Fola Adeola Hails Abiru, Wife for Investing in Future of Young Nigerians

• Describes SAIL initiative as ‘worthy legacy’ built on service, selflessness

Sunday Ehigiator

Co-founder of Guaranty Trust Bank, Mr. Fola Adeola, has commended Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, and his wife, Mrs. Feyisola Abiru, for investing in the future of young Nigerians through the SAIL Empowerment Foundation.

Adeola described the initiative as a “worthy legacy” built on service, selflessness, and commitment to humanity.

The renowned banker and philanthropist gave the commendation yesterday during a visit to the SAIL Innovation Lab in Ikorodu, Lagos, where he inspected the facility and interacted with young beneficiaries of its various programmes.

Describing his visit as worthwhile, Adeola said the decision by the Abirus to commit their resources to empowering people outside their immediate family demonstrated a rare understanding of what it meant to leave a lasting legacy.

He stated, “Whenever we decide to commit to causes bigger than ourselves, we are building a legacy. What you are doing is for children whose parents you may not even know. For society to survive, we must care for others, particularly the less privileged.”

Adeola stated that the resources invested in the initiative could have been devoted to personal comfort and luxury, but the Abirus had chosen to prioritise service to humanity.

he said, “The money used for this great cause could have been used to service a luxurious lifestyle, but you chose service and humanity above self. This is a useful endeavour.”

Adeola urged beneficiaries of the SAIL Innovation Lab to maximise the opportunities provided by the facility, stressing that those living in the community are fortunate to have such an initiative in their midst.

“Neighbours and those living around here are, indeed, fortunate. I hope they will maximise the great opportunities here,” he added.

Drawing parallels between SAIL and his own philanthropic journey, Adeola recalled the establishment of the FATE Foundation in 2000, an initiative he founded to support aspiring entrepreneurs and promote enterprise development.

He described philanthropy as a noble ecosystem, which might not attract the glamour associated with conventional endeavours but whose impact remained enduring.

he stated, “It is a world of charity, a completely noble cause. It is a completely different ecosystem that is not ‘sexy’. Beneficiaries will always remember the pathway.”

Adeola also expressed delight at witnessing the work being undertaken at SAIL, saying the experience has left a strong impression on him.

He said, “I am glad I came here. I should have come here with my son and wife to witness this remarkable feat. May your kindness count for you.”

Addressing participants at the innovation lab, the philanthropist shared his personal journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of Nigeria’s foremost bankers, entrepreneurs, and national icons.

Adeola recalled that his mother placed a tray on his head as a nine-year-old boy to hawk goods on the streets, an experience he said shaped his understanding of resilience, perseverance, and determination.

He urged the young beneficiaries not to surrender to the adversities they might encounter in life, but to discover their talents and develop their gifts.

According to him, successful people do not possess two heads; rather, they distinguish themselves through discipline, determination, and the willingness to make the most of available opportunities.

In his remarks, Abiru described Adeola as his boss, mentor, and a major influence on his professional and public-service journey.

Abiru recalled that he began his banking career at Guaranty Trust Bank under Adeola’s tutelage, spending 10 years at the institution and learning valuable lessons that had continued to shape his approach to leadership and service.

he stated, “This inspiration you see here today was learnt from him. He is my pillar of inspiration, my mentor and guardian, even in public service.”