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Sir Kesington attended the Wesley Primary School, Iperu Remo and completed his primary education at Ijero Baptist School, Ebute Metta, Lagos in 1950. In January 1951, he was admitted to Baptist Academy School, Lagos but he completed his secondary education at the famous Remo Secondary School (RSS), Sagamu Remo, Ogun State. He began his early life at Cable & Wireless Limited (which later transformed to NITEL) as Operations Clerk.
He then joined Claffin Chemicals as Salesman and through a dint of hardwork rose to become Regional Sales Manager for Lagos and the then Midwestern Region. It was his quest to provide employment for teeming Nigerian youths that led to the establishment of Face Millionaires Pool Limited with his bosom friend, Chief Solomon Ayoku in 1969.
The Philanthropist par excellence, who abandoned his ambition of becoming a Lawyer because he preferred ‘enjoying’ life, is today the Founder and Chairman of Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation (KAAF) and promoter of the popular Premier Lotto, better known as Baba Ijebu.
But beyond the fanfare, it was another occasion to express his humaneness and penchant for helping the less privileged when his Foundation which was celebrating its 10th Anniversary conducted a free medical outreach
programme in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State. Also, he gave out eight brand new cars and other valuable gift items to loyal customers of Premier Lotto the day before the mega birthday celebration.
For the pride of Ogun State who was recently rewarded as an ICON during the Ogun at 40 celebrations and celebrated as a man of character, kindness and generosity. the momentous occasion was further embellished, as he was honoured with the traditional title of Asoju Oba of Lagos by Oba Rilwan Akiolu (replacing the late Chief MoladeOkoya-Thomas).
The auspicious day was bright and beautiful as the celebrant woke up with his regular morning devotion, where, with the entire family members, he dedicated the day to the glorious hands of God. Even before the prayers could end, and just as the first flicker of light began to penetrate his windows, visitors came to wish him well. Of course, everyone who knows, Sir Kesington Adebutu is aware that he is a man of the people. The preparation for the church service was first-rate and classy, capturing all the finesse of a quintessential man of style. By 11am, a convoy of exotic cars left for the Methodist Church of the Trinity, Tinubu, Lagos where the thanksgiving service was held.
At the church, guests, spotlessly dressed in orange, blue and silver outfits were seated patiently, awaiting the Man of the Occasion. His arrival, heralded a new kind of excitement that enlivened the atmosphere and the service proper began. The Officiating Priest eulogized the courage of the time-tested entrepreneur, saying that Sir Kesington’s life has touched a lot of lives across the nation. He gave thanks to God for giving this generation a man in the calibre of Sir Adebutu, who despite his accomplishments, never forgets the Lord. In his short speech, the celebrant was full of thanks to the Almighty God for sparing his life this far, saying that it was neither by his power nor wealth that he is alive today.
The event planners under the direction of the celebrant’s wives were at their creative best. They laid out an impressive yellow carpet, instead of the regular red carpet. Here, many were given the opportunity to discuss the personality of Sir Adebutu @ 80. They paid glowing tribute to a man they all agreed has firmly planted his feet on the sands of time. The near carnival that was witnessed at the church was child’s play, compared to the superlative reception that unfoled at the prestigious Eko Hotels and Suites.
It was a party like no other, a fitting celebration of a worthy business titan. As expected, several top personalities from all walks of life converged at both the church and reception to celebrate him. Among them were top politicians, business moguls, captains of industry, members of the diplomatic corps, academia, royal fathers, leaders of market associations, notable entertainment practitioners and ordinary Nigerians whose lives he had touched.
Personalities included: Governor of Ogun State, Chief Ibikunle Amosun and his wife, Olufunso who doubled as the Chairman of the event, Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona; white cap chiefs, who represented the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiotu, former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo;the former US Ambassador, Amb. Walter Carrington and wife, Arese, former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Segun Osoba and wife, Derin, former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and his wife, Mr. Jimi Agbaje; former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Sarah Sosan; former President of Island Club, Chief Adeniyi Williams; the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Idiat Adebule, who represented the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Senator Teslim Balogun, Senator Fatima Raji Rasaki, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Sentor Olurunimbe Mamora, , Hon. Desmond Elliot, Hon. Omosede Igbinedion. Publisher of Ovation International Magazine, Bashorun Dele Momodu; the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State and Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Chief Rasaq Okoya and wife, Sade, Chief Onafowokan and wife, former First Lady of Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola, the Asiwaju of Ile-Ife, Chief Alex Oyekunle Duduyemi, Senator Buruji Kashamu, Justice Shola Oguntade (Rtd) and wife, Hajia Abba Folawiyo,
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and the legendary entertainer, Pa. Jimi Solanke. .
At the lavishly decorated reception venue, where K-Square Security provided water-tight security. At every interval, the likes of 2Face Idibia, Sir Victor Olaiya, Mike Aremu, Pa Jimi Solanke and the ever youthful King Sunny Ade were on hand to provide soul inspiring music, which added a touch of spice to the A-list event. In company of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Idayat Adebule, his grand and great-grandchildren, Sir Kesington Adebutu cut his gigantic 4-tier 80th birthday cake to the thunderous applause of everyone. This is wishing the great entrepreneur, betting expert and philanthropist 80 glorious cheers!
Via - Ovation
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