Azuh Arinze, the stylish and much loved publisher of YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine marked his 45th birthday in style on Friday, 24th March with the presentation of his book, THE CEO’S BIBLE (Conversations with top executives on starting, sustaining and standing out in business).
The crowd-pulling event which took place at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos brought people of different professions and persuasions under one roof. Azuh was euphoric. It was a moment he had waited for. At some point, he couldn’t even hide his excitement as he generously displayed it, moving from guest to guest, appreciating everybody in sight.
But one man captured the mood in the hall that bright and beautiful afternoon. Udeme Ufot, advertising giant and chairman of the occasion spoke brilliantly about the celebrant and what he represents, especially among those who know him very well.
“Azuh Arinze is a good man”, he remarked. This statement was not lost on the audience. The chairman obviously drew his conclusion from a relationship that started many years ago. He also described Azuh as an honest, lively, dependable and professional person who is loved by many. “Anytime I attend his event, there is some consistency in attendance and this is evident here today”, he said.
Consistency is Azuh’s watchword in friendship and relationship, so nobody in the audience was surprised by the vote of confidence from Mr. Ufot. But aside the chairman’s moving remarks, positive comments also came from other notable guests like Dr. Dakuku Peterside, DG of NIMASA, who represented Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transportation; Dr. Muiz Banire, SAN, APC’s National Legal Adviser; Apostle Anselm Madubuko, renowned preacher and Dr. Tunji Olugbodi, foremost marketing communications expert who also reviewed the books.
Kind words for Azuh also came from the mouths of Kunle Bakare, Azuh’s mentor and publisher of Encomium Magazine; Onyeka Onwenu, music super star and elegant stallion; Dr. Larry Izamoje, founder, Brila FM; Chief Tony Okoroji, COSON chairman and former PMAN president; Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, PR guru; Emeka Oparah, Airtel top shot and popular film maker, Zeb Ejiro.
Others who also spoke glowingly were Prince Bisi Olatilo of Biscon Communications; Mrs. Funke Egbemode, President, Nigerian Guild of Editors; Steve Nwosu, Deputy Managing Director, The Sun Newspapers; comedy king, Ali Baba; Hon. Funmi Tejuosho, former Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly; Hon. Tunde Braimoh, Chairman, House Committee on Information, Lagos State House of Assembly and two former Commissioners for Information in Anambra and Akwa Ibom States, Tony Onyima and Aniakan Umanah respectively.
THE CEO’S BIBLE, a two volume compendium with over 800 pages is a landmark project that should be on every shelf. The book documents timeless encounters and also represents the highpoint of Azuh’s remarkable journalism career.
As I wish Azuh continuing happiness, blessing and the very best that life offers; I pray that he continues to live his dream. Happy birthday my friend!
– SYLVESTER ASOYA