•Celebrator: I’ll walk, work more with God
President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Ogun State-born businessman and eminent philanthropist, Sir Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu (CON), as he clocked 82 yesterday.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, the President hailed Sir Adebutu for his contributions to the growth of the economy through his businesses, and provision of jobs to thousands, especially the youth.
He praised him for the business acumen, hard work and sheer determination, which enabled him to rise from humble beginnings to sit atop a business empire.
President Buhari affirmed that Sir Adebutu’s philanthropic programmes, under the auspices of the Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation, have made life more meaningful for the less privileged.
Describing as “worthy of emulation” donations made to educational and religious organisations by the kind-hearted octogenarian, popularly called “Baba Ijebu”, the President noted that such contributions have endeared him to Nigerians.
President Buhari prayed God to grant Sir Adebutu, a recipient of several chieftaincy titles and honorary doctorate degrees, good health and longer life to continue rendering selfless services to his fatherland and humanity.
Also, Adebutu yesterday thanked God for his achievements in the last 82 years.
The billionaire businessman pledged to be closer to God.
Adebutu, who spoke at a church service in his sprawling home at Iperu in Ogun State, said only God could make one wealthy in life.
Dignitaries at the ceremony include the Alaperu of Iperu, Oba Adelekan Idowu-Baaibo; former Vice Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Prof. Segun Awonusi; another academic, Prof. Tunde Ogunsanwo; the Asiwaju of Remo, Chief Solomon Onafowokan; the Oniloru of Iloru, Oba Sikiru Adeyiga and Senator Ademola Adeleke.
The Lotto magnate noted that many had worked harder and still worked more than him but were unable to harvest one per cent of what he had made.
According to him, only God makes the difference.
The octogenarian pledged to use the remaining part of his life to “continue to walk with God and work more in his service”.
He added: “What will I give to God for all his benefits over my life, for my wives, and for my children? I will continue to thank Him.
“All my wealth came through the grace of God. I say this because many who had worked harder than I did, did not have one per cent of what God has bestowed on me.
“For this, I will continue to work harder for Him than before. As the cleric preached, he has reawakened my consciousness to do more for God and humanity.”
At 82, the businessman said he had learnt critical lessons of life.
He said: “The lesson I have learnt at 82 is that honesty is the best policy in life. Another thing is that I ventured into personal business when I stumbled on a book, which says that when you work for somebody, one day you will be sacked, but if you work for yourself, even if that thing fails, it is still your own. And when you keep working at it, one day you will have a breakthrough.
“The secret of my agility is that I do everything in moderation. I’m grateful to my family and friends for their support.”
In his sermon, the Archbishop of Remo, Ijebu, Yewa and Egba (RIYE) Dioceses of Ogun State, Adegbemi Adewale, enjoined the celebrant to draw closer to God.
The cleric noted that Adebutu had been famous for giving so much to humanity and the state.
According to him, the time has come for him to turn all his time to God and serve him the more.
Delivering his sermon, titled: What Shall I Render Unto the Lord for All His Benefits? Archbishop Adegbemi urged the celebrator to always work with God, adding that at 82, he should not neglect prayers.
“At 82, what can one say? You have contributed immensely to worthy causes in the house of God. Even you have contributed to other worthy causes in the state and the society,” Adegbemi said.