Magnanimity is seldom a strong suit of Nigerian billionaires. But nature does not use a one-size fits all approach which is why Billionaire Chairman of Geregu Power Plc. and renowned philanthropist, Femi Otedola, is widely perceived as one of the rarest and kindest of money men.
Giving, without looking back, is a second skin to him. Whilst he would rather do this without making a song and a dance of it, many a beneficiary, out of sheer happiness and relief, has always rushed to the media. He has perfected the knack for doing good by stealth, and blushes to see his deeds boom and flower with the nectar of hope.
Blessed with vigorous optimism, a boots-on-the-ground approach to his endeavours, an unflinching belief in destiny (read God), it did not come as any surprise that Otedola has appointed the Vice President of Save the Children Foundation worldwide, an international non-governmental organisation (INGO).
There is no gainsaying Otedola’s deeds flower amid a woodland of virtues, even as the world cuddles the feathered thrust of his heel over the global cage floors and foundries of pain.
Not a few people have applauded his recent appointment by Save the Children, stating that it is a honour well-deserved, given Otedola’s penchant for using his wealth to support humanity.
Otedola was invited by the Save the Children to join the prestigious group of its Vice Presidents, in recognition for his philanthropic efforts to better the lives of children in Nigeria. Save the Children’s Vice Presidents are a group of high-level supporters and critical friends of the organisation, actively involved in advancing the work of Save the Children, through advocacy, volunteerism, introductions, and philanthropy.
Save the Children works in 117 countries around the world in both humanitarian and development settings. The organisation works in partnership with philanthropists, governments, the United Nations, and other NGOs in pursuit of its global mandate to support children and their families in crisis and to ensure children can learn, survive and enjoy a protective environment so that they can reach their full potential in life.
Otedola’s addition to the Vice Presidents group is a testament to his long-standing support to the organization. Since 2019, Otedola has supported Save the Children’s programs on the prevention and treatment of malnutrition and on advocating for access to quality education for Nigerian children, impacting over 6000 children in the states of Adamawa, Borno, and Katsina.
In November 2019 Mr Otedola hosted a Gala in Abuja where he made a personal donation of 5 billion Naira.
Save the Children has been working in Nigeria since 2001 and is currently present in 13 states of the federation. It was one of the first organizations that responded to the humanitarian crisis in the North-East, reaching 1.2 million people since the start of our response. Since then, Save the Children is providing food assistance and protection services to more than 320,000 internally displaced children and families on a regular basis.
Otedola’s global influence and rich experience of the African continent will advance Save the Children’s efforts in building sustainable partnerships with stakeholders across Africa to create more impact for children on the continent.
Otedola said he was elated to be associated with the organisation.
“We have to save our children from all manner of challenges and deprivations. And giving to the needy, particularly children is the greatest love of all,” he said.
@Thecapital
