On Tuesday, October 17, 2023, distinguished Nigerians, including traditional rulers, industrial captains, academics, and the elite of society, gathered in Ibadan to celebrate the 55th birthday of Engineer Dotun Sanusi, the chairman of Ilaji Hotels and Resorts.
The birthday party, held at the Marque event centre inside the expansive resorts of the celebrant, located in the Ilaji community of Ona Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State, also attracted high-profile politicians, top government functionaries, artisans and professional bodies.
The General Overseer, The Redeem Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun and the deputy governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal at the occasion, showered encomium on the philanthropist for his service to humanity and visible impacts on the downtrodden in the society.
Others include Professor Kayode Adebowale, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI); Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, commissioner for culture and tourism in Oyo State; Barr. Niyi Ajewole, President-general of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII); Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, President of the Association of Ibadan Mogajis; and Comrade Ademola Babalola, chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council.
Speaking on behalf of Adeboye, Dr Moses Aransiola, founder and General Overseer of Gethsemane Prayer Ministries Int, said Sanusi’s contributions to humanity’s development are legendary.
He tasked Nigerians to emulate Sanusi’s virtues by giving back to society and touching the lives of the less privileged in their communities.
The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakuleyin, who represented the Olubadan of Ibadanland, lauded Sanusi for his contributions towards alleviating the suffering of the masses, noting that the entire Ibadanland is proud of him, considering his pedigree and antecedents over the years.
Olatubosun, who represented the Oyo State deputy governor, said Sanusi was the epitome of humility, humanitarian excellence, an investor, and a key stakeholder in tourism and hospitality in Oyo state.
He said, “Sanusi has contributed immensely to culture and tourism in the state. He is a unifying factor, a grassroots man; it is our pride in Ibadan and Oyo State, and we are happy to associate with him.”
Also at the event, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Kayode Adebowale, decorated the Celebrant, Sanusi, along with the Chairman, Ibadan Central Hospitals are Academy Suites, Dr Abib Olamitoye, as one of the UI Ambassadors for the 75th founders anniversary of the institution.
He observed that the celebrant and Olamitoye have continued to exhibit excellence synonymous with the University of Ibadan. He said the institution is proud of Sanusi and Olamitoye’s contributions to uplifting the people of Ibadan and beyond.
Also speaking at the event, the newly decorated ambassador and founder of Ibadan Central Hospital, Dr Abib Olamitoye, described Sanusi as an epitome of humility and exemplary virtues, which have benefitted the socio-economic growth of Ibadan and Oyo State in general.
He charged other wealthy individuals to emulate Sanusi’s virtues by helping the needy through philanthropic gestures.
In his remark, the Oyo NUJ Chairman, Ademola Babalola, said Nigeria would have been a better place to live if many wealthy Nigerians could be like Sanusi, whose impact is felt by many people.
He said, “Sanusi gives without looking back, he turned desert to small London, he has turned Ona-Ara Local government which has been abandoned over the years to one of the most visited places in Oyo State. Aside from this, he has tarred many roads, bought many transformers for communities, and bought vehicles for people, and his humility is second to none.”
Responding, the celebrant disclosed that he resolved to dedicate his life to serving humanity by using his blessings to uplift the masses. He added that he would not relentlessly give back to society and serve as a beacon of hope to the needy.
While appreciating the people for their love and solidarity during his birthday celebration, Sanusi assured that he would continue to ensure that his activities were geared towards making the people his priorities regarding welfare and other empowerment schemes to tackle poverty.
He stated, “I live my life trying with all the strength in me making sure that there is a better society, to God be the glory, God is faithful, my today is better than yesterday, and I’m sure my tomorrow is going to be better than today, I’m God’s project.”
Eunice Olaseeke Adeoye, CEO of Ripples Catering Service and Event Management company, served delicious cuisine to guests and dignitaries at the event. Dignitaries hailed the award-winning caterer for the maturity of her staff in ensuring that everybody was well catered for.
Highlights of the event include the cutting of birthday cake, presentation of gifts, photography, and music entertainment, among others.
