As the timeless Chinese maxim says, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step,” Chief Jide Taiwo’s meteoric rise to the limelight as an Estate Surveyor and Valuer, and arguably a living legend in a field that has seen many grappling with wherewithal on the next move to break even, has become a talking point for beginners in the property business.
On April 10, the crème de la crème of the Nigerian upscale class gathered to celebrate a man whose vision has transformed homes and properties into an enduring profession. On the day, he had the rare honour of celebrating his 75th birthday as well as the 45th anniversary of his brainchild, Jide Taiwo & Co (JTC), in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The event was indeed an evening of glamour, entertainment and reeling out of endless stories about the celebrant who has been privileged to shape and take valuation, real estate brokerage and property management business to an enviable status. Not done with his achievement within the country, he recently embarked on a global expansion project with the opening of his firm’s London office.
The event, compered by the ace comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka, had the first daughter of Chief Jide Taiwo, Jumoke Anifalaje opening the floodgates of serenading stories about the celebrant, who 45 years ago planted the firm Jide Taiwo and Co. Estate Surveyors and Valuers, now a household name in Nigeria, a leading player in the United Kingdom, the United States among other notable countries across the globe.
Anifalaje, who is the Vice Chairman of JTC, noted in her address that it is a true honour to welcome all to the celebration that brings together family, friends, colleagues and clients together to mark “two very special milestones.”
Among the dignitaries that graced the uptown event were former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Chief Oscar Ibru; president of Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Mr Victor Alonge; Prophetess Esther Ajayi; Managing Director of Jide Taiwo & Co, Ibrahim Mohammed, while Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who was presumed to attend the event in person had earlier in the day paid a courtesy visit to the celebrant at his Lekki, Lagos, residence to felicitate with the iconic estate valuer on his special day.
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