The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin are among top dignitaries at the installation of an Ibadan-based philanthropist, Dr Kadir Adesina and his wife Ajokeade Adesina as Asoju and Erelu Asoju Oba of Olu Orile Ilawo Kingdom, Abeokuta, Ogun.
Oba (Prof) Alexander MacGregor presented the certificates and insignia of office to the newly installed Chiefs at his palace, Ilawo, kingdom, Abeokuta, Ogun state on Sunday.
The title holders, according to the monarch. Oba (Prof) Alexander MacGregor was considered following their antecedents of philanthropy across many communities in the urban areas both within and outside the state.
The recipient said being honoured with chieftaincy title outside his place of birth is an indication that humanity traverses our immediate environment but focuses on impact on the poor and needy.
He stated that his philanthropic gestures which cut across many states and regions in the country have seen him provide support for children, widows, orphans, and youths in the areas of educational support, economic empowerment, health and welfare package, career support among others.
According to him, “Chieftaincy title is for people with integrity, people who make contributions to society in terms of philanthropy, and who have a good character. So I think those core values are the things that make an institution decide to say, let’s honour this person. So it’s a way to encourage you to continue to do your good work and contribute to society.
“So it’s not about money. Through my Kadri Adeshina Foundation, our interest is widows, children, and youth as well. There have been occasions where I have sponsored some sports tournaments for youth and teenagers who are still in school as a way to encourage them to continue to build their talents.
“This gesture started way back in 2015 and we have been reaching out to people from various places. So when I do, when I make things, I contribute to society. I don’t get to look at what I’ve done. I just feel there’s so much to be done in the future. So, I leave what I have done behind and focus on the future of what I have not done.
“But there’s still more to be done and I will do it to the best of my ability, based on what I have and the resources available to me, I will make my contribution to society.
He assured that the new titles will spur him to do more saying, “Well, the implication is, it’s more like more, it’s a call to duty. The title is a recognition of what I have done and what I am doing and a call for me to do more for the people.
“And, of course, I’ll put more energy and more time, more resources into societal development, community development, peace initiatives and all that. Those are my core interests. It’s a call to duty to do more.”
He appealed to people of substance to be mindful of how they use their wealth and resources, especially in improving the lives of people around and society at large.
“The message I have for people is wherever you are, there’s something you can do. Look out for how you can impact the next person to you. So, if people are not commending you, God is watching.
“God will honor you one day. And when, like a friend said, when God honors you, men will honor you. So, I think what life is about, is about the impact you make in life that posterity would consider.
“So, wherever you are, whatever resources you have, your time, your talent, and your treasure, those three Ts, like the teachers in Rotary, are the things required of you. You may not have the treasure, but you may have the time. Put in that time.
“Do some community development efforts. It may be your talent that is required. Use your talent to help your next door neighbor. Use your talent to improve humanity. Leave the world a better place than you made it. That’s the idea.”
Commenting on the present economic situation in the Country, Adeshina said the government has the constitutional power to make tremendous changes in the society but to achieve results, such changes must be backed up as policies.
He said when the government puts the right policies in place, it creates an enabling environment for individuals, investment, and business development to thrive.
He added that the government must also push the policies so that society and the people can be better.
He said “Government has the constitutional power to make tremendous changes in our society. So, some things require government backing to make those effects, those changes.
“Of course, we always call on the government to please make those policies, let those policies come out, those policies that would change the lives of people, policies that will help improve the lives of people, policies that will help bring prosperity to us all. The more the merrier. If we are all okay, society will be a better place for all of us to live.
“Government, when they put the right policies in place, it creates an enabling environment for investment, enabling environment for business development, enabling environment for extremists to thrive. So, it is important for those policies, for government to help push those policies. We see the way our society is, so we, of course, call on government to do what they are supposed to do.”
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