Billionaire businessman and philanthropist, Sir Kessington Adebutu, popularly known as Baba Ijebu, has launched the celebration of his 90th birthday with a generous donation of ₦3 billion to support development projects across Remoland in Ogun State.
The donations, amounting to ₦1 billion each, will go to Sagamu, Ikenne, and his hometown, Iperu-Remo, for community and socio-economic development initiatives.
Adebutu announced the gesture on Friday during a symposium themed “Odole Odua: Symbol of Wealth Creation and Catalyst for Sustainable Development”, held at Iperu-Remo. The event was organised by the Iperu Akesan Development Association to honour his lifetime of philanthropy and service.
Clearly moved by the celebration, the nonagenarian expressed deep gratitude for the love shown to him, saying the recognition would further inspire him to do more for his people.
“I am overwhelmed by this show of love as I mark my 90th birthday. What you have done for me is an invitation to do more for our people in Remoland,” Adebutu said.
“I hereby urge the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, to assemble notable personalities to propose a ₦1 billion project for Sagamu Local Government. Another ₦1 billion is set aside for Ikenne, while Iperu Akesan Development Association will also receive ₦1 billion to drive community progress.”
At the event, scholars and dignitaries paid glowing tributes to Adebutu’s legacy of generosity.
The Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Prof. Ebun Oduwole, described the celebrant as “an extraordinary human being whose life is dedicated to humanity,” highlighting his countless contributions to education, health, and empowerment across Nigeria.
“Baba Adebutu is God’s gift to mankind,” Oduwole said. “His philanthropy bridges the gap between the rich and the poor. We can all honour him by touching lives in our own small ways.”
The professor also appealed to the businessman to endow a professorial chair at the university in his name to immortalise his legacy.
During a panel moderated by Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, speakers including Mr. Oluwasina Sofola (SAN) and Gbenga Owokolade praised Adebutu’s enduring love for his people, describing him as “an institution whose influence will inspire generations to come.”
In his remarks, Adetutu Buraimo, chairman of the 90th birthday planning committee, said the symposium was meant not only to celebrate Adebutu’s life but also to remind Nigerians that true wealth lies in uplifting others.
“Beyond business, Sir Adebutu’s philanthropy has transformed education, healthcare, and livelihoods nationwide. As the Odole Odua, he embodies the duty to connect tradition with modern progress and personal success with collective wellbeing,” Buraimo said.
The Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, lauded Adebutu’s lifelong generosity, describing him as “a beacon of selflessness and hope to countless Nigerians.” He revealed that many palaces, including his own, were built with Adebutu’s support.
“Sir Kessington Adebutu is a pillar of strength to our traditional institutions. May God continue to preserve his life as a shining example for us all,” the monarch prayed.
The Aro of Iperu-Remo, Chief Jide Sosan, also hailed the celebrant for his compassion and unwavering support for people across Nigeria.
“His generosity is legendary. The best way to honour him is to emulate his values and continue building a better society,” Sosan said.
The celebrant’s son and 2023 PDP governorship candidate in Ogun State, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, expressed pride in his father’s legacy, promising that the family would continue to uphold his values of service and humanity.
Born on October 24, 1935, in Iperu-Remo, Sir Kessington Adebutu is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Premier Lotto Limited, one of Nigeria’s largest gaming companies. Over the decades, he has become a household name and a symbol of generosity, bridging communities and transforming lives through his charitable works.
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