By Seun Oloketuyi

In many instances men are eulogised long after they are buried. Not only because it is human nature to forget to celebrate the living, but because of inherent ingratitude that is sometimes in the heart of man. But once in a while, we find men, whose impact is too phenomenal to be forgotten, and whose giving achievements surpass what human nature can cast aside. For many in Nigeria, the man Sir Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu, popular as Baba Ijebu is that type of man.

The Bible says God loves a cheerful giver, and Baba Ijebu fits this profile. But one may dare say that even man loves a cheerful giver. Like a never-ending resource, Baba Ijebu’s hand of giving stretches far beyond the reaches of the Ijebu Kingdom.

For many decades, giving has been his doctrine, and at the age of 89, he has shown no signs of slowing down.

The world would forever remember the COVID-19 season, when hunger, death and suffering would have been the fate of many, but just as the man gave to the less privileged and even the privileged, governments were blessed as a result of his largesse. As the Nigerian populace followed the slogan ‘Stay home to stay alive’, Baba Ijebu’s hand of support was finding people in the far reaches of their homes.

While the popular mantra was of palliatives, as families struggled to get foodstuffs, Sir Kessington went further to donate ₦300 million to Lagos State, ₦100 million to Ogun State, and ambulances to other Western states, in addition to the popular palliatives.

This is an unending story, as long after the pandemic, many retained the favour of Baba Ijebu and are all better for it.

Daily, his foundation, the Kessington Adebutu Foundation answers to all kind of cases financially, be it medical, educational, career or entrepreneurship -wise… whatever the challenge, the Kessington Adebutu Foundation is there to answer it. It is well-confirmed and with updated records that the foundation dispenses N150 million monthly to these charitable deeds.

Among the beneficiaries of his giving, who are allowed to stay anonymous, are youths who gained admission but lack sponsors, people with terminal illnesses who find solace in his estuary of benevolence, and many whose hopes were dashed but rekindled.

An altruistic individual through and through, Baba Ijebu’s hand of giving cuts across tribes, religions, or social stratification, thereby making the world a better place.

Today, as a father of all, he remains one of the only men that is a friend to all politicians, irrespective of party or affiliations. He is one of the few who help politicians achieve their dreams in the political space to become everything they can become. Yet, you would never find him going to lobby for contracts or curry favours when those politicians make office. It is why he has earned and kept the respect of players in the Nigerian political game.

Today, with great admiration, I not only join families, friends, and well-wishers worldwide to celebrate Sir Kessington Adebutu’s birthday, I also thank him for his continued betterment of humanity with his resources. His unwavering love and remarkable contributions to humanity, daily sparks a beacon of hope for many who would have been hopeless.

In fact, the Odole Odua’s life is a beacon of hope to all who come in contact with him, because he lives and preaches the message of cohesion. He lives life by giving and has so far changed to world for good.

As testament to his works, here’s what people have said:

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 projects 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 a lot 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 creator of value to our economy. – Governor Sanwo Olu.

The Kessington 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.