Entrepreneur and philanthropist, Julienne Afolabi utilised the occasion of her 50th birthday anniversary to launch her pet project, Project 50: Giving the Willing Wings, which is driven by her non-governmental organization, HopeCity Charity International.

Afolabi’s 50 years earthly sojourn, which can be described as a testament and celebration of legacy, impact, and the power of giving, was marked by an event that saw the convergence of the crème-de-la-crème of Bonny Island in Rivers State and beyond.

Regarded as a beacon of hope, tirelessly uplifting lives through education, faith, and philanthropy, Julienne Afolabi, who is the Executive Director of HopeCity Charity International, has championed numerous initiatives to empower children and small-scale entrepreneurs.

In her speech at the event, she explained how ‘Project 50’ has furthered her vision of sponsoring 50 children in their educational pursuits and supporting 50 small businesses with financial grants.

“Our theme for this project is ‘Giving the Willing Wings.’ We want to give them wings to fly,” Afolabi reflected, emphasizing her unwavering belief in creating opportunities for others, ensuring that resources reach those who truly need them.

In his keynote speech at the event, the guest speaker, Dr Shogo Oyeniyi stated that life beyond 50 years should be predicated on making impact and building legacy, noting that “impact is measured by obedience to purpose”.  

“One powerful thing about life is that impact is not measured by age. Yes, impact is not measured by it. If you can document that, I would love someone to document that; impact is measured by obedience to purpose.”  

“Whatever it is we are celebrating today is not just a beauty, is not just an intellect; we are celebrating purpose, we are celebrating impact, we are celebrating influence.”

“We’re here today to celebrate a remarkable life story in the life of a celebrant. 50 years is not a joke. So, we want to appreciate God’s faithfulness, God’s mercy over the life of the celebrant.”

Guests at the event took turns to testify of Julienne’s lifelong commitment to philanthropy, leadership, and the transformation of lives.

The Pastor-in-Charge of Rivers Province 6, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Matthew Ashaolu lauded Julienne’s contributions to the church and the community, encouraging her to “continue in the good work,” recognizing that her dedication to humanity is a reflection of divine purpose.

The celebrant’s mother, Mary Gbamidele, overwhelmed with gratitude, said “to witness my daughter turn 50 is a blessing beyond words. She has always been a beacon of kindness, and today is proof of the love she has sown”.

Her husband, Samuel Afolabi, praised her unwavering faith and resilience, noting that “she is a woman of extraordinary belief, always trusting in God’s plan. Her faith has strengthened mine, and I am blessed to walk this journey with her”.

Sharing heartfelt emotions, Julienne’s daughter, Kashope Afolabi revealed how she only recently discovered the full extent of her mother’s charitable efforts.

“I always knew my mom was a selfless woman, but seeing first-hand how many lives she has changed left me speechless.”  

A key highlight of the evening was the official unveiling of Afolabi’s books. Her literary contributions, filled with wisdom and experience, were received with enthusiasm.

Following this, Project 50 was officially launched by Oyebola Oyewo, who detailed its mission, funding strategies, and avenues for participation, stressing that the initiative promises to change lives by offering scholarships and micro-financing opportunities to those with potential but limited resources.

“These books are more than just words; they are a legacy of knowledge, empowerment, and faith,” she remarked.

A teacher at Hope City School, Philomena Samuel described her as a “beacon of hope, having sponsored numerous students through university”.

One of her close friends of over 30 years, Oyebola Oyewo described her as “fearless, humble, and full of love for people,” emphasizing her selfless nature and leadership.

Similarly, a Christian sister, Yaziba Mbata praised Julienne’s commitment to faith and knowledge, stating that her teachings in Bible study had “deeply enriched my spiritual life”.  

The RCCG Choir set the atmosphere with an uplifting praise and worship session, followed by a documentary titled The Journey So Far, which provided a glimpse into Julienne’s transformative work and the countless lives she has touched.