Lagos was aglow with celebration and heartfelt tributes as family, friends, and high-profile guests gathered to mark the 60th birthday of Uto Ukpanam, Secretary of MTN Nigeria, and the 30th President and Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria.
The diamond jubilee began with a thanksgiving service at the United Evangelical Church, where attendees offered gratitude for Ukpanam’s life and achievements. Among the dignitaries present was Lagos State First Lady, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.
Following the church service, an elegant dinner reception welcomed political leaders, corporate executives, family, and close friends. The hall was a vision of sophistication, adorned with sparkling white décor, soft ambient lighting, floral arrangements, and crystal chandeliers illuminating the stage backdrop. A live band set the celebratory tone for an evening of music, dancing, and joy.
Guests were warmly received by hosts, Victory Wilson and Nifemi Oguntoye, who guided the programme. The highlight of the evening was the grand entrance of Ukpanam, radiant in a flowing diamond-themed gown, accompanied by her husband, Aniekan, their two sons, and other family members. Guests rose in applause as she waved, embraced friends, and joined in dancing through the hall.
Her husband opened the evening with a heartfelt address, reflecting on their decades together since 1988, when they first met.
Prominent guests included Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Akon Eyakenyi; former First Lady, Martha Udom; State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom; MTN Foundation Chairman, Olumide Akpata; MTN Nigeria Board Chairman, Ernest Ndukwe; and notable personalities such as Mosun Bello-Olusoga and Ini Abimbola.
A touching moment came before the cake cutting when Ukpanam’s sons presented her with a painted portrait, earning applause from guests. The evening’s celebrations continued with the cutting of a beautifully crafted two-tier cake adorned with the number “60,” as lively music drew everyone back to the dance floor.
In heartfelt tributes, her children described Ukpanam as “a calm, well-calculated, and deeply caring woman whose strength and wisdom guide the entire family.”
Ukpanam later took the stage to express her gratitude to guests for their love and support. The evening concluded with group photographs, laughter, music, dancing, and goodwill messages, marking a truly memorable diamond jubilee for the esteemed celebrant.