The General Overseer, The Redeem Christian Church of God, (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun and the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Bayo Lawal on Tuesday showered encomiums on Ibadan-born philanthropist and owner of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Ibadan, Engr. Dotun Sanusi at his 55th birthday celebration.
Others include the Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan, (UI) Prof. Kayode Adebowale, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Oyo State, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, President-general of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Barrister Niyi Ajewole, President, Association of Ibadan Mogaji’s, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, Coordinator, Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative, Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, and Oyo NUJ Chairman, Ademola Babalola.
Speaking on behalf of Adeboye, the founder and general Overseer of Gethsemane Prayer Ministries Int, Dr. Moses Aransiola said the celebrant celebrated 55th years of greatness and impacting positively on the lives of people.
He urged Nigerians to emulate the philanthropist gesture of Sanusi who has touched the lives of the less privileged and downtrodden in Ibadanland and its environs.
The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakuleyin who represented the Olubadan of Ibadanland, lauded Sanusi for his contributions towards service to humanity, saying his efforts at alleviating suffering of the masses can not be overemphasized.
He described the celebrant as the son of the soil, saying the entire Ibadanland is proud to have him and associate with him considering his pedigree and antecendent over the years.
Olatubosun, who represented the Oyo State Deputy Governor said Sanusi was an epitome of humility, humanitarian per excellent, an investor and key stakeholder in tourism and hospitality in Oyo state.
He said, “Sanusi has contributed immensely to culture and tourism in the state, he is a unifying factor, a grassroots man, it is our pride in Ibadan and Oyo State and we are happy to associate with him.”
Also at the event, the University of Ibadan (UI) through it’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale decorated Sanusi as one of the UI Ambassador for the 75th founders anniversary of the institution.
Adebowale said the institution did that in recognition of Sanusi’s philanthropic gesture and contributions towards the development of Ibadan and Oyo State at large.
He however said the celebrant has continued to carry the excellence UI has been known for and continue to uphold it’s tenents, saying the institution is amazed with Sanusi’s contributions to upliftment of people within and outside Ibadan.
In his remark, the Oyo NUJ Chairman, Ademola Babalola said Nigeria would have be a better place to live if many wealthy Nigerians can be like Sanusi whose impacts are felt by many people.
He said, “Sanusi gives without looking back, he turned desert to small London, he has turned Ona-Ara Local Government which has been abandon over the years to one of the most visited place in Oyo State, aside this, he has tagged many roads, bought many transformers for communities, bought vehicles for people and his humility is second to none.”
Meanwhile, the celebrant in his thank-you message said all his life is about serving humanity, giving back to the society and making people to be happy.
“I live my life trying with all the strength in me making sure that there is a better society, to God be the glory, God is faithful, my today is better than yesterday, and I’m sure my tomorrow is going to be better than today, I’m God’s project.”
Highlight of the event include cutting of birthday cake, presentation of gifts, photography and music among others.
