The coast is now clearer. Not only that, nearly everything is equally ready for the third edition of the YES INTERNATIONAL! ANNUAL LECTURE/COCKTAIL PARTY. The go-to event which many people eagerly look forward to attending has taken a better form and shape – and we can’t wait to play host to you. More details will be unveiled in the days ahead, but for now, here are some pertinent things you really need to know…
THE DAY: Oh, it’s Thursday, June 19, 2014. Remember that YES INTERNATIONAL! made its debut and hit the stands on June 19, three years ago. And because of that, we won’t stop holding that date dear to us and our hearts.
THE VENUE AND TIME: The venue remains the quintessential lecture centre in the city of Lagos – Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos and the time is 11am prompt. Why NIIA? Because the first one held there, and like one popular adage says, once something is good or very good, you return for a second time.
THE GUEST SPEAKER: We promised you when we started this that annually you shall be enriched and ennobled by our esteemed speakers. We also promised you then to invite different speakers from different fields of human endeavour. Our first speaker was advertising pride and MD, SO & U Advertising, Mr. Udeme Ufot; the second speaker was Africa’s Bill Gates and chairman of Zinox Computers, Mr. Leo-Stan Ekeh. This year, we have Mr. Bismarck Rewane, MD, Financial Derivatives Company Limited and one of the most renowned and respected economists ever produced by this country. You must listen to him.
THE CHAIRMAN: Our chairman is Sir Steve Omojafor, chairman, STB McCANN and also chairman, Zenith Bank Plc. Omojafor is an advertising great as well as one of the most respected men in the corporate world today – and you will agree with us that the role he has magnanimously accepted to play for us on June 19 sure fits him.
THE GUEST OF HONOUR: It’s no other person than one of our biggest encouragers and supporters, Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa, Secretary to the Ogun State Government. The real estate guru who is always there for us and ever ready to throw his weight behind YES INTERNATIONAL! has assured us that this year again he will be there for us.
THE ROYAL FATHER OF THE DAY: We have zoned this one permanently to Oba Dokun Abolarin. And all the way from his palace in Orangun in Osun State, he will be joining us with his royal presence and special prayers.
THE MOTHER OF THE DAY: The grandma of acting and actress par excellence, Mrs. Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, will be our mother of the day. The glorious mother and grandmother who speaks impeccable Queen’s English will be there in all her majesty and matronly glory.
OTHER THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW: A whole lot of other A-listers will also be there and they have since confirmed their attendance. However, because we don’t want to be accused of bamboozling people with names of our high profile guests, we have chosen to pause it here. Meanwhile, you can still call or text 08033062157 and 08023002092 to advertise in our all-colour, no-gossip and library – enriching special edition of YES CLASSICS! The names of those that made it as well as their interviews will blow your mind on that day.
We’ve always unveiled one every year and 2014 won’t be an exception. You can equally do the same if you want to partake of our anniversary extravaganza or even send an e-mail to [email protected]. But if you are on our master list already, we urge you to exercise a little more patience. In the next few days, our text messages, special letters and lovely invitation cards will begin to make their way into your homes and offices. Lastly, we want to promise you a never-to-be-forgotten Thursday, June 19, 2014. Trust us. We have never disappointed you and will never. Never! Never!!
(More details in our next edition).