HIGHLIFE
On his LinkedIn page, Chief Abiodun Atobatele describes himself as “an experienced InfoTech Expert, Serial Investor, Entrepreneur and Fintech expert, TechLaw Expert.” What he does not mention is that he is involved with myriad initiatives and programs to stabilise Nigerian society and help young people actively contribute to the growth of the economy. What he does not say is that he has a heart of gold that others can only ogle from a long distance.
Humanity’s goodness is so rare that we celebrate every act of kindness to the point of forgetting that compassion is man’s second nature. This is why there are so many philanthropists in Nigeria, but a few people with the welfare of the people on their minds. Like Atobatele, these few individuals do not carry gongs and carve their deeds on their foreheads. No! But people can see them, regardless of how tenaciously they try to hide.
And this is the case with Atobatele. He tries to hide his good deeds. Humble to a fault, the man is a visionary who cares for others as much as he cares for himself. As far-reaching as his personal and business interests are, so is his concern for others, especially young people. This is why the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, happily conferred on Abiodun the chieftaincy title of Bada Bobagunwa Egba earlier this year.
How many youths in Lagos and Ogun States have benefitted from Abiodun’s largesse? How many families have seen their dinner tables stockpiled with food and drink because of Abiodun’s generosity? How many scholarships have gone out with the names of strangers inscribed within and Abiodun’s seal in one tiny corner, even though he is the sponsor? It is no surprise that things are going so well for Abiodun.
Since setting up his ATB Techsoft Solutions in 2007, Abiodun has gone from being a tech enthusiast to the champion of the tech industry in Nigeria. Besides ATB, he also founded X3 Leasing limited, a consumer lending business, in 2016. Each of these businesses ensures that Abiodun’s reputation precedes him. However, as the patois goes, his business strides are brilliant, but it is generosity for us.
