Florence Ita-Giwa clocks 73, opens Echos of Calabar Kitchen

Sunday, March 3 was a day to remember, as prominent female politician, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, celebrated her 73rd birthday in grand style.

The influential Cross River State-born politician didn’t end the party with her birthday celebration, as she also launched her much-anticipated restaurant, Echos of Calabar Kitchen, located on Akin-Olugbade Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The power-dresser, who is known not to do things in half measures, was glamorous in her red shimmering jumpsuit and was seen beaming with smiles to welcome her guests to the new restaurant. As was expected, many of her notable friends were treated to a sumptuous meal and varieties of wine, champagne, cognac and other exotic drinks.

Some of the celebrities that came to honour Florence include Princess Abbah Folawiyo, Ndidi Obioha, Helen Paul, Ayo Makun and his wife; Uti Nwachukwu, Sola Shobowale, Willy and Nkiru Anumudu, Ngozi Nwosu, Ini Edo and Ali Baba, among others.

Mama Bakassi, as she is fondly called, was born on February 19, 1946 in Atabong, Bakassi Council of Cross River State. A nurse by profession, Florence later joined politics and ran as a legislator on the platform of the defunct All Peoples Party (APP) before joining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

She was married to the late famous journalist, Dele Giwa, the founding editor of Newswatch magazine.