In a beautiful display of faith, gratitude, and community, family, close friends, and distinguished well-wishers converged at The Present House on Freedom Way, Lekki, Lagos, to celebrate media entrepreneur and civic leader Adebola Williams as he gracefully entered his 40th year with a heartfelt thanksgiving service.
Popularly known as Debola Lagos, Adebola Williams stands as one of Nigeria’s most influential voices at the intersection of media, youth empowerment, and national development. He is the co-founder of RED | For Africa, the continent’s largest portfolio of youth-focused media brands. He also co-founded the prestigious The Future Awards Africa — a platform that has spotlighted and celebrated exceptional young change-makers across the continent for over a decade — as well as the dynamic online news platform YNaija.
With a career rooted in strategic communication and civic participation, Williams has made significant contributions to democratic processes and public engagement. He notably led the groundbreaking media campaign for the 2015 presidential election of Muhammadu Buhari and has been instrumental in several high-impact political communication and youth mobilization initiatives across Africa. His work continues to inspire a new generation to actively participate in nation-building and social transformation.
The thanksgiving service was a deeply spiritual and uplifting affair, characterized by powerful sessions of praise and worship, soul-stirring hymns, inspiring sermons, warm tributes, and expressions of profound gratitude to God for the gift of life and impactful journey.
Renowned gospel ministers Adeyinka Alaseyori, Mercy Chinwo, Dare Justified, and Sunmisola Agbebi electrified the atmosphere with anointed and energetic performances that left the congregation inspired and spiritually refreshed.The service reached a touching climax with a special prayer offered for the celebrant and his family, before concluding on a high note with a graceful recessional hymn.
Among the notable personalities who graced the occasion were: HRM Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, former Minister of Education and Solid Minerals, and former Vice President of the World Bank’s Africa Region, Erelu Bisi Dosunmu, Aare Dele Momodu, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State, accompanied by his wife Chief (Mrs.) Sade Okoya, Mr. Kola Adesina Mo Abudu, Toke Makinwa, Pastor Dotun Ojelabi and many other respected leaders from various sectors of society.
The elegant gathering served as a fitting tribute to Adebola Williams’ remarkable journey — one defined by visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to youth development, and a passion for using media as a tool for positive societal change.
As he steps into this new decade, the celebration reflected not only personal milestones but also a life dedicated to inspiring excellence and contributing meaningfully to Africa’s progress.
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