Tag: Adebutu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tributes to business magnate and philanthropist, Chief Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu, on his 90th birthday, describing him as a national icon, cultural pride, and a silent giver whose life embodies hard work, humility, and enduring service to humanity.

In a statement personally signed by the President on Friday, Chief Adebutu was celebrated as “one of Nigeria’s most outstanding entrepreneurs,” whose remarkable achievements in business, philanthropy, and culture have left indelible footprints across generations.

“From a humble background in the serene town of Iperu-Iremo, where his life’s journey began, Chief Adebutu rose to national prominence as a businessman, philanthropist, and cultural icon who embodies the virtues of hard work, honour, and compassion,” the President said.

Tinubu, who described Chief Adebutu as a dependable friend and loyal brother, praised his integrity, humility, and resilience, noting that their relationship has been built over the years on mutual respect and admiration.

“Through his admirable personality, business acumen, resilience, and benevolent spirit, Chief Adebutu distinguished himself as one of Nigeria’s most outstanding entrepreneurs. His remarkable contributions to business, philanthropy, culture, and national development are footprints that will endure across generations,” Tinubu stated.

Read Also: Stockbrokers confer Adebutu with Honorary Fellowship

The President highlighted Chief Adebutu’s pioneering role in Nigeria’s modern lotto business, which he said created jobs, sustained families, and inspired young Nigerians to pursue enterprise with integrity.

Beyond his business exploits, Tinubu extolled Adebutu’s philanthropic impact through the Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation, which has provided scholarships to indigent students and supported community development, youth empowerment, and sports.

“He has remained a silent giver, touching lives without fanfare. Chief Adebutu’s generosity and commitment to the common good distinguish him among our country’s wealthy individuals,” the President remarked.

Tinubu also acknowledged Adebutu’s contributions to democratic consolidation, peacebuilding, and cultural preservation, noting that his numerous traditional titles — including the revered Odole Oodua — are fitting honours for his lifelong service to the Yoruba people and Nigeria as a whole.

“On this special anniversary of his 90th birthday, I thank Chief Adebutu on behalf of the nation for bringing joy, opportunities, and livelihoods to countless families through his businesses and philanthropy,” Tinubu said.

He wished the celebrant many more years of good health, happiness, and continued contributions to national progress.

Business mogul, Sir Kesington  Adebukunola Adebutu has expressed sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the Basibo royal family, and the people of Iperu-Remo, following the death of the Alaperu of Iperu-Remo, Oba Adeleke Adelekan Idowu-Basibo.

In his letter of condolence, Adebutu, acknowledged the stark reality of death as part of life.

According to the letter signed by Adebutu and made available to The Nation, Oba Basibo was praised for his commitment to promoting the cause of Iperu-Akesan-Land and his dedication to serving his people. His life was described as a testament to character, compassion, and tireless service to the fatherland.

Read Also: Kesington Adebutu condoles family of late Princess Kadijat Edionseri

”As the community mourns, prayers are offered for Oba Adeleke Idowu Basibo’s soul, with hopes that he will find eternal rest. The passing of Oba Idowu Adeleke Basibo marks the end of an era for Iperu-Akesan-Land, remembered as a period of dedicated leadership and service to the community.”

The 2023 governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Honourable Oladipupo Adebutu, on Friday knocked the state police command for using arrest and detention as tools to violate the rights of detained aide, Gafar Ashao;lu.

Adebutu also lamented what he reckoned as a “period of unprecedented abuse of political office” in the state.

Citing the arrest and prolonged detention of his Personal Assistant and protege, Gafar Asaolu, in the last few weeks as one example, Adebutu expressed the worry that the police command in the state, allegedly, allowed itself to be used to usurp the rights of this innocent citizen.

Although, the former federal lawmaker who made this allegation in a statement on Friday, December 6, in Abeokuta, the state capital, did not mention the person or entities that used the police to allegedly abridge the rights of his aide, he however, further alleged that the police concocted charges that were at variance with the reality of the event that transpired on November 16 –  the day of the local government elections.

Read Also: DSS releases Adebutu, says arrest, detention meant to silence him

He claimed that the certified true copy of statements made by the actors in the events that unfolded during the  council polls all attested to the fact that his Personal Assistant, Gafar Asaolu, was “not an assailant.”

He, however, commended the judiciary for protecting the rights of citizen Gafar Asaolu.

Adebutu said: “We have diligently obtained the Certified True Copies (CTC) of all the statements made by the actors in this matter for adjudication and it is clear that Gafar Asaolu was at no time mentioned as an assailant. Somehow and for reasons best known to the police, they allowed themselves to be used in usurping the rights of an innocent citizen by unnecessarily concocting charges that were not in consonance with the reality of the event that transpired on November 16th, the day of the Local Government Elections.

