Nigeria’s foremost philanthropist, Sir Kensington Adebutu is one man many may not know by his real names.
Popularly called by his alias, Baba Ijebu, which is becoming synonymous with his gaming business and now a house hold name in Nigeria especially in the South Western states and among those in love with gaming.
Founder and Chairman of Premier Lotto Nigeria Limited, Adebutu, whose son, Hon Ladi Adebutu is representing a Federal Constituency of Ogun State in the House of Representatives, told journalists while preparing for his 80th birthday some time ago that gaming gives hope to the common man.
Adebutu also relayed the day he lost N1billion in a single game. “There was a day I lost a billion Naira in a single game. It is not every day you win in business but you must be honest always,” he said.
Talking about how he started the business, he said, “At the beginning I knew it would grow big. I always wished myself well.”
Adebutu who always gives back to the society, also said the only way he can show appreciation to God is by giving back to the society from the blessings God has given me. He also confessed that he has enjoyed the blessings of God because some other people work harder than him but not getting his kind of results.
Relaying some of the things he has given back to the society, Adebutu said he has built schools, churches, hospitals, houses, given scholarships and sponsored orphanages all in appreciation for what God has done for him.
Adebutu however advises young Nigerians today to learn to crawl before walking. “These days the young people are too much in a hurry. When you have a baby, the baby must crawl before walking. But children these days don’t want to crawl before they walk,” he said.
He also disclosed that he was not born with silver spoon. “I have seen bitter periods, sweet periods and all that; I was not born with a silver spoon. But in whatever position I am, I thank God for it, which is what the Bible says. My philosophy is that in whatever position you are, thank God for it,” he said.
