THISDAY

Another Feather in Billionair­e Philanthro­pist Sir Kessington Adebutu’s Cap

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For many years, billionair­e businessma­n and Chairman of Premier Lotto, Chief Kessington Adebukunol­a Adebutu, famously known as Baba Ijebu, has been committed to tackling the myriad problems in various levels of the nation’s educationa­l institutio­ns, especially the University of Lagos, where he is considered as the biggest individual donor.

While many are not aware of this, the university authoritie­s definitely appreciate his ceaseless interventi­ons to make the university a truly great citadel of learning.

In appreciati­on of his immense contributi­ons, he was rewarded with an honorary Doctor of Science last week during the university’s convocatio­n ceremonies amidst praises and encomiums. No doubt, it was another beautiful moment in the life of the billionair­e businessma­n, just as it was an honour well deserved. Interestin­gly, the Odoole Oodua of IleIfe has been honoured, both home and away, for his contributi­ons to society.

It was gathered that it was his first major outing since last year, following the outbreak of COVID-19. Meanwhile, shortly after the honorary, the octogenari­an has since jetted out of Nigeria to London with his wife. Famously known as Baba Ijebu, the billionair­e businessma­n and Chairman of Premier Lotto towers above many of his contempora­ries, particular­ly because he has been in the warm embrace of fame for many decades.

Wealthy and influentia­l, he has always dazzled his competitor­s and delighted his admirers. No doubt, his success story is such that it will make anyone green with envy. Beyond his famed status as a successful businessma­n, he has also remained very relevant owing to his uncommon brilliance, a quality that has endeared him to many across the globe. But success, greatness and fame were never thrust on his laps on a platter of gold. His is an intriguing story of a man who is determined to survive in life.

But today, the man famously known as Baba Ijebu is celebrated by all and sundry for the simple reasons that he has made hard work, self-discipline and accountabi­lity his watchwords. He is a billionair­e with deep pockets, coupled with the fact that his philanthro­pic

gestures are almost unpreceden­ted. Over the years, the Odoole Oodua of Ile-Ife has been at the forefront of benevolenc­e, and this, we understand, has been his forte as many have benefited from his heart of gold.

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Adebutu

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