Prince Oduntan Bask Industry Euphoria At 60th Birthday Celebration

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

Yesterday, Sunday, March 22, 2026, the Ikeja GRA, Lagos highbrow Marcelina Hall was set aglow as the maritime and nation’s maritime and freight forwarding industry converged to celebrate one of its own frontline player, Prince Segun Oduntan, Vice President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), to mark his 60th birthday.

The diamond jubilee which began with a solemn thanksgiving service at the celebrant’s place of worship, where family, friends, and colleagues lifted their voices in praises to the Lord for a life defined by success, integrity, resilience, and service. From the pews to the pulpit, the atmosphere was charged with reverence for a man whose journey has touched countless lives.

The celebration later transitioned into a lavish reception at Marcellina Hall, where the crème-de-la-crème of Nigeria’s port and freight forwarding industry gathered. The hall brimmed with dignitaries, including Customs Assistant Comptroller General, I. Isyaku who represented the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR PhD; Chairperson of STOAN,  Princess Vicky Haastrup; ANLCA President, Sir Emenike Nwokeoji; and former ANLCA President, Prince Olayiwola Shittu; ANLCA Zonal Coordinators and Chapter Chairmen  including Alhaji Femi Anifowose and Chief Ifeanyi Isikaku; Tope Akintoye, aka Ijoba, Mrs Stella Olayiwola Shittu, the delectable wife of Prince Olayiwola Shittu; and Hajia Bola Muse.

The turnout includes traditional rulers, socialites, and industry stakeholders, underscoring Oduntan’s towering influence across the industry and beyond. The celebrant’s grand entrance, flanked by his beautiful wife Fumilayo and their three children, drew a standing ovation. A live band electrified the atmosphere, setting the tone for an evening of joy, dance, and camaraderie.

Olori Haastrup, in her tribute, described Oduntan as “a man of many parts and distinguished disposition that makes him either tough and yet soft, straightforward, unapologetic, loyal, and faithful.” Her words echoed the sentiments of many who took turns to extol his virtues, unveiling a gentleman and a leader whose transparency and patriotism have become a benchmark of edifying reference in the maritime industry.

Beyond his professional achievements, Oduntan’s children painted a portrait of a deeply caring father. His eldest daughter, Lanre Iyaniwura, spoke movingly: “Everything I achieve today, without my father, I won’t be able to achieve it. He set the standard for me in everything, especially business-wise.”

The evening’s highlights included the cutting of a regal cake adorned with the number 60 and a crown, symbolizing Oduntan’s royal heritage and industry stature. Entertainment was top-notch, with Christian musical groups offering edifying songs, ace comedian, Omo-Baba guiding the proceedings with his affable aura of pleasant disposition and deep, sonorous voice; supported industry upcoming MC,  Kenneth Jukpor, who together kept the tempo lively.

More photographs from the event.

In his appreciation speech, Oduntan expressed gratitude to God, his family, and the industry stakeholders who he said have stood by him through decades of service. He reaffirmed his commitment to the growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector, pledging to continue mentoring the next generation of customs brokers and freight forwarders.

The jubilee concluded with laughter, music, and endless photographs , a fitting tribute to a man whose life story is interwoven with the progress of an entire industry.

Perhaps, just more than celebrating his 60^th anniversary; Prince Segun Oduntan  basked in the euphoria of an industry that proudly calls him its own.