Osinbajo, Lai Mohammed lead dignitaries to classy Dome Relaunch 

By Kemi Yesufu

Feelers of what turned out to be an uber classy event started with high profile guests arriving The Dome Abuja in some of the finest automobiles, dressed to impress.

Chairman of The Dome Entertainment, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, led his team in welcoming V.I.Ps as they stepped in for a long stretch of music, scintillating performances, good food, the refreshing  company of gracious A-Listers and a free flow of sparkling wine.

The Dome relaunch tagged, “the reunion”, started with a late lunch the Paradiso Garden. But before lunch, Sound City’s V.J Adams held sway on the red carpet, speaking with an array of dignitaries including the minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Lai Mohammed.

The high point of the night was the official commissioning of The Dome by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo. The Vice-President was conducted round the massive entertainment complex immediately after he cut the red tape and unveiled the commemorative plaque for the launch.

Compere for the night,Nigeria’s number one comedian, Ali Baba, started off by speaking on why an investment in tourism, leisure and entertainment is probably the best kind as the country seeks to diversify the economy.

Ali Baba, commended Dr.Okonkwo for renewing faith in the entertainment industry by injecting millions of naira to repackage The Dome. According to him, the new look Dome is a huge improvement on what was already a first  class brand. Ali Baba wasn’t the only comedian in the house as fast rising act, Aproko thrilled guests with rib cracking jokes.

The ace comic soon called on Vice-President Osinbanjo for his remarks.And even when he kept it short and sweet, the V.P said he was pleased to be part of re-launching an entertainment centre, that gives credence to government’s position that the non-oil sector is where Nigeria future lies.

 “The very important reason I am here is because this is a commissioning like no other” he said.

He opined that it’s investments like The Dome Abuja, is what Nigeria needs to push for a similar status with Dubai, which despite being an oil producer makes only 20 percent revenue from oil.

Osinbajo congratulated Dr. Okonwko on building a world class centre, saying, “this is Just the beginning for The Dome.  We should expect more from them”.

When it was time for him to speak, Okonkwo thanked the Federal Government for the ease-of-doing business policies, saying, they are already having positive effects on different sectors of the economy.

“The Vice-President’s being here today proves that he doesn’t just talk, but walks the talk.

“He has said severally, that we must diversify our economy and that government will play it’s role for us to change Nigeria’s mono-economy status.

“Government policy is very important, especially in a sector like ours. The architect who designed The Dome is here with us because of executive orders on the ease-of-doing business…the visa-on-arrival policy introduced based on the executive order issued by the Vice-President is real. This policy is good for tourism, entertainment and leisure”, Okonkwo said.

The Dome boss, also told guests, the investment in The Dome was to restore it to its flagship  position in the tourism and entertainment sector. “What you see today is a new Dome reloaded. Our relaunch is a 3-day programme to re-activate all sections of our operations, to expose it to you beautiful people gathered here”, he added.

 On the red carpet

The Dome now comprises of the Summit Bar and Restaurant, the Wesley Snipes Lounge, The Satchmo Cigar Lounge. For families that have fun together, the new look Dome returns with the Noni’s Pizzeria, Camelot Spa & Gym, a bowling alley and the newly introduced, Francis Boutique hotel.

The Vice-President and Okonkwo were joined by selected dignitaries to cut the relaunch cake. And soon after these formalities, South-African pop stars, Mafikizolo came on stage a second time for a power packed performance.

Aproko

Nigerian music ambassador to South-Africa, D.J Waxy, who is back home for the first time in three years, led the team of Disc-Jockeys on the night. Fun seekers were given a taste of the Saturday night parties in the Big Brother Naija House, with former housemates taking to the stage for a dance session.

Fans of the BBNaija show were shown a lot of love by ex-housemates, Rico Swavey, Tobi, Nina, Alex, Vendora and Princess, who accepted many selfie requests. The same thing for Big Brother Africa winner and actor, Uti Nwachukwu. Former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, Munachi Abi, Nollywood starlet, Beverly Naya were among those whose gorgeous looks gave fans something to talk about months after Friday. The presence of Miss. Africa Gaseangwe Balopi also added color on the night. The glamorous event was capped off by a superlative performance by rapper/actor, Falz. Revelers danced as Falz bombarded them with hit songs like Jeje and Wehdone Sir.

Despite being a fun event, The Dome boss was presented a card by his kinsmen, who described him as a worthy son and role model.  Young celebrities were joined by older high society figures such as Mr. Chris Uche (SAN), Senator Joy Emordi and Senator Ike Obiora. Members of the diplomatic corps also made their presence felt.