Ogun State Police Command last night re-arrested Ladi Adebutu, former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

His re-arrest was in connection with the disturbances that occurred during the local government elections in Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government, last Saturday.

Adebutu’s re-arrest followed his recent release from the Department of State Services (DSS), where he had been interrogated on similar allegations.

Read Also: PDP confirms Adebutu’s arrest, detention by DSS

At press time, Adebutu was in police custody.

He is accused of recruiting about 40 unauthorised police officers from Lagos and coordinating PDP thugs to disrupt the local government election.

After he was earlier released yesterday, he said: “At about 7am on Tuesday, November 19, I was released by the Department of State Services in Abeokuta, following an invitation to answer to spurious accusations arising from the November 16 local government election in Ogun State. My arrest and detention by DSS are meant to silence me.’’

Renowned philanthropist and Chief Executive Officer of Premier Lotto Ltd, popularly called Baba Ijebu, Sir Kessington Adebutu, yesterday performed the turning of sod for the building of a media resource centre at the Nigeria Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Lagos.
The centre will bear Adebutu’s name for his commitment to advancing journalism education in Nigeria.
Represented by an Ambassador of
Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation (KAAF), Mr. Aare Kola Oyefeso, Adebutu said the centre, which is expected to be inaugurated soon, was established to impact positively on mass communication students.
Oyefeso said the 350-seater facility, fully financed by Adebutu, aimed to enhance the quality of journalism by providing resources and support for aspiring journalists
He highlighted the organisation’s mission to give back to the society by supporting institutions and individuals, regardless of political affiliation.
“The foundation was set up to give out to the society in sectors, schools, churches, hospitals and even to politicians without minding which party they belong to.
“This media centre initiative is aimed at positively impacting journalism in Nigeria. By providing resources and support to aspiring journalists, the foundation seeks to enhance the quality of journalism and promote research and learning opportunities,” he said.
Responding to a question about sustaining philanthropic gestures, he stressed the significance of appealing to individuals, who have been blessed with resources, to give back to the society.
He said philanthropy is a moral imperative and stressed the importance of gratitude and generosity in fostering positive societal change, by encouraging individuals to recognise their privilege and contribute to the common good. Adebutu advocated a culture of giving and solidarity.
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to societal development and emphasised the transformative impact of collective action.

Read Also: UNIJOS secures N309m TETfund national research fund grants

The Provost, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, expressed the institution’s vision to establish the media resource centre as the most comprehensive facility for journalists in Nigeria.
He said the centre would enhance skills and elevate the quality of journalism produced by the institute.
“It is the school’s dream to make the centre the most resource centre for journalists in Nigeria. The resource centre will impact skills and make better what we have already produced.”
Representing the Chairman of the NIJ Governing Council, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former president of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lanre Ogundipe, thanked Adebutu for fulfilling the promise he made three years ago.
Osoba noted the rarity of individuals who followed through on their commitments and praised Adebutu for his dedication to supporting the institute.
The donation of a 350-seater resource media centre at no additional cost to the institute signifies a significant enhancement to journalism education in Nigeria.
The facility will provide invaluable resources and opportunities for students and faculty, furthering the institute’s mission of excellence in journalism education.
Osoba commended the provost and his team for their diligent efforts in bringing the project to fruition, highlighting their commitment to advancing journalism education in the country.
Ogundipe emphasised the importance of journalism practice evolving with the times, noting that the profession in Nigeria has reached a mature stage.
He highlighted the need for institutions like NIJ to lead by example and strive for excellence in journalism education.
Under the leadership of Osoba, the NIJ Governing Council is dedicated to elevating the institute to a degree-awarding institution, aligning with global standards in journalism education.
Osoba assured attendees that significant progress towards this goal would be made in the coming months, emphasising the council’s unwavering commitment to achieving the milestone.
“Journalism in Nigeria has come of age, the practice too should imbibe the spirit that comes along with that age. NUJ as a member of the governing board is 69 years old. Three years ago we celebrated 160 years of journalism practice in Nigeria. I have gone round, I have seen it in other places and what I have seen here in Nigeria cannot be compared to what we have in West Africa and sub regions.
“Nigeria should not only be an example of the practical world of journalism, this is why the council under Osoba is working relentlessly to ensure this institution moves from its present status to a degree awarding institute. I’m assuring you that in the next couple of months this will happen. We are leaving no stone unturned to make sure this is achieved,” he said.