Magnanimity is seldom a strong suit of Nigerian billionaires. But nature does not use a one-size-fits-all approach which is why Billionaire Chairman of Geregu Power Plc. and renowned philanthropist, Femi Otedola, is widely perceived as one of the rarest and kindest of money men.
Giving, without looking back, is a second skin to him. Whilst he would rather do this without making a song and a dance of it, many a beneficiary, out of sheer happiness and relief, has always rushed to the media. He has perfected the knack for doing good by stealth, and blushes to see his deeds boom and flower with the nectar of hope.
Blessed with vigorous optimism, a boots-on-the-ground approach to his endeavours, an unflinching belief in destiny (read God), it did not come as any surprise that Otedola has appointed the Vice President of Save the Children Foundation worldwide, an international non-governmental organisation (INGO).
There is no gainsaying Otedola’s deeds flower amid a woodland of virtues, even as the world cuddles the feathered thrust of his heel over the global cage floors and foundries of pain.
Not a few people have applauded his recent appointment by Save the Children, stating that it is a honour well-deserved, given Otedola’s penchant for using his wealth to support humanity.
Two years ago, precisely November 10, 2019, Otedola donated N5 billion (approximately $14 million) to the Save the Children Fund through his daughter, DJ Cuppy’s Foundation, to support various intervention programmes for destitute children in Nigeria’s north-east region.
Otedola made the donation on Sunday at a ceremony organized by the Cuppy Foundation in Abuja to raise funds for Save the Children. Cuppy Foundation is a non-profit organisation established by Otedola’s daughter, Florence Otedola (aka DJ Cuppy).
Otedola said he was elated to be associated with the organisation.
“We have to save our children from all manner of challenges and deprivations. And giving to the needy, particularly children is the greatest love of all,” he said.
The charity works to improve the welfare of Nigeria’s vulnerable and marginalized children, focusing on early childhood education and healthcare among numerous other programmes. The Save the Children Fund, commonly known as Save the Children, was established in the United Kingdom in 1919 to improve the lives of children through better education, health care, and economic opportunities, as well as providing emergency aid in natural disasters, war, and other conflicts.
ENTERTAINMENT: Oluwadamilola set for first live concert in Lagos December 16
