Renowned businessman, Sir Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu, popularly known as Baba Ijebu, has urged journalists to uphold truth in order to keep democracy alive.
Mr. Adebutu disclosed this during his address at the commissioning of the Sir (Dr.) Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu Media Resource Centre (a project donated by him) at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba, Lagos on Wednesday, October 30.
The benefactor, speaking further through his son, Mr. Oladipupo Adebutu noted that truthful journalism is essential to the well-being of democracy in Nigeria.
His words: “I give kudos to the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Your Excellency, Aremo Olusegun Osoba for conceptualising this unique project which stands out to further enhance journalism in Nigeria.
“I feel a sense of pride with this project due to the fact that it is in sync with the objective of my foundation i.e. Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation (KAAF), which in essence is to give back as much as possible to the society what God in his unquantifiable goodness has favoured me with.”
He enjoined the students of NIJ to utilize the project effectively and prayed for quantum leap in the journalism profession in Nigeria.
According to the business mogul, journalism is an important part of human existence, which was why he contributed to its growth through the donation of the edifice.
The philanthropist reiterated his gratitude to Aremo Olusegun Osoba, stressing that his impact in the journalism space cannot be overemphasized.
“You have done well and I truly appreciate you. God will allow those ones coming after you to emulate you. Journalism is not an easy job, to tell the truth because the truth is important and for democracy to survive, we must tell the truth. It will not be an easy job, for those that will do well for this nation, you must be forthright, you must tell the truth,” he stated.
In his address, the Chairman of NIJ Governing Council, Chief Olusegun Osoba described Sir Kessington as a ‘philanthropist of the first order’.
Mr. Osoba highlighted the project’s importance to the school, noting that the donor defied all odds to bring the development to fruition.
The former Ogun State Governor expressed gratitude to the humanitarian for the building, emphasising that Sir Kessington contributes a lot to the economy of Lagos and Nigeria at large with payment of salaries in billions of naira every year.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, who was also present at the commissioning disclosed that Sir Kessington is a notable philanthropist, and pillar of excellence.
“What he has done is a strong pillar of education,” Mr. Edun said, recounting that the donor was honoured in March 2022 with a special convocation.
“That was the first time in the history of NIJ that a special convocation was held to honour anybody. That is history, that is a mark of how unique the contributions of Sir Kessington are,” he revealed.
The former member of NIJ Governing Council stated that infrastructure is also important in education, adding that “it is the duty of all of us and that is what Sir Kessington is doing today, stepping in as a partner of the government, a partner of the institution in the education sector to deliver this mighty edifice.”
He lauded the benefactor, expressing confidence that the Media Resource Centre will be a tremendous value to everyone at NIJ, including guests and visiting fellows.
“More importantly, we thank you for all that you do, for all that you have done and by God’s grace, all that you will continue to do,” the minister further said.
Notable personalities present at the commissioning include Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai; Former Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture in Lagos State, and former Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde as well as the Police Area Commander of Area G, Ogba, ACP Abayomi Faniyi.
Others are Aare Kola Oyefeso; Deputy Provost of NIJ, Dr. Adeboye Ola; Head of Department, General Studies, NIJ, Mrs. Popoola Maureen, lecturers and students of the monotechnic, to mention a few.
