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The COVID-19 pandemic had just arrived in Nigeria, and the world witnessed what looked like an apocalypse. “Stay at home to stay alive” became the popular slogan. My office had paid me a month’s salary in arrears to stay away from work. The market square was in a state of panic, and families struggled to get foodstuffs. Then, I heard from the media that Baba Adebutu had donated ₦300 million to Lagos State, ₦100 million to Ogun State, and ambulances to other Western states, in addition to other palliatives.
I called to thank and acknowledge his undying and uncommon love for humanity. In a subtle voice, he asked me to send my account details. Within the shortest time, I received an alert, and surprisingly, the alerts never stopped throughout the COVID-19 lockdown. Every three weeks, I and so many other people were blessed by his altruistic gesture Pre and Post Covid-19 era
This is just one of the many fond memories I have of Sir Kesington Adebutu, whose love for humanity cuts across tribes, religions, or social stratification. He is a philanthropist extraordinaire, and posterity will continue to remember him for his good deeds.
Sir Adebutu’s daily rituals of bonding, giving, sharing, charity, and love have made the world a better place. The Bible teaches us that God loves a cheerful giver. I strongly believe Baba shares this school of thought: ” *We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” “No one has ever become poor by giving.” “It is more rewarding to watch money change the world than to watch it accumulate.” “The greatest use of a life is to spend it on something that will outlast it.”*
Today, with great admiration, I join families, friends, and well-wishers worldwide to celebrate Sir Kesington Adebutu’s birthday. I celebrate a great Philanthropist for his unwavering love and remarkable contributions to humanity , a rare breed whose unique ways of life has been a beacon of hope, . Baba Adebutu’s reverence for yoruba culture earned him the prestigious title of Odole Odua, through which he is preserving our cultural traditions.
Today, his birthday reminds me of his impactful contributions to humanity – memories of youths who gained admission but needed a Sponsor, people with terminal illnesses who found solace in his estuary of benevolence, and many whose hopes were dashed but rekindled.
*At the Walter Carrington Youth Fellowship initiative, Sir Adebutu humbly said, “I have been part of this initiative since it was inaugurated seven years ago. What’s more, the brain behind it, Ambassador Walter Carrington, happens to be my friend. I think that’s one of the reasons they honor me every year, You can see that I am the only one who can drive my car into the Consul’s house. I thank the Ambassador for his initiative because the fellowship is helping the youths in a very big way and I am sure many Nigerians have benefitted from it**
My neighbor happens to be one of the Beneficiaries of this initiative. When Sir Adebutu encouraged the fellows to increase from 25 to 50 by expanding the fellowship to Ogun State to accommodate more youths, my Neighbor told me the initiative marked his journey to wealth creation.
In a world of disconnected mutual living, where love is scarce, I have seen Sir Kesington Adebutu show the human race immeasurable love. Baba possesses significant values of magnanimity, altruism, and kindness, classifying him as a father with a good heart, who goes around with a heart full of symphony and passion.
*One of the greatest Philosophers, Socrates, says, “Serenity, regularity, absence of vanity, sincerity, simplicity, veracity, equanimity, fixity, non-irritability, adaptability, humility, tenacity, integrity, nobility, magnanimity, charity, generosity, purity. Practise daily these eighteen ‘ities,’ and you will attain immortality ,*
I have no doubt in my mind that Sir Adebutu’s acts of giving will attain immortality.
At 89, I know you have much to reflect on, for a life that has been a mixture of many events but a catalogue of greatness and fond memories. I passionately wish you a happy birthday with 89 shouts of Hallelujah, Baba. God has blessed you with long life, good health, and wealth. While many of your contemporaries are retired, God provides for you to give more to the people. This I call the *Abraham blessings.*
Below are some of his Friends, families and institutions Tributes
Sir Adebutu unassuming and amiable disposition, ethical and decent conduct in business, personal integrity , visionary leadership, magnanimous and benevolent spirit have all combined to single him out as one of the most outstanding personalities that Nigeria and the black race have produced. *President Tinubu*
Baba Adebutu didn’t just promise, he is doing it and we all can see. We are particularly glad that you said it will be completed in four months. So, this is not just about having an abandoned project. We will be here in September by God’s grace for the commissioning of 350 seater Auditorium.”. *NIJ provost*
I am here to honour a great man. As we gather in this multi-specialist centre, we are ushering in a new era of advanced medical care and innovation in Nigeria.
*Senator Remi Tinubu* at the commissioning of Diadem specialist hospital
: What can we say but to thank God for this special day because whatever we are doing here is part of several ongoing projects? Baba has project at the University of Lagos, Ibadan, and across the country. Sir Adebutu doesn’t do anything piecemeal. *Aare Kola Oyefeso at NIJ*
When private philanthropy is combined with the public good, especially in higher education, the impacts are far-reaching, and the benefits are for everyone, *Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.*
at the commissioning of the N350 million KAAF Auditorium, Department Of Human Nutrition And Dietetics, at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State
One of our admiration about you is your patriotic attachment to your people in Remo, Ijebu and the nation, my wife and i admire you considerably because we share alot of these attributes in common
*Late Otunba Subomi Balogun*
In lagos state, we are proud to celebrate you as a Supporter of our development agenda and an outstanding clCreator of value to our economy. *Governor Sanwo Olu*
The kesignton Adebukunola Adebutu foundation bears eloquent largeness of your heart and your passion for the people . *Gov Dapo Abiodun*
I had prayed for a decent Neighbour and God gave me Baba ijebu who has used his stupendous wealth to tar our road. *Fola Adeola Gtbank Co -Founder**
I have known Baba Ijebu in the social circle but I experienced his kindness when he sent me a huge amount of money through a mutual friend to support my campaign . *Aremo Segun Osoba*
Baba, I pray you will live more years in good health, and as long as you live, may you not bury your children. I pray that what you have built will wax stronger, like an old wine, continue to grow finer and sweeter Sir
Happy Birthday, Odole Odua of the Source.”…
