Billionaire lotto magnate and philanthropist, Sir Kesington Adebutu, on Friday announced a donation of ₦1 billion each to Sagamu and Ikenne Local Government Areas, as well as his hometown, Iperu-Remo, in a move aimed at enhancing socio-economic growth and community development across Remoland.
Adebutu made the announcement during a symposium themed “Odole Odua: Symbol of Wealth Creation and Catalyst for Sustainable Development,” organised by the Iperu Akesan Development Association to commemorate his 90th birthday celebration.
Expressing deep gratitude, Adebutu said he was “overwhelmed” by the outpouring of love, adding that the gesture had inspired him to do even more for his people.
“What you have done for me is an invitation to do more for our people and our communities in Remoland,” he said. “I hereby urge the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, to assemble some eminent personalities and propose a ₦1 billion project for Sagamu Local Government. Another ₦1 billion is for Ikenne, and ₦1 billion for Iperu Akesan Development Association.”
Speaking as one of the panelists, Prof. Ebun Oduwole, Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, described Adebutu as “an extraordinarily altruistic individual” whose philanthropy spans health, education, empowerment, and infrastructure.
“Baba Adebutu is God’s gift to mankind. His generosity bridges the gap between the rich and the poor,” Oduwole said, urging Nigerians to emulate his legacy of compassion.
She further recommended that the nonagenarian endow a professorial chair at Ajayi Crowther University to immortalize his contributions to humanity.
During the session moderated by Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi, legal luminary Mr Oluwasina Sofola (SAN) and Mr Gbenga Owokolade hailed Adebutu as “an enduring institution and a source of inspiration to generations yet unborn.”
In his welcome address, Adetutu Buraimo, Chairman of the Planning Committee for the 90th birthday celebration, described the symposium as both a tribute to Adebutu’s life and a call for Nigerians to redefine wealth through sustainable development.
“From constructing classrooms and hospitals to empowering traders and youths, his generosity breathes life into the values of active citizenship and nation-building,” Buraimo noted.
The Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, praised the philanthropist’s consistent support for traditional institutions and community welfare, noting that several palaces, including his own, were built with Adebutu’s assistance.
He described the celebrant as “a beacon of selflessness and hope to countless Nigerians” and prayed for continued health and longevity for the man fondly known as “Baba Ijebu.”
Similarly, the Aro of Iperu-Remo, Chief Jide Sosan, lauded Adebutu’s lifelong commitment to humanity, saying his generosity had touched lives across Nigeria.
Also speaking, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, 2023 PDP governorship candidate in Ogun State and son of the celebrant, praised his father’s love for humanity, pledging that the family would uphold his enduring legacy of selfless service.
Born on October 24, 1935, in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, Sir Kesington Adebutu is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Premier Lotto Limited, one of Nigeria’s largest gaming companies. His philanthropic works continue to impact lives nationwide through education, healthcare, and social empowerment.
