Bobby Digi-Olisa celebrates Golden Birthday in grand style in Staten Island, USA
For Bobby Digi-Olisa, the climb to the fifth floor was not easy, but as he literally arrived at the exquisite ABOVE venue and brought together a highly distinguished crowd of cherished family members, top government functionaries, activists, educationists, diplomats, artists, and various others to celebrate with him, it was apparent that he had entered the cruising stage of an eventful life. His golden birthday celebration in Staten Island, United States of America (USA), was indeed a gathering of the Who’s Who in the city and beyond, and their presence was evidence of the huge impact that Bobby has made in his community, especially among youths and the art and culture circle.
At 50, Bobby has brought together a broad coalition of individuals and groups in support of his passion, which is to help the youth and advance the cause of art and culture, especially through his Canvas Institute, based in Staten Island. To show the extent of his commitment, he encouraged his family, friends, and associates to contribute to the Institute instead of bringing him birthday gifts. An impressive $5,000 was raised to help with the selfless labor of love that he has taken upon himself.
His efforts in the past have not gone unnoticed, as accolades were showered on him from different quarters. He was presented with a proclamation from Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, a member of the New York State Senate representing the 23rd District, covering most of the North Shore of Staten Island and parts of the southern Brooklyn neighborhoods, for his “exemplary service to his community and state.” There were also citations from New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Staten Island District Attorney (DA) Michael McMahon. While Adams honored him for his commitment to uplifting his fellow New Yorkers, McMahon noted his “tireless activism and remarkable contributions towards the betterment of our youth, the communities of Staten Island, and our city as a whole.”
The turnout alone was eloquent testimony to the fact that the Nigerian-born activist and community leader has contributed significantly to the positive transformation of not only his immediate community but also the place of his birth, as he is also the President of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), New York Chapter.
Besides the camaraderie, the backslapping, good food, and drinks, those who attended the beautiful birthday party were entertained with excellent music and dance performances by different groups. Music was provided by his son, DJ/producer H20, and there were dance performances by Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet and the amazing Brooklyn Drumline. Among the dignitaries who attended the rooftop party were Attorney General Letitia James, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams, Assemblyman Charles Fall, Council-member Kamillah Hanks, former Senator Diane J. Savino, former Commissioner of the New York City Department of Finance Fred Cerullo, President of the Staten Island Democratic Association Dennis Brown, Bobby Digi’s mother Hajiya Habiba, and his fiancée Laurie Cumbo, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner. Pictures here, by Ace Photographer, RESHAN, show some of the personalities that graced the colorful event.
