At the end of the day, they were all happy - UTI, the widows, the special children and the celebrities who gave out gifts

By Samod Biobaku

Sixthsense34@yahoo.com

They were all there and from a distance, one might even have been tempted that fall into the conclusion that these celebrities had gathered to party, pop expensive champagne, whiskey and vodka but a closer inspection instantly revealed stars who had sacrificed their various commitments to share their time and money with Nigerian widows and special kids.

While it might interest you to know that they had all been led to do this by Nigeria’s Big Brother Africa winner, Uti, it might, however stun you to know that this marks the second time he would be giving to charity in 2011.

The event lived up to expectations in every quarter as celebrities turned out en masse to support their kin.

Held at O’jez Restaurant, Surulere in Lagos, the widows and special children were treated to fun and excitement with various musical performances and other forms of entertainment.

Uti also deliberately chose a time of the year when he was certain that his income and financial valor would have clearly expanded; the last quarter of the year.

Uti is unarguably well connected and has friends in great many places but despite his shiny IQ, physical strength, good looks and charm, there was no way he could accomplish his plan for special kids and widows alone. To achieve his goal of celebrating and sharing his wealth with the widows and special children, he needed help and that was exactly what he got on December 21, 2011; just four days before Christmas.

Simply Samad was at the venue of the event; O’jez Restaurant situated within the walls of the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos.

The event was scheduled to run from 12 noon till 6pm. I arrived a few minutes before 1pm and was surprised to find Uti already at the venue as he warmly received guests, special children and widows into the venue.

As the clock ticked, he was joined by other members of the showbiz community and as the afternoon sun rose high in the sky, the canopies shielding guests from it’s scorching rays, the event came alive.

The event was tagged ‘Uti Leads Stars  and it was clearly to celebrate with widows, Down syndrome kids, blind, deaf and dumb kids, needy children and all special people with the aim of making the festive season better and happier for all.

As earlier noted, Uti enjoyed the support of stars and countless prominent figures.

While some openly brought loads of gifts for the widows and special children, others performed wonders behind the scene and played very key roles towards ensuring that the show emerged a success. One of such was Nollywood actress, Ifeoma Okeke who was physically involved in virtually every compartment of the event. Another person who played a key role was Joy Sillo.

The likes of the Chairman, Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Orode Uduaghan, Alex Ekubo, Tonto Dike, Caroline Danjuma, Desmond Elliot, Monalisa Chinda, Halima Abubakar, Angela Okorie, Susan Peters, Michael Okoh, O’jez, Andy Ike, Bryan, Okwara, Goldie, Chika Ike, Ogechi Asiegbu, Mimi, Bose, Ruth Ezeh, Billion, Michael Nwachukwu, Ken Okorie, Ridwan, Ejiro, Gberno, Dipp, Dezign, Jane, Mike Okoh, Moyo Lawal, Benson, Entertainment Express, Nation, Daily Independent, NTA, Encomium, Gulder Ultimate Search winner, first runner-up, Project Fame, Beverly Naya and all Uti fans were on ground to support ensure that the event emerged a success.

It was gift galore towards the end of the show and the children, widows and other guests all wore smiles of happiness and fulfillment on their animated faces.

This facial expression followed then to the dance floor where everyone at the event grooved to the beats and rhythm oozing from the speakers.

There was more than enough to eat and drink so while the dancing continued into late into the evening, others took advantage of the window to get to meet their stars and take pictures with them. Indeed, Uti’s score sheet takes him to the very top in the class of charity in 2011.