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The General Overseer, Redeem Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye; Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi and Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Lekan Balogun, on Tuesday, showered encomiums on Ibadan-born phillantropist and owner of Ilaji hote 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 Olatubosun; President-General of Central Council of Ibadan Indigines (CCII), Barr. Niyi Ajewole; President, Association of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori; Coordinator, Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade and Oyo NUJ Chairman, Ademola Babalola.
Speaking on behalf of Adeboye, the founder and General Overseer of Gethsemane Prayer Ministries International, Dr. Moses Aransiola said the Sanusi celebrated 55 years of greatness and impacting the lives of people positively.
He urged Nigerians to emulate the philanthropic gesture of Sanusi, who has said has touched the lives of the less privileged and downtrodden in Ibadan land and its environs.
The Balogun of Ibadan land, Oba Owolabi Olakuleyin, who represented the Olubadan, lauded Sanusi for his contributions to humanity, saying his efforts at alleviating the suffering of the masses can not be over emphasised.
He described the celebrant as the son of the soil, adding that the entire Ibadan land is proud to have him and associate with him considering his pedegree and antecendents over the years.
Olatubosun, who represented the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Bayo Lawal, described Sanusi as an epitome of humility, humanitarian per excellence, investor and key stakeholder in tourism and hospitality in Oyo State.
“Sanusi has contributed immensely to culture and tourism in the state. He is a unifying factor, a grassroots man and our pride in Ibadan and Oyo State and we are happy to associate with him,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Adebowale, decorated Sanusi as one of the institution’s ambassador for the 75th Founder’s Day celebration.
Adebowale said the institution recognised Sanusi’s philanthropic gesture and contributions towards the development of Ibadan and Oyo State at large.
He said the celebrant has continued to carry the excellence UI has been known for and continue to uphold the institution’s tenets, stressing that the institution is amazed with Sanusi’s contributions to upliftment of people within and outside Ibadan.
In his remarks, Oyo NUJ Chairman, Babalola, said Nigeria would have been a better place to live if many wealthy Nigerians can be like Sanusi whose impact is felt by many people.
“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,” he said.
Speaking, Sanusi said 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 to 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,” he said.
Highlight of the event include cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of gifts, photography and music among others.