Something Different for Adukwu’s 50th Birthday

When Mr. Emmanuel Adukwu, the Northern Regional Manager of Lotus Bank, set out to celebrate his 50th birthday, he wasn’t looking for just another party. Known for his refined taste and as the brain behind the high-profile Jos Chillin’ brand, Mr. Adukwu wanted something different—something bold, disruptive, and unforgettable. That’s exactly what he got when he approached Isu Media Limited.

The role of a master of ceremonies is often considered sacrosanct in Nigerian event culture.

For nearly three months, the Isu Media team collaborated with Mr. Adukwu on what many would call an audacious idea: eliminating the event compere—yes, no MC!

This was not merely unusual; it was revolutionary. The role of a master of ceremonies is often considered sacrosanct in Nigerian event culture. Who would introduce the speakers? Who would manage the flow? Who would keep things together in case of technical glitches?

But Isu Media had a radical answer: let a video do it all.

A Scripted Celebration of Life

Together with the celebrant, Isu Media crafted a concept that would merge cinema with celebration. Titled “Project 50”, the film would present Mr. Adukwu’s life not as a static series of speeches and toasts, but as a cinematic journey—a tribute to his life, his love, and his legacy.

Mr and Mrs Adukwu and family.

The film captured his passion for football, golf, philanthropy and entertainment, highlighting his investments in youth through the Mees Palace Football Academy, where children are enrolled under age 10 and nurtured in both formal education and professional football. Mr Adukwu was paying for all these for over decade already. The video also spotlighted the Mees Palace Entertainment Centre, home to a cinema and an event venue that embodies his vision for a creative, empowered youth.

The MC Was a Movie

On the night of the event, the beautifully decorated Mees Palace Event Center in Jos transformed into a movie theatre—with three massive LED screens and over 500 invited guests from across Nigeria. As the lights dimmed, “Club 50 & The 20th Wedding Anniversary” began to roll. The four articulate Adukwu children appeared on screen, narrating stories about their father, their mother, and their family life—seamlessly blending the celebration of a 50th birthday with their parents’ 20th wedding anniversary.

Elesha, one of the amazing performers that night in Jos.

In place of an MC, the video took control, introducing segments, transitioning to performances, and holding the audience spellbound. Every cue was intentional, every moment crafted. Performances by Tuface Idibia, MI Abaga, Faze, Artella, Meddy Olotu, Elesha, Pastor Nicodemus, and other A-list acts were embedded into the film narrative.

And the beauty? Most of these performers were part of the audience—watching, laughing, and clapping until their cue came. Then, like actors springing from the screen into real life, they would rise from their seats or the crowd and take the stage. It was immersive, surreal—and absolutely unforgettable.

When Art Met Experience

Even legends like Tuface admitted it was a first. Gone was the usual routine of waiting backstage, isolated from the event. Here, he sat among guests, relishing the experience until his video cue prompted him to perform and he would rise from the audience with a wireless mic already handed him in the dimly lit hall. Tubaba and Faze also collaborated on stage, a rare gift to the Jos audience.

When Ibro of the defunct Zule Zoo jumped up and delivered “Kerewa,” even Gen Z guests—who weren’t born when the song first hit—danced with unrestrained joy.

But the climax came when MI Abaga exploded onto the stage, summoned by the children in the movie. As “Action Film” roared through the speakers, the hall erupted in euphoria. The lines between film and real life had blurred so completely, guests were unsure if they were in a cinema or a concert.

A Masterstroke in Event Innovation

As the after-party rolled into the morning with endless food, drinks, and laughter, one thing was clear: nobody missed the MC. In fact, the movie was the MC—a narrator, conductor, and emotional anchor that guided guests through the night with elegance and flair.

In Jos, that night, history was made. Mr. Adukwu’s 50th wasn’t just a birthday; it was a redefinition of what events could be. And Isu Media didn’t just think outside the box—they turned the box into a screen and let the story do the talking.

—

What do you think—would you dare to have a video as your MC? Drop your thoughts in the comments!