Toke Makinwa is set to mark her 40th birthday with a blend of gratitude, reflection, and anticipation. The former On-Air Personality (OAP) and multi-faceted media mogul is orchestrating a series of events that not only commemorate her personal milestone but also serve as a testament to her journey in the public eye.
Toke Makinwa has announced plans for a Thanksgiving service ahead of her November 3rd birthday. Scheduled for October 20th in Victoria Island, Lagos, this gathering of family and friends is poised to be more than just a prelude to her birthday festivities; it’s a public acknowledgment of the divine favor she believes has shaped her life and career.
Makinwa took to Instagram to confirm the upcoming event, revealing that disc jockey Dorcas Fapson had flown into Lagos specifically to attend the Thanksgiving service. Her post exuded a palpable sense of joy and gratitude: “God just be steady showing off with me. Omo Yoruba ni mi o. For yesterday, Today, and a promised Tomorrow. Thank you, God. Thank you that you are not a MAN; thank you for EVERYTHING. Are you even ready?????”
This expression of faith and thankfulness offers a glimpse into Makinwa’s personal philosophy, one that attributes her success and resilience to a higher power. The phrase “Omo Yoruba ni mi o” (I am a Yoruba child) not only affirms her cultural identity but also suggests a deep-rooted connection to her heritage and the values it instills.
As she approaches this significant life milestone, Makinwa has been in a reflective mood. In a recent social media post, she mused on the swift passage of time, noting that there were only ninety-two days left in the year 2024. This observation speaks to a broader sentiment shared by many as they approach milestone birthdays – a sense of time accelerating and the urgency to make every moment count.
For Makinwa, this reflection isn’t tinged with regret but rather with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation. Her career trajectory, from radio personality to television host, author, and entrepreneur, embodies the dynamism and versatility that have become hallmarks of Nigeria’s evolving media landscape.
As Makinwa prepares to enter her forties, she continues to challenge and reshape public perceptions about her personal life and views on relationships. Despite being a divorcee, she has consistently pushed back against the notion that she harbors any animosity towards men or the institution of marriage.
In a recent statement, Makinwa addressed what she considers a “wrong narrative” about her stance on men and marriage. Contrary to the perception that she might be bitter or anti-marriage, Makinwa asserted her love for the institution, stating, “I love marriage and being married. I greatly advocate marriage because 2 is better than 1.”
This clarification is significant, not just for Makinwa’s personal brand, but as a broader commentary on societal expectations placed on public figures, especially women, regarding their marital status and views on relationships.
Makinwa’s journey in the public eye hasn’t been without its challenges. Her approach to handling criticism, particularly regarding her age and marital status, offers insights into her resilience and wit.
In June, she deftly handled a troll who mocked her for being unmarried, suggesting she had moved from her “single era” to an “unmarried era.” Makinwa’s response was both graceful and assertive: she declared that God would do hers for her and that the troll would be alive to congratulate her. This interaction highlights not only Makinwa’s quick wit but also her unwavering faith in her future.
Similarly, when an X (formerly Twitter) user prematurely aged her into her 40s while complimenting her appearance, Makinwa’s response was both corrective and playful. She questioned the user’s assumption about her age, clarifying that she hadn’t yet turned 40, but assured them that when she does reach that milestone, she’ll be “hotter.” This exchange exemplifies Makinwa’s ability to navigate public misconceptions with humor and grace.
As Toke Makinwa stands on the cusp of her 40th birthday, her celebration takes on broader significance within Nigerian culture and the entertainment industry. In many African societies, 40 is viewed as an age of maturity, wisdom, and established success. For women in the public eye, it often comes with added scrutiny and expectations.
Makinwa’s approach to this milestone – celebrating openly, expressing gratitude, and maintaining her vibrant public persona – challenges traditional narratives about aging, especially for women in the media. Her confidence and continued career success serve as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that life’s second act can be just as dynamic and fulfilling as the first.
Toke Makinwa’s journey to becoming a household name in Nigeria is a testament to her versatility and adaptability. Starting her career as a radio personality, she quickly expanded her repertoire to include television hosting, acting, and authorship. Her book, “On Becoming,” which detailed her personal struggles and growth, became a bestseller and further cemented her status as a influential figure in Nigerian popular culture.
Her ventures into fashion and beauty have also been notable, with Makinwa often being recognized as a style icon. This multifaceted career has not only contributed to her personal brand but has also opened up conversations about personal branding and diversification in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
As Toke Makinwa prepares to step into her 40s, the anticipation surrounding her birthday celebrations reflects her status as a beloved public figure. The Thanksgiving service and subsequent birthday events are likely to be star-studded affairs, bringing together Nigeria’s entertainment elite to celebrate one of their own.
More than just personal milestones, these events serve as a reflection point for the Nigerian entertainment industry. Makinwa’s journey – from a young radio presenter to a multi-platform media personality and entrepreneur – mirrors the growth and evolution of Nigeria’s media landscape over the past two decades.
Throughout her career, Toke Makinwa has faced personal and professional challenges in the public eye. From her highly publicized divorce to navigating the often-treacherous waters of social media criticism, she has consistently demonstrated resilience and grace under pressure.
Her openness about her struggles and triumphs has endeared her to many, particularly young women who see in her a role model for navigating life’s complexities while maintaining a successful career. As she enters her 40s, this aspect of her public persona – the resilient, transparent, and relatable celebrity – is likely to resonate even more strongly with her audience.
As Toke Makinwa prepares to blow out forty candles on her birthday cake, she does so not just as a celebrated media personality, but as a woman who has grown, evolved, and thrived in the public eye. Her journey serves as an inspiration and a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and self-reinvention.
The upcoming Thanksgiving service and birthday celebrations are more than personal milestones; they are a public affirmation of a life lived boldly and a future embraced with open arms. As Nigeria watches Toke Makinwa step into this new decade of her life, many will be eager to see what new heights she will reach, what new ventures she will embark upon, and how she will continue to shape the narrative of success, resilience, and grace in the face of life’s challenges.
In Toke Makinwa’s own words, as she steps into her 40s, she promises to be “hotter” – a statement that encapsulates not just physical appearance but the confidence, wisdom, and vibrancy that come with embracing each new chapter of life with enthusiasm and gratitude.
