By: Manoah Kikekon
 |
| The mother, Abigeal Olaitan and the father |
BADAGRY, LAGOS — A historic record has been set for the vocational sector in Badagry as Oderinde Abigeal Olaitan, the visionary entrepreneur behind the renowned Olart-B Catering and Decorating Service, officially launched the Olart Baking Academy on Friday, June 5, 2026.
The grand opening of the institution was also the celebration of her birthday, the institution is the very first dedicated baking academy within the ancient coastal city of Badagry. The facility, strategically situated behind the Luna Hotel along Agric Road, drew an enthusiastic crowd of community leaders, industry peers, family members, and well-wishers who gathered to witness the unveiling of the state-of-the-art training hub.
The grand launch held a double significance for the founder, as the opening ceremony coincided with her birthday celebration. Addressing the audience during her welcome address, an emotional Oderinde Abigeal Olaitan described the launch as the manifestation of a long-held aspiration.
“Today is a very special day for me, not just because it is my birthday, but because it marks the beginning of a dream, a vision, and a journey I have carried in my heart for a long time. Seeing every one of you here to celebrate and support me means so much, and I do not take this love for granted.”
Olaitan expressed deep gratitude to her ecosystem of supporters, highlighting the communal backing that fueled her consistency:
“I sincerely appreciate everyone who has supported me in one way or another through encouragement, prayers, patronage, advice, and belief in my craft and vision. Your support has been one of the reasons I never gave up. Olart Baking Academy was born out of passion, creativity, and the desire to empower others with baking skills and opportunities for growth.”
Looking toward the future, the founder emphasized that the academy is built to serve as an empowerment center for the next generation of culinary entrepreneurs:
“My prayer is that this academy becomes a place where talents are discovered, dreams are built, and lives are transformed. To my family and friends, thank you for standing by me. To my esteemed clients, thank you for trusting my brand and always believing in my work... As we celebrate today, I pray that God blesses and rewards every one of you abundantly.”
The event featured goodwill messages from notable cross-sectoral leaders who praised Olaitan's transition from a modest roadside operation into an institutional business owner.
Ashade Abdulsalam, the CEO of Green Janitors Sustainable Initiative and former Olorunda Youth Council Coordinator, reflected on the early stages of Olaitan's career. He recalled the visible grit she displayed when starting out small by the side of the road.
Abdulsalam pointed out that her relentless hard work ultimately earned her the elite reputation she commands today. He noted that despite facing numerous personal and operational obstacles that made her journey deeply emotional, Olaitan remained completely determined to make a tangible societal impact. According to Abdulsalam, her journey of working across multiple establishments before setting up her own brand stands as an inspiring blueprint for local youths.
Adding her voice to the commendations, Alhaja Gidado Durojaye, the CEO of Halal Event, admonished the celebrant to remain anchored in gratitude and continuous self-improvement.
Gidado lauded Olaitan’s remarkable humility and steadfast consistency, traits that have defined her catering career. She observed that while many aspire to pull off such large-scale projects, not everyone lives to see their visions materialize, urging the founder to see the academy as a stepping stone to even greater exploits.
Mrs. Ife Zofun, CEO of Ife Catering and the sitting Ajara NAPCEP President, commended Olaitan’s structural resilience and strict dedication to her craft, describing her as a stellar example of a young woman who chose virtue over wayward paths.
Zofun remarked that thriving in the catering profession demands high-level creativity and exhaustive physical labor, stating plainly that lazy individuals cannot survive the industry's pressures. She concluded with an encouraging charge to the founder, reminding her that her ultimate destination is still ahead and advising her never to relax on her current laurels.
Following the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests were invited to tour the facility, network, take pictures, and join in the festive reception hosted by the academy.