Get Guardian on Google
Family, friends and well-wishers gathered at the All Saints Church, Yaba, Lagos, yesterday, to celebrate the 75th birthday of ace photographer, Sunmi Smart-Cole.
The event attracted prominent personalities including the Publisher and Chairman, The Guardian, Lady Maiden Alex Ibru; former Bishop of the Diocese of Ife, Rt. Rev. Oluranti Odubogun; Senator Ike Nwachukwu; former governor of Rivers State, Donald Duke; and Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed.
The Vicar and Archdeacon of Yaba, Venerable E. A. Femi Fatile, in his sermon, described Smart-Cole as a living testimony that God has preserved through the vicissitudes of life.
[ad]
He said: “Your life is a testimony of the wonders God has wrought. The Lord is good and His mercy endureth forever in your life. He saw you through accidents. You were able to scale through by His benevolence. You went through a lot of hazards and you survived. God loves you indeed.
After the thanksgiving service, the Minister of Information declared open an exhibition of the celebrant’s works.
Donald Duke described Smart-Cole as a role model who rose from a humble beginning. He said: “He was a man with focus who has passed through a lot of stages. One would have thought he would not be able to attain this height. He was a barber, a band boy and a photographer, who rose to dine and wine with notable people, not only in Nigeria but also internationally. He has friends across the globe. His life is worthy of emulation for those who may want to lose hope.”
Rt. Rev. Oluranti Odubogun described Smart-Cole as a gentleman. He said that despite lots of trials in the early part of his life, he became an outstanding photographer.
