Citizen of Humanity: Sholaye Jeremi and Philanthropy

Say what you want about Nigerians, there is something inherently special about us that keeps us dedicated to our pursuits. For some, the goal is to climb into the azure and build a name there. For others, the goal is to erect an everlasting kingdom on earth. For someone like the billionaire businessman, Jeremi Sholaye, the goals are the same since he only wants to help other people.

No ordinary man can shoulder the burden of all humanity, but that does not mean that people like Sholaye are not trying to. With wave after wave of philanthropic gestures, many looking on from the outside are inspired to contribute their quota. With people who treat underprivileged strangers as they would their own immediate relatives, everything is possible with a heart that believes and feels for others.

Truth be told, Sholaye is not the most outstanding philanthropist because he does the biggest things, or because he has touched the most lives. What stands him out most of the time is that he gets it. Sholaye understands that generosity is heartfelt when it is private, not screened through the lenses of a mobile device. So, yes, Sholaye may be described— and he has been described—as the most tightlipped philanthropist in Nigeria.

Despite this, those from his native Delta State, regard him as a benefactor. Too many of the youths from that region have taken part in Sholaye’s empowerment schemes. Some of these have even gone on to become benefactors and philanthropists themselves. What is better than feeding and clothing others? It is empowering them to feed and clothe themselves and do the same for their neighbours and outsiders. That is what Sholaye has accomplished.

People say that Nigeria is a place with several thousand citizens of humanity. True or otherwise, Sholaye stands out even though he tries not to.