By Eric Elezuo
Many have described it as a wonder. Some others believe it is the best move towards curbing the menace of medical tourism that has sulked the nation dry of resources; it is the DIAMED CENTRE, a diagnostic and medical facility located in the heart of Lekki, and singlehandedly build and donated by giver extraordinaire, Sir Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu.
In this chat, Sir (Dr) Adebutu took the Ovation Crew, led by the Chairman, Chief Dele Momodu, on a mind-blowing expedition to revealing the intricacies surrounding the grand edifice, and his other benevolent endeavours, stating that he is not ready to quit the act of well doing.
Excerpts:
YOU ARE KNOWN FOR CHURNING OUT GREAT ACTS OF HUMANITY, BOTH FOR THE PUBLIC AND YOUR IMMEDIATE FATHER. HOW DO YOU DO IT SIR?
I continue telling people, I don’t stay negative. My calling is to do good to people, and to appreciate God’s mercy on my life and my family. I know I work hard, but some people work harder than me, but they are not getting a fraction from what I am getting from God. So the only way about mine is to show appreciation to God by giving out a little bit of the fraction of what he has given to me. I believe that a soul which is healthy and educated can never go backward, and that is what I have passion for; that explains my giving nature. So, as far as DIAMED is concerned, what I am doing is to tell God thank you.
WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THE FULL LENGTH TO BUILD THIS HOSPITAL?
Maybe you don’t know, my daughter is a doctor. She has worked for many years ago in the United Kingdom as a doctor. She actually conceived the idea of building a hospital after her retirement so I have to give her my maximum support.
Again, I will tell you a story surrounding the building. After they had perfected all the papers with the Lagos State government for over one year, not happened. On a Wednesday, I went to Governor Raji Fashola, he was the governor then. I went to him and said, we have perfected all our documents, we have make all our payments, but nothing from the government. Immediately, he made a call, and I heard him talk to another man, and he said it will be ready by Friday. And that was it. So all the support she needed within my power, I gave to her.
I HEARD THE BUILDING RUN INTO BILLIONS OF NAIRA
Yes, you are right, and I thank God for the equipment we have. They were purchased even before the completion of the building. And thank God we did, otherwise it would not have been possible at this time.
CAN YOU ITEMISE SOME OF THE PRINCIPLES THAT HAVE SUSTAINED YOU IN LIFE?
The truth is that I got to where I am today by principles, and I still have the principle
It is easy to get to the top, I know, but very difficult to remain at the top, and I thank God that He has been so kind to me.
WHAT PROPELS YOU TO DO GOOD BECAUSE IT APPEARS YOU ARE NOT TIRED OF DOING GOOD DEEDS
I started doing good while growing up, and until my last day, I will continue to give back to the public. Right now, we are building the Oduduwa House in Ile-Ife, which is almost completed; we are also doing a medical research centre at College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idiaraba. As long as God spares my life, I will continue to do good deeds.
YOU WORK SO HARD, HOW DO YOU RELAX?
I love football, though I don’t have any particular club of interest, and go to football stadiums to watch football. From my flat in London, I can see the roof of Chelsea Stadium; the popular Stanford Bridge.
