Some gatherings sparkle. Others mean something.
The rare ones do both quietly, confidently, without forcing the moment.
The Business & Pleasure End-of-Year Dinner and Charity Ball 2025 stood firmly in that rare space, where excellence met empathy, and celebration carried a conscience.
As the year slowly draws its curtain, Business & Pleasure International chose not to end it in noise, but in intentional impact. From the thoughtful charity outreach to the refined dinner and business conversations, the entire weekend was a reminder that success is most powerful when it remembers people.
On Saturday, 6th December 2025, members of Business & Pleasure International paid a heartfelt visit to the Catholic Home for the Elderly, Airport Road, Benin City. Led by compassionate leadership and represented by Mr Afamefuna, Miss God’s Glory Ekanem, Mr Nosa Onaghise, Miss Chinma, Miss Gift Jericho, and Mr Uwa Patrick, the visit was filled with warmth, humility, and genuine connection.
Beyond the presentation of essential items,toiletries, adult diapers, slippers, detergents, tissue papers, and assorted beverages,the visit offered something far deeper presence. Conversations flowed gently, encouragement was shared freely, and laughter softened the walls of age and time. The elderly residents responded with prayers rich with gratitude, blessings offered from lives that have seen much and still choose hope.
The Benin Writers Society commends the foresight of the leadership of Barr Douglas Ogbankwa, whose guidance ensured that this outreach was not symbolic, but sincere. Charity, in this moment, was not about giving down, it was about standing with.
As evening approached, the tone transitioned seamlessly into refined celebration. The red carpet, elegantly hosted by GG, ushered guests into an atmosphere of poise and prestige. The compering excellence of MC Fasodo and Stefani, with support from MC Moon and MC Datie, sustained a smooth, vibrant flow throughout the night.
The networking session fostered meaningful interactions among members, opening doors to emerging business opportunities and future collaborations. Introductions reaffirmed the human stories behind every brand and venture, reminding attendees that growth thrives in community.
Music, dance, and lighthearted moments followed each, balanced, each intentional, proving that pleasure can coexist beautifully with purpose.
The convener’s opening remarks and the Business & Pleasure AGM titled “The Way Forward” anchored the evening in reflection and responsibility. Conversations moved beyond celebration into structure, sustainability, and vision.
A defining moment came with the Business Colloquium on “Financial Intelligence in a Changing Business World. Was a business round table ” Led Mr Ojo Akin George, a Leicester University–trained business strategist with years of professional experience, as a key-note speaker, comrade Fred Newton and Mr otas Bazuaye as co-speakers, the discussion challenged participants to rethink adaptability, financial awareness, and long-term planning in today’s evolving economy. Contributions from other discussants, including Mr Afamefuna, added practical insights grounded in real-world experience.
Discussion sessions further reinforced the weekend’s core message, growth must be intentional, ethical, and inclusive. Voices like Mr Otas Bazuaye (Mr Big Splash), Barr. Douglas Ogbankwa, Comrade Fred Newton Eronse, and Mr Ojo Akin George echoed themes of innovation, integrity, self-investment, and youth empowerment, principles necessary for both personal and societal progress.
At 7:27pm, poetry entered the space, not as an interlude, but as a bridge. Kemistry of the Benin Writers Society delivered a spoken-word piece that stitched emotion to intellect, reminding the audience that vision must first be imagined before it can be built. It was a moment that affirmed the role of art in shaping business, identity, and community.
Sunday morning began not with haste, but gratitude, as members joined the convener for a thanksgiving service at Simply Worship International Ministries. It was a spiritual pause, a reminder that beyond all structure and strategy, grace sustains effort.
The Benin Writers Society proudly applauds the organizers and planning committee for their precision, dedication, and seamless execution
The convener and leadership for vision anchored in values
Every member and contributor whose time, resources, and energy made the event impactful
This was more than an end-of-year gathering.
It was a statement of identity.
A declaration that business can be human, celebration can be thoughtful, and success can carry empathy without losing excellence.
As storytellers, we know that the most memorable chapters are written with intention.
This weekend, Business & Pleasure International wrote one that will linger.
With respect and creative solidarity.
Princess Diana Eweka
Vice president Benin writers society for events and external affairs
