Eminent Nigerians, including traditional rulers, captains of industries, academia and creme de la creme of the society, on Tuesday, 17th of October, 2023 converged in Ibadan to celebrate the chairman of Ilaji Hotels and Resorts, Engineer Dotun Sanusi on his 55th birthday.
The birthday party, which was held @ Marque event center inside the expansive resorts of the celebrant, located in Ilaji community of Ona Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State, also attracted high profile politicians, top government functionaries, artisans and professional bodies.
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, Bayo Lawal at the occasion, showered encomiums on the philanthropist for his service to humanity and visible impacts on the downtrodden in the society.
Others include the Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan, (UI) Professor Kayode Adebowale, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Oyo State, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, President-general of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Barr. Niyi Ajewole, President, Association of Ibadan Mogaji’s, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori and chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State council, Comrade Ademola Babalola.
Speaking on behalf of Adeboye, the founder and General Overseer of Gethsemane Prayer Ministries Int, Dr. Moses Aransiola said Sanusi contributions to the development of humanity are legendary.
He tasked Nigerians to emulate Sanusi’s virtues by giving back to the society touching the lives of the less privileged in their communities.
The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakuleyin, who represented the Olubadan of Ibadanland, lauded Sanusi for his contributions towards alleviating suffering of the masses, noting that the entire Ibadanland are proud of him, considering his pedegree and antecedents 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 stakeholders 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 Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Kayode Adebowale, decorated the Celebrant, Sanusi along with the Chairman, Ibadan central hospitals are Academy Suites, Dr. Abib Olamitoye as one of the UI Ambassadors for the 75th founders anniversary of the institution.
He observed that both the celebrant and Olamitoye has continued to exhibit excellence synonymous with the University of Ibadan, saying the institution is proud of Sanusi and Olamitoye contributions to the upliftment of the people within and outside Ibadan.
Also speaking at the event, the new ambassador who have just been decorated and founder of Ibadan Central Hospital, Dr Abib Olamitoye, described Sanusi as an epitome of humility with exemplary virtues, which have rubbed off positively on the socioeconomic growth of Ibadan and Oyo State, in general.
He charged other wealthy individuals to emulate Sanusi’s virtues by helping the needy through philanthropic gestures.
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 impact is 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 abandoned over the years to one of the most visited places in Oyo State. Aside this, he has tarred many roads, bought many transformers for communities, bought vehicles for people and his humility is second to none.”
Responding, the celebrant disclosed that he resolved to dedicate his life to the service of humanity by using his blessings to uplift the masses, adding that he would not relent in giving back to the society and serving as a beacon of hope to the needy.
While appreciating the people for the show of love and solidarity regarding the celebration of his birthday, Sanusi assured that he will continue to ensure that his activities are geared towards making the people his priorities in terms of welfare and other empowerment schemes to tackle poverty among the people.
He stated: “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.”
Guests and dignitaries at the event were treated to delicious cuisine from Eunice Olaseeke Adeoye, Ceo, Ripples Catering Service and Event Management company. Dignitaries present at the occasion hailed the award winning caterer for the maturity display of her staff in making sure that everybody is well catered for.
Highlight of the event include cutting of birthday cake, presentation of gifts, photography, and music entertainment, among others. Mc Kofo and Taiwo Olusanya popularly called Obama anchored the event and covered by Apreel1 Events Tv.
