Society Watch
Prominent businessman Femi Otedola is not only successful in the businesses, but also a dedicated philanthropist who has channelled his resources to providing generous contributions to a wide array of local and national projects. His charitable footprint can be seen in many landmarks, and judging by his accomplishments, the Executive Chairman of Geregu Power Plant is expected to be pompous but the reverse is the case.
The internationally recognised mogul has been a pillar of support to many, and only a few can match him in philanthropy.
In 2019, he shattered all records in charity in Nigeria with a humongous donation of N5 billion to the Save the Children Foundation.
To some, the gesture sounded so “unbelievable”; and to others, it was a publicity stunt. But it was obvious that those who doubted his sincerity of purpose were not aware that philanthropy is like a second skin to him, as he does it without blinking an eyelid.
Otedola, in giving to the cause of humanity, believes it is far better and more gratifying to make a difference in the lives of the poor. He was quoted to have said then that “God has been so kind to me in life. I feel highly privileged. The only way I can show my gratitude to Him is to use my resources to support those who are underprivileged.
This I intend to do for the rest of my life.
“In a world full of conflicts, diseases, calamities and inequality, we all need to show the milk of human kindness, to reach out and comfort the sick and give a helping hand to the weak. A lot of people think when they die, they take their money with them, we’ll see.
“In my journey of life, I have taken the risk, I’ve done the chase, I’ve enjoyed the thrill and I have achieved success and recognition. What next? You give it back!”
Little wonder, he was appointed as the Vice President of the UK-based Save the Children.
According to the aid group, “Mr. Femi Otedola’s addition to the Vice Presidents’ group is a testament to his long-standing support to the organisation. Since 2019, Otedola has supported Save the Children’s programmes on the prevention and treatment of malnutrition and on advocating for access to quality education for Nigerian children, impacting over 6,000 children in the states of Adamawa, Borno and Katsina.”
A great man by all standards, Otedola, who can be described as a citizen of the world, in the past years, has made donations to a countless number of people; and has no plans to quit. He has promised to do this till the end of his life.
