By Kingsley Anaroke
Do you know Nana Asmau Yakubu? If you know her, how well do you do? These were the questions asked by the MC, who was comically inspired to embark on humor escapade .
But the nudity of the expression revealed the personality colours of the celebrant who retired scandal-free in good health and in beauty at 60 years from civil service in Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA).
At first encounter, her blonde glamour tweaks one to think she is of Caribbean heritage. At a closer look again, you will credit her with Indian descent. Her name “Nana” takes one’s imagination to Ghana origin. So, the sight of Ms. Nana Yakubu evokes and inspires personality adventure. That is how compelling the innocent questions of the MC of her 60th birthday bash were.
She is a humble lawyer, from Kogi State and a loving soul to be with. She is an amazing personality, a humanity-centric woman that loves God.
Turning 60 to Nana is simply an eclipse of a career and the beginning of another one with the appeal and sensuality of a 50- year old lady. The sparks are still sultry and reassuring!
Her last career laps in NPA were full of lessons and trainings for post-retirement engagements.
On assumption of duty as the Managing Director of NPA, Hadiza Bala-Usman made her the Board secretary while on position as an Assistant General Manager(AGM) from where she was later made to preside over affairs in Public Private Partnership(PPP) unit. Soon, she got a deserving promotion as General Manager and was later saddled with the responsibility of Administration in NPA. Nana retired even in active state as GM, Administration. Indeed, she got to the peak of her career in peace. Not all colleagues of hers or mate made it or had the trajectory seemingly positively undulating. This is the reason for her thanksgiving and birthday bash.
Many died in this journey, many got smeared in scandal and corruption, many changed their nature and identity in the line of duty, many got sacked , many got stagnated and retired without fulfillment but Nana made it to the peak holding on to God.
She got numerous awards and recognition over the years as mark of industry and humanism. She is a known MMS Maritime Amazon and a member of Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT) Nigeria.
The Pearl event centre in Lekki was thrown open for her families, friends and well wishers on Thursday, October 1st in celebration of 60th birthday party. All covid-19 protocols were observed on entry. NPA and WiLAT dominated the event as expected.
The Blossom band held souls and feet captive with old school tunes. Have you seen Nana dance? She is a lover of good music and dances in sync with her beauty. In fact, on the floor, she rolls. No wonder the event planner got a live band with endless vibes and doses of tunes. Women and men in their 60s and 70s danced in nostalgia to Marvin Gay’s sexual healing track, Bonny M’sdaddy cool and many others. It was an evening to remember.
The day featured the musical star, Oritse Femi and hisokpolo eye no be open eye gyration. This could pass for the high point of the musical reality in the bash.
Personalities across sectors were in attendance to honour the Diamond in her party. Mrs Folake George, President of WiLAT led her many members to honour one of their own. Mrs. Jean Chiazor Anishere, African President, Women in Maritime Africa was there. Mrs. Carol Ufere, who has been through this path of honour in NPA was there. Engr. Adams Jatto, GM, Corporate and Strategic Communications of NPA was there. MMS Plus was there, too. Many other corporate gladiators and royal fathers showed presence.
However, the big question remains, Nana, what next?
