The definition of love was in full view as over 200 guests stormed the 5-Star Hilton Waldorf Astoria resort in Cancún, Mexico for a weeklong 55th birthday event in honor of Dr. Okey Obua.
Guests thoroughly enjoyed every bit of the time spent celebrating a jolly good fellow, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. The celebrant really showed his influence on this occasion.
The official theme for the getaway celebration was Fun, Photos & Fabulousness. It all officially commenced with a Calm Before the Fiesta for all the early arrivals.
Official dates: February 19-22, 2026
THURSDAY, FEB 19: Touchdown & Tee Pickup: Guests gathered at the Sunan Asian Bistro to collect face caps and custom birthday T-shirts. There was Light music, bites, and flashing lights, reflecting against the Caribbean Sea. It was pleasant to observe genuine hugs amongst family and friends that haven’t heard or seen themselves in a long while.
FRIDAY, FEB 20: The celebrant had carefully selected activities for guests and allowed everyone the option of choosing their own adventure. The choices included but not limited to the following:
- Tulum Ruins: 2-hour ride. Cliffside Mayan city and market.
- XCaret Park Cancun: 1-hour ride. Zip-lining, kayaking, and other activities and ways to prove you’re still fun.
- Swim with Dolphins at Delpinuus Cancun: 50-min ride.
- Mercado 28: 33-min ride. Authentic market for souvenirs & local vibes.
- Resort life: 0-min ride. Stay at the resort and enjoy the Pools, spa, naps.
Later that evening, guests gathered for an all-white themed party spiced with throwback oldies music by Houston based DJ Skippo, dinner, dancing, mingling, jokes by U.K. based MC Henry, photographic memories by Dallas based Trendy Africa, and some posing with ‘samba’ ladies.
SATURDAY, FEB 21: The day commenced with an iconic group photo session by the hotels grand patio. Getting about 200 guests to gather for a photograph was no easy feat but we worked together and achieved it. There were also school and family group sessions that added to the beauty of the segment, which featured all guests clad in their official event t-shirts and face caps.
Later that afternoon, guests returned to the patio to enjoy live Uptown Band Performance at the Lobby Terrace. Some guests found time to change into comfortable and ready to dance apparels, while majority of others just hung around at the bar after the photoshoot in their branded event wares. Funk waits for no one. After lots of choreography dancing, it was now time to nap, spa, or float until the grand dinner.
The dress code for the Formal Birthday Dinner was Black Tie for men and trendy evening Formal attires for the ladies. This session was more Hollywood than ‘Cancún’. The gents turned out in the best tuxedos money can buy, while the ladies decked out in carefully designed and fitted gowns. Everyone, without exception, looked gorgeous.
This segment featured a series of speeches, acknowledgements, revelations, and a surprise appearance from Nigerian clergyman and recently turned super star entertainer, Chukwuemeka Cyril Ohanaemere – Odùméje, aka Liquid metal. He literally tore the place apart as guests swarmed him for selfies and recognition. Who knew that he was such a super star…
The DJ kept the venue ablaze with renditions of crowd moving songs. Guests danced their shoes off till way past midnight. It was the perfect climax for an incredible event.
SUNDAY FEB 22: the day of Adiós, amigos. This was kind of a somber time as in reality, no one felt like leaving but as it’s often said, some good times will come to an end. Logistics for airport transfer had already been organized by the celebrant, who interestingly was the chief planner of the entire experience!!
I personally had a great time interacting and making new friends. I am grateful to Dr. Obua for the opportunity to document this milestone. Wishing everyone a great life and plenty opportunities to celebrate.
Tosan Aduayi writes and photographs from Mansfield, Texas – +18175282145 – [email protected]
(please share your individual experiences in the comment section) **stay tuned for more photos
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