Media entrepreneur and public strategist Adebola Williams commenced his 40th birthday season, aptly titled “The Year I Turn 40”, with a series of deeply reflective and celebratory events. The festivities began with a vibrant Thanksgiving Service held at This Present House in Lagos, drawing together a distinguished assembly of leaders from various sectors including government, business, media, culture, and faith. This gathering marked the initial phase of a year-long introspection into purpose, service, and legacy, with subsequent events planned across Nigeria, other parts of Africa, and Europe.

The Thanksgiving Service was graced by numerous eminent personalities. Among the attendees were His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; Chief Olusegun Osoba, former Ogun State Governor; Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Bola Adesola, Chairman of Ecobank; Mo Abudu, CEO of EbonyLife Group; Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya; Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, former Education Minister and World Bank Vice President; Pastor Bolaji Idowu; H.R.H Erelu Abiola Dosunmu; and Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of Airtel Africa Foundation. Also present were Dr. Kola Adesina, Dr. Supo Olusi, Dalu Ajene, Senator Adeleke Mamora, alongside notable figures from the creative industry such as Shaffy Bello, Rita Dominic, Toke Makinwa, and Sola Sobowale.

The service was thoughtfully structured into three reflective sessions, each dedicated to faith, nation, and family. The first segment focused on expressing gratitude for Williams’ life journey, featuring insightful Bible readings by Yomi Awobokun and an uplifting worship session led by Mercy Chinwo. The second segment turned its attention to Nigeria, with heartfelt prayers offered for the nation’s well-being. Minister Bosun Tijani read scripture and delivered remarks emphasizing the critical importance of service and innovation for Nigeria’s future prosperity. The final segment celebrated family, with worship led by Adeyinka Alaseyori and a Bible reading by Williams’ wife, Kehinde Williams. This segment transitioned into emotional tributes, celebrating his character, leadership, and significant impact on others.

During an poignant moment of reflection, Adebola Williams spoke candidly about his life experiences. He shared his story of growing up in a privileged environment before transitioning into a period of significant hardship, vividly describing it as moving “from a silver spoon to a wooden spoon.” He recounted witnessing his mother successfully build a business at 22, only to lose it in her thirties, an experience that profoundly shaped his understanding of resilience and the necessity of reinvention.

Tributes poured in from his family and friends. His sister affectionately described him as a foundational influence in her life, asserting that “every success I have today has Debola somewhere in the story.” Mo Abudu lauded his wisdom and thoughtful counsel, while Dr. Kola Adesina commended his reliability and unwavering loyalty. Dr. Oby Ezekwesili underscored Williams’ steadfast belief in Nigeria, his profound commitment to Africa’s future, and what she identified as his defining quality: integrity.

Following the Thanksgiving Service, Williams hosted a special Iftar prayer gathering, partnering with Knorr. This event continued a tradition he has maintained for over 11 years, fostering fellowship with friends and colleagues of the Muslim faith. Guests at the Iftar included actors Femi Adebayo and Lateef Adedimeji, as well as business leaders and professionals such as Muhammed Lawan, Adedayo Amzat, and Jasmine Tukur. The evening was characterized by prayers, reflections, and shared meals, cultivating a warm atmosphere that emphasized unity, gratitude, and service.

Reflecting on these dual gatherings, Williams expressed their deep symbolic significance. He stated, “These two sacred gatherings — thanksgiving and prayer — felt like the most meaningful way to open the curtain on this new chapter of life.” This inaugural weekend marks the commencement of a broader series of events and engagements scheduled throughout the year across Nigeria, Africa, and Europe, as Adebola Williams embarks on a year-long reflection on purpose, service, and his future endeavors in his milestone year. BellaNaija has been confirmed as a Media Partner for Adebola Williams at 40.