New York, New York: Friends and family turned out at the elegant New York World Yacht to celebrate the 80th birthday of Nigerian queen of beauty Chief Dr. Mrs. Opral Benson. Chief Benson turned 80 years old last February 7, and had a big bash in Lagos, Nigeria. But she arrived New York last month, flying as usual on Arik Air, and checked into her well appointed $1.5 million condominium in Manhattan. Opral has received more than seven chieftaincy titles in Nigeria, and she is the wife of the late flamboyant Nigeria’s First Republic Minister of Information, Chief. T.O.S. Benson, Esq. Chief Dr. Benson is the Honorary Consul-General of Liberia in Nigeria.
Chief Dr. Mrs. Opral Benson (sitting middle) about to blow out the candles on her birthday cake. On left is Ms. Alma Bright, and right is Chief Dr. Chika Onyeani Standing, l-r: Chief Mrs. Loretta Onyeani, Mrs. Joyce Mason Fingle carrying her daughter and the other son standing next to her, Ms. Carmelita Frazier (her best friend), Dr. Georgiana Land, Azuka of Africa
When she arrived in New York, her niece (she has hundreds of nieces and nephews), Alma Bright said to her “Well, you had your shandig in Lagos, but you are here now and we are going to celebrate your 80th birthday in America, a major milestone for any human being and nobody looking at your would know that you are 80, instead of thinking you are in your 50s.” Alma, other family members and friends decided to organize the big soiree for her.
We all trooped to the World Yacht on Pier 81 in Manhattan, and boarded the Duchess, yes the Duchess fit for the queen of beauty. The Yacht was filled to capacity with other celebrants, and the music was incredible. We dined to assorted kinds of food, well I like a lot of fish washed down with Moet champagne. Opral was treated to special announcement celebrating her birthday, and later she got up to the dance floor and wow, could she dance!! The whole crowd joined in shouting appreciation for her dancing.
Outside the World Yacht Duchess
The World Yacht cruise takes you around the island of Manhattan, starting from 41st Street on the Hudson river, passing Ground Zero (World Trace Center), Status of Liberty, Ellis Island and other landmarks around New York City.
Those who joined her in celebrating included talent/music event coordinator Ms. Carmelita Frazier, Dr. Georgiana Land, Mr. Douglas Mason, musician Ms. Libra Sene, music impresario Azuka of Africa, banker Ms. Joyce Mason Fingle (who Opral raised as a daughter) and her children, the Onyeanis Chief Dr. Chika and Chief Mrs. Loretta Onyeani, and of course her niece Ms. Alma Bright.
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Report By African Suntimes
