Integrated Consultancy Management Accounting Services (ICMA) and former captain of the Ikeja Golf Club, Dr Abdul Wahab Awa Ibraheem, is 60. A reception was held for him at the club to usher him into the sexagenarian club. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

ALTHOUGH a reception was being held to mark his 60th birthday, one thing engaged the mind of Managing Director of Integrated Consultancy Management Accountants Services (ICMA) Dr Abdul Wahab Awa Ibraheem, last Saturday. That is Sunday's Manchester United vs Arsenal FC match. Though one week away, he was already talking about the game.

As a staunch fan of Man U (the Red Devils), Ibraheem was looking forward to his team whipping arch rival Arsenal (the Gunners). MAN U's victory, he said, would been his best birthday gift.

Among an array of gifts presented to him at the Ikeja Golf Club, Lagos, venue of the reception, the one he cherished most was the first-class ticket to the United Kingdom to watch the match at Old Trafford presented to him by two of his children, Mrs Temitope Ajanaku and Muiz Ibraheem. To them, it was difficult choosing a gift for a man who virtually has it all.

"I have never been there (Old Trafford), he said, amid banters and boos from the Gunners' supporters.

Dr Ibraheem (aka AWA), clocked 60 on October 19.

Though the celebration was earlier billed to hold on the exact date, he left for Mecca a week before on pilgrimage to escape the celebration. His wives and children had it all planned but he chose to spend that day praying in the holy land.

"He actually did pray all day because I called his number several times on that day to wish him a happy birthday to no avail," Mrs Ajanaku told The Nation.

The walkway of the lounge of the club was lined with a red carpet. The roofing and wall were embellished with gold fabric, same as the chair overlays. Each table took 10 guests, who turned out as resplendent as they could.

The guests were entertained by the Alayande ‘Wole-led Prince Dance Band, while the members chatted and made new friends until the arrival of the birthday ‘boy'.

They comprised his friends and associates from four states and neighbouring Ghana. The turn-out was a testimony to the character of the man they came to celebrate.

It was a simple but classy gathering.

They referred to him in superlative terms: a detribalised Nigerian, a golfer, philanthropist, first-class graduate, chatered accountant, lecturer, stockbroker, manager, consultant, mentor and entrepreneur to mention but a few.

The first to take the microphone was the captain of the club, Adewole Showole, who described the celebrator as an unassuming philanthropist who is dear to his heart.

"At 60, which he doesn't look, he is an epitome of success. I have known him to be a gentleman for a long time; we have not seen as much benevolence from anyone as we have seen in him. Despite being an honorary member, he takes the responsibility for 50 per cent of the members of the Ikeja Gold Club, thus, the decision to honour him."

Showole said a short prayer asking God to keep him for many more years.

For the Secretary to the Delta State Government Hon Ovuozourie Macauly, the older he is, the more handsome he becomes.

Macaulay recalled some conversations and meetings he had with Ibraheem. He Ibraheem believes we are all sourjourners and the legacies we leave behind count. Hence, his many services to humanity, devotion to community and kindness to mankind. He promised to host another birthday celebration for Ibraheem in Asaba soon.

There was a golf tournament in honour of Ibraheem. Prizes were presented to winners; they went home with prizes, such as gas cookers, microwave ovens, freezers and refrigerators, blenders and other household electrical gadgets.

The height of the presentation was the celebrator's announcement that he would start a workshop, fully equipped with all the necessary appliances for one of the young winner who is an apprentice of a profession.

The guests went wild in jubilation, stretching their necks to know who the lucky chap was.

Members of the staff of the golf club as well as the pros (professionals) presented him with gifts in appreciation of what God has used him to do for them.

Mrs Ajanaku described her father as temperamental but great, adding that he gave them all they needed to become successful in life. She said sending him to Old Trafford is for him to meet two players of the club and, hopefully, the Coach, Sir David Moyes.

The celebrator thanked his friends for the party, adding that he did not contribute a dime to host the event. He also thanked his wives and children for standing by him all these years.

The Offa-born celebrator recalled some of his days at the CMS Anglican Primary School, Offa, Kwara State, particularly the white and green rice they were given on October 1, 1960 when he was seven.

Afterwards, he took to the dance floor with his family while friends sprayed him with crisp naira notes.

AWA graduated with first class in Accounting from the University of Lagos in 1982, after which he assisted in setting up the Department of Accounting and Finance in the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) the same year. He bagged a Ph.D in Management Science from UNILORIN in 2003.

In recognition of his leadership qualities and his contributions to the society, he was awarded the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship by the government of the United States.

His alma mater, UNILAG, honoured him with the Golden Jubilee Distinguished Award in 2012.

He has served on the boards of New Africa Merchant Bank, Lagos; Arewa Hotels, Kaduna; Nigeria Hotels, Lagos; Zaranda Hotels, Bauchi; Festac 77 Hotels, Lagos; Shiroro Hotels, Minna; Kwara Hotels, Ilorin.

At present, he is the Chairman, Oak Pension Funds Administrators, Oceanic Health Management Organisation, Prime Metro Properties and Express Portfolio Services, among other blue-chip organisations.

At the event were: Delta State Head of Service Mr Okey Ofili; Chairman, Henry George Group of Companies, Ilorin, Sir Oladimeji Thomson and its Managing Director Nelson Supo; Director-General, Bureau of Lands, Kwara State, Alhaji Yusuf Abdul Wahab; Oseni Aliyu of the Nigerian Customs Service; the Ooye of Omu-Aran Ooye Ademola Bamidele, among others.