Chairman and chief executive officer of Ilaji Resort and Games Village, Engr. Dotun Sanusi has revealed that his desire to give succour to the downtrodden stemmed from his upbringing, noting that the society, especially the Church, contributed immensely to his success story.
Sanusi, who made this known in an interaction with members of the South West Group of Online Publishers who converged on the facility for a 2-day seminar, disclosed that there is nothing special about the Rolls Royce he bought recently, adding that he always gives Akanran youths the opportunity to ride with him anytime.
OYOINSIGHT.COM had reported how Sanusi, last year’s May, few moths after the arrival of his Mercedes G-wagon, acquired the estate-on-wheels, becoming the second Ibadan man to buy it.
In his simple manner, Sanusi had conveyed 15 of his cleaners in the white automobile to Akanran on the day it was brought to Ibadan. This was apart from putting smiles on the faces of the everyone present. Rather than go for a customized or Lagos number plate, he opted for an Oyo one.
Sanusi, who is to be installed as Apesinola of Yorubaland by Oba Adeyeye Enitan, Ooni of Ife, anytime soon, revealed how, one day, while driving, he saw a group of young boys running after his car and requested that “We will like to play in your football club but we don’t News have the means. We are young footballers here. We would be happy if you give us the grace.” For showing that the zeal, he gave them automatic slots to be members of the team. One of them, he added, ate his first-ever food with meat for the first time in the Ilaji football club camp.
Speaking further, the Otun Apesinola of Ibadanland explained that “Although I am a Christian with Muslim background, I am realist. I know that God will judge us by our passion for humanity. I want to ensure that the people around me are happy and that is what gives me joy.
“I bought Rolls Royce and some people said it is because I wanted to display opulence. But that is not the reason. I bought the car so that the poor children in my local community here can feel and taste what they see as luxury.
“Several times, many children of the poor will approach me to enter the car. I will oblige them. I will allow them to go to their various houses, riding in the car.
“I am doing this so that these children will not feel inferior to their counterparts who have rich backgrounds. I want them to know that they too can enjoy what other children are enjoying in the big cities and rich homes.
“I am not interested in politics. Rather, my legacy will speak for me. It is not about the huge money you accumulated and put somewhere. The essence of living is about the joy and smile you put on the people’s face,” he said.
