The Man Who Built A City

We have read various stories about great men in Nigeria, Africa and indeed the world, and a common denominator that cuts across these men is the love for humanity. There are men that are just wondering what is happening and there are selfless men that make things happen. It is pertinent to note that only selfless men become leaders in the scheme of things. The society naturally accepts and throws them up whenever the opportunity presents itself for men to take charge of certain positions.

A man who can afford to build a comfortable house for himself and his immediate family, but chose to build a city instead, just for other families to become better and wealthier, deserves the appreciation that must come with such actions, from the city.

A very noteworthy example of such selfless human, whom before our very eyes initiated the idea to put others first, to create an enabling environment for his people, to ensure that as he grows, others can also grow with him, to ensure that both structural development and human development are a possibility in our society is none other than Engr. Jubril Dotun Sanusi, the Jagun Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Chairman/CEO of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort.

Engr. Jubril Dotun Sanusi, from a very humble background, grew through thick and thin, in various professional capacities including Halliburton Nigeria and Saipem Drilling Company. Today, he is the owner of International College of Arts, Science and Technology (ICAST), Ilaji Farms, Ilaji Hotel and Resort as well as other business ventures have proven to us that investing in humans is the most worthy venture anyone can embark upon. His career path as an engineer opened his eyes to “people development”, making it possible to build structures and also build people at the same time.

A trip to the Ilaji City alone will give an immediate understanding of how one man has built other men in the process of building a city. Today, under the leadership of this great man, there are thousands of men and women who are paid directly and indirectly by all of his companies, thereby creating an enormous amount of wealth for various families and making human capital development such a priority and possibility in our society.

It is believed in various quarters within and beyond Oyo State that such a large hearted man should be given the baton to lead the State as soon as the opportunity presents itself. If JDS can do so much as a private businessman, we can only imagine what he would do if elected as the Governor of our dear pacesetter state.

Ayo George wrote from Ibadan, Oyo State.