Femi Otedola’s Distinction
Last March, billionaire oil magnate, Femi Otedola, dazzled at the Augustine University’s Fundraising and Founders’ Day event held at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
The Chairman of Forte Oil, who was the chief launcher on the occasion, reportedly wowed with his speech.
Otedola, who was represented by a director in Forte Oil, was said to have been given a standing ovation and deafening applause for what many described as a most inspiring speech; while he also made a pledged to donate a well-equipped faculty of Engineering building to the institution, which will be worth over N500 million.
We gathered that many mouths were agape while other billionaires present at the event trembled over Otedola’s wondrous gift.
As a gentleman with distinction known for keeping his words, the shrewd businessman has fulfilled his promise. The penultimate Tuesday, he laid the foundation of the building in the presence of the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace Most Reverend Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins and his mother, Lady Doja Otedola among other notable personalities.
Without a doubt, this has further confirmed Otedola’s love for quality education. For his belief in the South African Late President, Nelson Mandela’s saying that education is the most powerful weapon that we can use to change the world.
It will be recalled that his father, the late Michael Otedola, who was a former governor of Lagos State, had reportedly handed over the first parcel of land meant for the development of the institution to Archbishop Olubunmi Okogie some years ago.
“So, it was Otedola’s utmost joy to continue where his late father stopped,” a source said.
A deep pocket, he loves giving back to his society without blinking an eyelid. Indeed, philanthropy comes naturally to him. This he does effortlessly. However, he loathes people singing his praise over such acts of humaneness. He is not your kind of billionaire that calls for publicity over little donations.
Over the years, Otedola has been responsible for the education of countless underprivileged students in Lagos State through the Michael Otedola University Scholarship Scheme, which was established in 1985.