Billionaire businessman, Mr Femi Otedola has revealed that he is happy that he spent N36.6million as medical bill for former Green Eagles Captain and Coach, Chairman, Christian Chukwu, noting that the amount was less than the N50m some of his circle of friends spend on champagne and generally enjoying life.
Otedola who made the remarks during a thank you visit paid to him by Chukwu on his return to Nigeria after his treatment in the UK stated that philanthropy is his nature.
According to him “I want to extend my appreciation to Mr. Christian Chukwu for coming down to acknowledge me on his arrival from the United Kingdom, for supporting his medical expenses, although for me, it is just a part of my nature.
I was moved when I heard about Mr. Chukwu’s situation because I remember that about 20 years ago, my father, the late Sir Michael Otedola also suffered a stroke from using fake aspirin. This experience has over time made me to appreciate that good medical attention can give a good and prolonged life and that was what motivated me to rise up and assist Mr. Christian Chukwu.
In my circle of friends, many people spend up to N50 million to drink champagne and generally “enjoy” life, but at the end of it all what happens? It passes out of their body as waste. For me therefore (and I also tell my friends) it is important to use such money to benefit others and put a smile on the faces of as many people as we can.
To update you, the sum of roughly N36, 635,000 has been expended on Mr. Christian Chukwu’s medical and travel expenses and it is my joy that I am spending the money God blessed me with to be of assistance to him.
Additionally, for me this gesture is not just a one-off affair, people may not be aware but Mr. Peter Fregene, another former Super Eagles goal keeper is currently being assisted with his medical situation and we are confident that he will also come out of the hospital strong and healthy.
These humanitarian gestures also extends to the entertainment sector, where I am currently responsible for the medical rehabilitation of Mr. Victor Olaotan who is in Turkey at the moment. Mr. Olaotan is a very popular actor and was lead character in the soap opera series “Tinsel”.
So for me, it is just my nature to give back to society and these philanthropic gestures are just a tip of the iceberg. I am humbled by the gratitude being expressed by Mr. Chukwu but I believe that all thanks belong to God and I thank God for putting me in a position to be able to be of assistance”
